A series of police raids targeting individuals connected to a prominent church, reported just days before Christmas, highlights China’s stringent regulation of religion.
Although China does not completely ban Christianity, it enforces some of the strictest regulations on organized religion in the world. These restrictions affect not only the estimated 1 percent of the population that practices Christianity but also foreigners living in the country.
Public worship outside state-sanctioned venues is prohibited. All places of worship must register with the government, and sermons are reviewed to prevent criticism of the state or threats to public order, a vague standard often invoked by Communist Party authorities to justify crackdowns.
With the rise of economic prosperity, Christmas now prominently features commercial elements such as elaborate decorations and enticing shopping promotions throughout Chinese cities.
Party officials, acutely aware of the threat posed by foreign cultural influence, decisively crack down on celebrations or messages they perceive as undermining their authority—targeting both foreign residents and Chinese citizens alike.
Children under 18 are strictly prohibited from participating in Christmas celebrations, including those held at legally registered churches.
Additionally, these churches face mounting pressure to incorporate Communist Party messaging into their religious services.
Two years ago, Wang Huning, a senior member of the Politburo Standing Committee, encouraged Chinese Christians to embrace the sinicization of Christianity.
He highlighted the opportunity for churches to align with “the requirements of contemporary China’s development, core socialist values, and the rich traditions of Chinese culture.”
This approach promotes a constructive dialogue between faith and national identity. President Xi Jinping has strengthened regulations on religious expression and society, emphasizing “cultural confidence” over the past decade.
However, enforcement varies by region due to the lack of a nationwide directive.
Certain cities are taking a firm stance by banning Christmas-themed advertising and removing Santa Claus displays from shopping malls.
A recent New York Times report reveals the extent to which authorities are willing to go to suppress religious practices that fall outside official oversight.
Approximately 30 members of Zion Church, a prominent network of unregistered house churches in China, were detained, marking a major crackdown in years.
The pressure extends beyond Zion Church. According to the Washington Post, hundreds of riot police recently raided a small town in Zhejiang province, arresting two pastors and dozens of others.
Chinese authorities will continue their aggressive crackdown on unregistered churches. It is unclear if the White House is prepared to advocate for religious freedom, primarily as President Donald Trump focuses on securing a high-stakes trade deal with Xi Jinping.
The country known worldwide as the “Red Dragon” is China.
Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
Revelation 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Revelation 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is an antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
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