| Author | Message | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 568 Registered: 4-2006  |
Hi everybody, I was just reading about the mormon church in China, but noticed that there was a comparison between how well the missions where going for the SDA and LDS organizations. http://www.cumorah.com/china.html Have fun, Martin | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5734 Registered: 12-2003  |
Mwh, what a fascinating article. It's interesting that the Adventist church is growing actively in China, and the church is welcomed and respected by the government—while Protestant missionaries have to operate cladestinely, and Christian converts meet illegally in house churches. it's also interesting that the Mormon church isn't growing as fast in China, apparently because they require members to acknowledge a leader (the "living prophet") outside the country—and such allegiance to a foreign leader is illegal. While they no doubt do not see it as odd, it nevertheless intrigues me that this Mormon-written report compares Mormonism's growth around the world NOT with that of evangelical Christianity but with Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses. How interesting that these three churches do see themselves as somehow having similar characteristics set apart from mainstream Christianity. Yes, Adventists have figured out how to play politics in order to advance their growth and membership. The hospitals/schools in China, approved and supported by the govt., the permission for Adventist children to attend "Saturday school" in the fomer USSR, ADRA and its cooperation with the US government which allows it to function as a representative of the USA bringing government aid (in part) rather than overtly representing the SDA church in countries (Muslim, for example) hostile to Christianity, etc. Oh, one other fascinating detail to me was the way the above article kept referring to "the gospel", just like Christians AND Adventists do. But the "gospel" is not the same for these groups. It's another example of using a word designed to deceive and compel people, but the reality is as different as are the groups using the word... Colleen | ||
| Ikilgore Registered user Username: Ikilgore Post Number: 35 Registered: 11-2006 |
It's been a while since I have posted something... Let's not forget how the SDA church was with the NAZI's in WW2. That is one of the greatest crimes ever committed by the church. I went to a Christian concert just a few weeks ago. I saw the Newsboys!!! They put on a great show. Rocked it all night long. Worshipped with everyone and had a great time. They mentioned that in December of this past year they had privilege of putting on three concerts in China! Paul Colman who is the guitar player for the group said that the three western groups to play in the country were The Rolling Stones, Elton John and the Newsboys. Paul said that right before they went on stage thier guide told them that they couldnt preach the Gospel because if they did then they would be arrested on the spot by the communist police in the crowd. The guide then went on to tell them that they just couldnt PREACH it, but they could SING it!!! They said the Spirit moved in a mighty way that night. Like some 30 people were saved and even one of the communist guards found Jesus. All that I can say is praise Jesus!!! The Newsboys are a great blessing in my life. newsboys.com is the bands website. Isaiah | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5739 Registered: 12-2003 |
What a great story, Isaiah! God uses absolutely any means available to proclaim His truth. Awesome! Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3585 Registered: 3-2004  |
It is so awesome how how God works. Diana | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 570 Registered: 4-2006 |
Yes Newsboys really do rock  | ||
| Reb Registered user Username: Reb Post Number: 27 Registered: 5-2007 |
I'm not surprised at all that Red China would allow the Adventist Church. I consider Adventism and Communism to be kindred spirits, they are both abusive, totalitarian systems that brainwash people and restrict their freedoms. Being an Adventist in the US or other "free" country even is like living in a free country but not having the freedoms other people in a free country have. It's sad, really to be an Adventist in a country like the US or Canada or Britain and not have the freedom other people in your country have. It's like living in Red China instead. |
