A Christian accused of writing blasphemous content that sparked violent riots in Jaranwala, Pakistan in August 2023 was sentenced to death along with other harsh penalties on Good Friday (April 18).
Evangelism can become little more than a sales formula, with such evangelists nicknamed "The Jesus Guys" in Asia. This style can inoculate people against Jesus. Mr Huang testifies that a more effective method is to build long-term relationships while sharing biblical values, principles, and truths in a natural setting such as while conducting business.
Traditional churches in China tend to serve a context where poverty and need are typical and the desire for communal support and directive leadership is welcome. China's large upwardly mobile and independent population doesn't need what these traditional churches are offering. A different gospel approach and new forms of church must emerge to meet different needs in rapidly changing urban contexts.
For decades the global missions community has talked about deeper collaboration with local ministry leaders as partners. But self-perception can misread reality. The post-COVID political shifts in China are a reality check, according to a long-term expatriate living through changes that are shattering the illusion that he knew better than the locals about how to advance the gospel in a foreign context. It is a new era for missions, demanding a new depth of humility.
The rise of Artificial General Intelligence is now unstoppable. It is not an overstatement to say that it is transforming life on earth as humans know it. No sphere of human interaction is immune, least of all the religious sector. Now, more than ever, we need to be spiritually discerning about AI/AGI use in our faith walk. Let us take care not put our trust in something that has neither heart nor soul.
Several regional presbyteries within the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Hapdong), led by Moderator Rev. Jong-hyuk Kim, have submitted proposals to the upcoming 110th General Assembly in September, calling for the denomination to refrain from participating in the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly scheduled to take place in Seoul.
The United Christian Churches of Korea (UCCK), which is currently led by President Rev. Kim Jong-hyuk, issued an official notice on April 11 to member denominations, expressing concern over Shen Yun Performing Arts’ ongoing shows in South Korea and advising all citizens, including Christians, to exercise caution when considering attendance.
Two unidentified men attempted to set fire to a church building in Pakistan on Saturday night (April 5), but timely intervention by the pastor thwarted the attack, sources said.
Christians and cricket fans in Pakistan were overwhelmed with joy after the country’s all-Christian cricket team made history by winning the four-nation South Asian Legacy T20 Championship tournament held in Sri Lanka last week.
The Korean Bible Society held a dedication service and academic symposium on April 8 at the main sanctuary of Youngnak Church in Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea, to commemorate the completion and publication of the New Korean Bible, which was released on Dec. 10, 2023. According to the society, the New Korean Bible is a newly authorized translation intended for the next generation of the Korean church.
Less than a week after a prominent Indian Punjabi preacher was sentenced to life in prison for rape, another Christian pastor in Punjab has been accused of raping a young woman and forcing her to undergo a botched abortion that allegedly led to her death, according to Indian media reports.
Conservatives and liberals in the United States (and increasingly elsewhere in the world) are accusing each other of creating an environment that contributes to political violence. We need to be very careful about making cause-effect connections. However, if we legitimize violence as a way to solve problems, we should not be surprised if others turn to violence also. If we sow the wind, we should not be surprised about reaping the whirlwind.
