Following Christ and Confucius (eBook, EPUB)

The first full-length critical biography and theological analysis of Wang Mingdao, the spiritual father of China’s House Church Movement.

One of the most influential figures in Chinese Christianity, church leader and evangelist Wang Mingdao rejected state control of religion in favor of the religious freedom of the unregistered House Churches—a choice that made him a frequent target of government persecution.

In this thorough new biography, scholar Christopher Payk traces Wang’s life and Christian development through the sociopolitical tumult of twentieth-century China. Drawing on unpublished sermons, journals, and additional sources in English and Chinese, Payk argues persuasively that Wang’s theology—while largely based on Christian scripture—was shaped by Confucian tradition, reason, and personal experience. Following Christ and Confucius brings new clarity to Wang’s uncompromising faith and lasting impact.

The first full-length critical biography and theological analysis of Wang Mingdao, the spiritual father of China’s House Church Movement.

Acknowledgments

A Note on Chinese Names

1. Wang Mingdao’s Story Told Thus Far

2. The Dependent Years: 1900–1921

3. The Independent Years: 1921–1937

4. The Conflict Years: 1937–1955

5. The Prison Years: 1955–1980

6. The Spiritual Father Years: 1980–1991

7. The Theology of Wang Mingdao

Works of Wang Mingdao

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Christopher Payk is a chaplain at Morrison Academy Taipei in New Taipei City, Taiwan. He is the author of Grace First: Christian Mission and Prevenient Grace in John Wesley.