Rapid Growth of Christianity Poses Conflicts for China's Communist Government

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published June 24, 2008 at 6:05 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Christianity is growing rapidly in popularity in China, and the country's government is trying to figure out how to control it. Host Tom Fudge speaks to reporter Evan Osnos about FRONTLINE/World's "J

Audio posted this afternoon.

Tom Fudge: Christianity is one of a handful of religions that has spread throughout the world, thanks to a variety of forces and factors. Missionaries brought the religion to China in centuries past, and it hasn't gone away. Indeed, it's numbers seem to be increasing despite the hostile attitude the Chinese communist party has shown to all religions.

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Lately, the Chinese government has tried to accommodate religious belief by incorporating it into the bureaucracy. There are official government Christian churches that citizens are allowed to visit without harrassment. But many of the country's Christians see those churches as being counterfeit. Not a real church but one that never lets its followers defy the Communist party line, regardless of what the faith may require.

Tonight, public televisions Frontline Documentary program presents a comprehensive look at Christianity in China today. The program is called "Jesus in China" and it airs on KPBS-TV at 11 p.m.

Guest

Evan Osnos , FRONTLINE/World reporter and Beijing bureau chief for the Chicago Tribune .