Title: The Chinese Christian citizen in contemporary China
Description: In order for a large and complex country to thrive over time there must be a consensus about the rules by which it is governed. An elite, whether political or economic, that does not propagate and live by a clear set of rules for behavior for all citizens soon becomes corrupt and self defeating in its purpose. It is stuck in an attempt to force harmony among citizens who observe that some are more equal than others. The Christian model for citizenship has been successfully applied across many cultures, even though never perfectly. The Christian citizen, while subject to the laws of his country and his culture, is first of all subject to the law of Heaven as found in the Scriptures. This has been summed up by Jesus as "Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." Applied in the West and enshrined into laws this led to the rise of capitalism and democracy which gave people a sense of value, purpose, and the protection of the state applied with a degree of justice. The rise of China as a major figure on the world stage in the 21st Century means that China must operate under a Constitution that applies to all parties in the social contract. The future stability of the country is at stake. Christianity can do for China what it has done in the past for the West. Christian citizens can provide the vision for a just and harmonious society.
Subjects: Christians, Church history
Places: China
Time periods: 21st century