Shouldn’t all Christians and Jews organize to boycott all the sponsors of the Olympics if China continues to insist on this discrimination. We shouldn’t push for an athlete boycott as happened under Carter, I believe. The Olympics went forward and only American athletes suffered. Hit the sponsors where it hurts–in the pocketbook–and something will happen. I think NBC is the network carrying the Olympics–let them know they are consorting with anti-Christian bigots and we Christians are mad as Hell and won’t take it any longer.
Noone seems to know if the Koran is similarly banned. If it isn’t and we Christians don’t do something about our Bible being banned–we are pathetic, pathetic creatures.
The signals from China are mixed. On the one hand there is suspicion and in places oppression of Christians. On the other there has been movement to enshrine religious freedom in their laws and in places release of those imprisoned for their beliefs. From the authorities there seems to be concern that Christians may be dissidents which on past performance they try to stamp out—-but also there seems to be some interest and curiosity. I wonder if the reaction of the Roman Empire was similar?
From the AP:
[url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=301679]Olympic officials confirm Bibles will not be banned in Beijing village[/url]
“There is no such thing,” Li said. “This kind of report is an intentional distortion of truth.”
Religious services will be available in the Olympic Village next summer for Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, he said. Religious texts like the Bible and Koran should be available.
“Even if there aren’t, the athletes can bring the texts themselves, there’s no restriction,” Li said.
With the Olympics heading to the largest Communist country in the world, many observers are interested to see how China handles issues like freedom of the press and freedom of religion over the 16 days next August.
IOC rule 51 states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”
But that rule is in place to prevent participants from using the games as a political platform and doesn’t include any ban on Bibles.
A notice on the official Beijing Olympics Web site explaining entry procedures into the country said “each traveler is recommended to take no more than one Bible into China.”
[url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/spectators/beijing/religion/]Also of interest[/url] if you are going to the games.
“China is a country with religious freedom and respects every religion. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity are religions found in Beijing. Religious activities are carried out in Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, mosques and churches in Beijing.”
-Beijing 2008 official website
#5 – that’s Eric Liddell who refused to participate in the 100 meter dash at the 1924 Olymipcs because one of the heats took place on a Sunday. How far we have come….
I pastor a small church for int’ls many of whom are PRC citizens, many have gone back. The “mixed signals” post above has been my experience. Those I interact with generally have no problems at all, here or back in China. Witnessing on trains, going to church, starting Bible studies, and so on.
And yet I hear the news reports. And hear from good friends who travel there frequently for business and tell me that there is still some major persecution/oppression going on. Well? Which is it? Religious freedom or religious persecution?
My best read is – Yes. Depends on where and who. Which province, which city, which official.
One of my former parishioners may or may not have a very important role in planning the 2008 Olympics. If you get my drift.
And yet the U.S. (or any other “Christian” nation) will not boycott these games.
I didn’t see the Q’ran among the banned items. Will Muslims be allowed to bring THEIR holy books and wear their religious symbols?
Inquiring minds want to know.
The good news about China is that this week’s Economist predicts that soon it will be the country with the largest number of Christians on the planet.
Shouldn’t all Christians and Jews organize to boycott all the sponsors of the Olympics if China continues to insist on this discrimination. We shouldn’t push for an athlete boycott as happened under Carter, I believe. The Olympics went forward and only American athletes suffered. Hit the sponsors where it hurts–in the pocketbook–and something will happen. I think NBC is the network carrying the Olympics–let them know they are consorting with anti-Christian bigots and we Christians are mad as Hell and won’t take it any longer.
Noone seems to know if the Koran is similarly banned. If it isn’t and we Christians don’t do something about our Bible being banned–we are pathetic, pathetic creatures.
I wonder how Eric Liddell (subject of “Chariots of Fire” and later a missionary in China) would react to this?
The signals from China are mixed. On the one hand there is suspicion and in places oppression of Christians. On the other there has been movement to enshrine religious freedom in their laws and in places release of those imprisoned for their beliefs. From the authorities there seems to be concern that Christians may be dissidents which on past performance they try to stamp out—-but also there seems to be some interest and curiosity. I wonder if the reaction of the Roman Empire was similar?
How best can we support Chinese Christians?
#4 Deaconjohn25 – NBC could care less about Christianity, but money does talk, so letting potential sponsors know could be another matter.
From the AP:
[url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=301679]Olympic officials confirm Bibles will not be banned in Beijing village[/url]
“There is no such thing,” Li said. “This kind of report is an intentional distortion of truth.”
Religious services will be available in the Olympic Village next summer for Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, he said. Religious texts like the Bible and Koran should be available.
“Even if there aren’t, the athletes can bring the texts themselves, there’s no restriction,” Li said.
With the Olympics heading to the largest Communist country in the world, many observers are interested to see how China handles issues like freedom of the press and freedom of religion over the 16 days next August.
IOC rule 51 states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”
But that rule is in place to prevent participants from using the games as a political platform and doesn’t include any ban on Bibles.
A notice on the official Beijing Olympics Web site explaining entry procedures into the country said “each traveler is recommended to take no more than one Bible into China.”
[url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/spectators/beijing/religion/]Also of interest[/url] if you are going to the games.
“China is a country with religious freedom and respects every religion. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity are religions found in Beijing. Religious activities are carried out in Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, mosques and churches in Beijing.”
-Beijing 2008 official website
#5 – that’s Eric Liddell who refused to participate in the 100 meter dash at the 1924 Olymipcs because one of the heats took place on a Sunday. How far we have come….
I pastor a small church for int’ls many of whom are PRC citizens, many have gone back. The “mixed signals” post above has been my experience. Those I interact with generally have no problems at all, here or back in China. Witnessing on trains, going to church, starting Bible studies, and so on.
And yet I hear the news reports. And hear from good friends who travel there frequently for business and tell me that there is still some major persecution/oppression going on. Well? Which is it? Religious freedom or religious persecution?
My best read is – Yes. Depends on where and who. Which province, which city, which official.
One of my former parishioners may or may not have a very important role in planning the 2008 Olympics. If you get my drift.