In China it is known as the “sacred doctrine” and it has become one of the country’s bestselling books. Yet it has nothing to do with the thoughts of Chairman Mao and its teachings have been in conflict with the forces of Communism for generations.
Demand for the Bible is soaring in China, at a time when meteoric economic growth is testing the country’s allegiance to Communist doctrine. Today the 50 millionth Bible will roll off the presses of China’s only authorised publisher, Amity Printing, amid public fanfare and celebration.
In the past, foreign visitors were discouraged from bringing Bibles into the country in case they received some heavy-handed treatment from zealous Customs officials.
Such is the demand in China for Bibles that Amity Printing can scarcely keep pace. Early next year it will move into a new, much larger factory on the edge of the eastern city of Nanjing to become the world’s single-biggest producer of Bibles.
Wow. Just 10 years ago I attended a Christian event at which the central message was a plea for funds to print and distribute bootleg Bibles in China; specifically, the “Fire Bible” named for its Holy-Spirit-Flame embossment on the front; written in Mandarin and with no reference to a publisher.
It’s good to see the Word making its way into the hearts of the Chinese. It generates the only force that truly that can meet and overcome the scourge of Communism. On the other hand this causes me to recall a sad episode shortly after the end of WWII. A well know American General begged America to send millions of Bibles to Japan pleading that the harvest was. Sad to say all he got was a Senate investigation commitee sent to study the situation.
Suggest viewing the website covering the writings of Watchman Nee, one of the early Christians in China. Bibles are now being printed in and the demand is great in China.