Luis Palau’s Chinese church registration comments correct, or misguided?
China (MNN) — Evangelist Luis Palau says all churches should register with the Chinese government. This comment came after his travels to Asia with President Bush. Palau says it would give Christians more freedom.
Werner Burklin, founder of China Partner Ministries, agrees with Palau. “All Christians can worship freely if they just abide by the law of the land. People are not being persecuted for their faith in China, they’re prosecuted for not abiding by the law of the land in many instances.” China requires church registration.
Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton, however, calls Palau’s comments misguided. “A registered church in China means that the government approves who’s going to lead the services, when and where you can meet, pastors are strongly discouraged from preaching on the second coming of Christ, which they call the dooms day theory. And, nobody under 18 is allowed to attend.”
In other words, “you can have your faith, just bow down to the emperor, too.” Since Ancient Rome, Christians have refused to do that.
