7 Reasons Why Sinicization is Not Rhetoric This Time

Last updated on: April 27, 2019 at 1:31 pm By Brad Vaughn

Some people have expressed their doubt about China’s recent initiative to “Sinicize” Christianity. They suspect the plan is simply propaganda, empty threats or show. After all, haven’t we seen similar programs rolled out in the past? We’ve been there, done that. Or have we? I suggest there are at least seven ways that this current plan to Sinicize Christianity represents more than mere saber rattling. For my previous assessment of China’s Sinicization plan, click here. Seven Reasons China Seems Serious... Read more

Reviews of Recent Mission and Culture Books (Plus a Few More)

Last updated on: April 27, 2019 at 1:30 pm By Brad Vaughn

We can’t read everything. That’s why journals offer book reviews. The recent issue of Themelios contains seven reviews covering a wide range of subjects. Read more

Endorsements and Pre-ordering Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes

Last updated on: April 24, 2019 at 7:48 am By Brad Vaughn

IVP will release Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes in less than a month. Over the next few weeks, I'll introduce parts of the book to you. I'm grateful that several noteworthy people have already endorsed the book. E. Randolph Richards was kind enough to write the foreword. Read more

From the Shame of Vainglory to Christ’s Glory

Last updated on: April 17, 2019 at 7:43 am By Brad Vaughn

The vindication of God’s glory through Christ has significant implications for Christ’s followers. In this post, I briefly explore four ways that believers are called to glorify God through Christ in Paul’s narrative. Read more

Writing Worship Songs in Chinese (when it’s your second language)

Last updated on: April 1, 2019 at 5:33 pm By Brad Vaughn

Contextualization involves more than sound theological doctrine or effective ministry strategies. One area of contextualization that is rarely discussed is songwriting. This is one reason publication of a new article on the subject is especially significant. (By the way, the article is likely the first of its kind.) Read more

The Importance of the Glory Motif in Paul’s Narrative

Last updated on: March 6, 2019 at 7:34 am By Brad Vaughn

One of the main themes, if not the primary motif in biblical theology, is the glory of God. In the following, I briefly highlight the narrative structure of glory as seen through Paul’s eyes. Read more

The Best of China Source Quarterly

Last updated on: March 22, 2019 at 8:43 am By Brad Vaughn

Have you seen the most recent issue of China Source Quarterly (CSQ)? I think you’ll like what you find. For those who don’t know, CSQ is a journal that covers various happenings in China. The March issue provides a survey of CSQ’s most popular issues and articles. Read more

When Good Missionaries Get the Bible Wrong (Part 2)

Last updated on: March 19, 2019 at 7:30 am By Brad Vaughn

Part 1 examined ways that missionaries sometimes misapply or misinterpret the Bible when talking about mission practice. Perhaps they want to find biblical support for "best practices." In this post, we'll look observe other ways that good missionaries can get the Bible wrong. Read more

“Sinicized Christianity” is Not Christianity

Last updated on: March 19, 2019 at 8:13 am By Brad Vaughn

Last year, I suggested that China’s 5-year plan to Sinicize Christianity is political, not biblical. It is syncretism, not contextualization. A year later, we can speak with even more clarity: “Sinicized Christianity” is not Christianity. Why would I say this? Read more