Abstract
This article focuses on the characteristics, causes, and patterns of the anti-demolition actions by churches in Wenzhou. Based on my six field studies from July 2014 to February 2016, I discovered that: (1) these actions are more explicit in Wenzhou churches due to their regional distinctiveness; (2) a wide range of differences can be observed among Wenzhou churches due to their doctrinal diversity; and (3) ‘poor pastors’ have taken the leadership roles in the anti-demolition activities instead of the ‘boss Christians’. Considering the ongoing tension in the Chinese religious environment between central government planning and free market operation, the author points out that the pastoral district system in Wenzhou plays a very important role in anti-demolition and offers the ‘cost–benefit’ exchange theory to explain the pattern of the anti-demolition activities by Wenzhou churches.
Highlights
Research Questions and ArgumentsSince 2014, the cross demolitions in Zhejiang province have attracted international attention.people tend to look at these as an issue only in one city—Wenzhou
Starting July 2015, Wenzhou churches suffered a new round of cross demolitions
Exchange perspective, they should have tried to increase awareness of potential benefits by boosting morale. They could have done so through Scripture or slogans highlighting the policy’s inevitable end. They could have chanted things like “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here”; “The Cross-Demolition Action will come to a stop in three months, come and join us to safeguard the cross of Christ”; or “To fight the good fight for Christ sake”
Summary
Since 2014, the cross demolitions in Zhejiang province have attracted international attention. These regulations show that the government continues to control the development of religions in China via administrative and political measures; on the other hand, religious groups are striving for more freedom of expression in a society that is opening up gradually Under such dynamics, how churches react to cross demolitions is driven by doctrinal teaching and by utilitarian consideration and pragmatic decision-making. On February 21, the General Office of the People’s Government in the provincial government made an official announcement that the People’s Government in cities, counties (towns, districts) and all units directly under the provincial government were to launch the three-year action plan of the “Three Rectifications and One Demolition”. On 4 December, a province-wide working committee was established on Handling Illegal Structures of Religious Buildings as part of carrying out the “Three Rectifications and One Demolition”. Began the cross demolitions, as a part of the “Three Rectifications and One Demolition”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
