Toward a contextual theology of suffering: The Chinese Christian perspective since 1949

While the growth in numbers of mainland Chinese Christians excites many western scholars, some of them quickly jump to the conclusion that suffering leads to growth and they, by simple deduction, also conclude that the main factor of the growth is suffering. This research is built upon the historical experience of the suffering of the Chinese Church in light of Biblical truth about suffering and the development of the Mission of God. Then, the suffering experience is interpreted within the broader context of history as well as world mission.; Since the Church experience is also part of modern Chinese history, it cannot be isolated and interpreted without an awareness of the broader context. The suffering experiences of Christians in mainland China should be viewed in terms of interaction with the broader context of modern Chinese people's development as they were both struggling with the advancement of a modernized China. However, many studies have only focused upon the positive results after suffering. They, perhaps subconsciously, neglected the negative consequences due to harsh and hostile situations. Furthermore, scholars may dichotomize the churches in China into two groups, the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the House Church, which are standing against each others. This dichotomy serves no good purpose in providing an accurate picture of today's churches in China. In order to have a balanced and accurate picture of modern Chinese Church development, it is necessary to understand the experience from the viewpoint of the Chinese Church.; God is not only the Lord and Master of the universe, but He is also the Lord and Master of the history of humanity. Even though the world had fallen because of sin and suffering dominates the development of humanity, God, in His sovereignty, is still in control, and history, at the end, will bring His Mission to completion.; Therefore, the history of the mainland Chinese Church is serving a purpose in God's Mission, bringing the gospel to the unreached people of the world. The Chinese contextual theology of suffering is not theoretically-oriented theology, but rather mission-understanding of their preparation for God's mission to the world.