Moving from “Sinology” to “China Studies” signals Beijing’s attempt to control and manipulate international scholars—some of whom are happy to cooperate.
China
Inside Lifechanyuan. 6. A Habit of the Soul: Concluding Reflections
Their life is challenging. Their demanding and peculiar lifestyle radiates a quiet beauty.
Inside Lifechanyuan. 5. Heaven, Earth, and the New Era: Xuefeng’s Eschatology
The community’s teachings describe multiple levels of afterlife heavens and hells, and a coming New Era on Earth.
Inside Lifechanyuan. 4. Xuefeng Communism in Practice: Daily Life in the Second Home
The abolition of private property and a radical criticism of the family are rooted more in the idea of the spiritual community as a living entity than Marxism.
Inside Lifechanyuan. 3. Cosmology and Creation
The community’s account of the origins of the universe and humankind is metaphysical, psychological, and ethical.
Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church Raided Again: 15 Detained, Including Infants
Another police action targeted a successful house church. Even small children were detained.
Inside Lifechanyuan. 2. A Journey Across Time, Spirit, and Borders
Persecution hit the movement after Xi Jinping came to power in China, leading many members to seek asylum in Thailand and Canada.
Inside Lifechanyuan. 1. A Community of Light in the Shadows of Persecution
I was the first scholar to visit the “Second Home” in Thailand of a unique spiritual family that combines Buddhism, esoteric traditions, and religion-based “communism.”
Coordinated Arrests Sweep Zion Church: Nearly 30 Pastors and Co-Workers Detained Across China
The massive operation is one of the largest against house churches in recent years.
“Xinjiang Is a Wonderful Land”: China’s New White Paper Recasts Control as Cultural Progress
Ignoring international criticism, a new document declares victory against extremism, separatism, and non-Sinicized religion.