Covenanter Witness Vol. 86 - Rparchives.org

Glimpses of the Religious WorldRev. L. E. Kilpatrick, D. D.1031 E. Glenrosa AvenuePhoenix, Arizona 85014CHRISTIANS IN RED CHINAAmbassadors Communique is the information organof Ambassadors for Christ, Inc., Washington, D.C., whichlabors especially among Chinese students in the U.S.A.,also, Chinese churches in this country. They report alecture delivered to "a theological seminary inWashington, D.C," by a minister who maintains manycontacts among business men and visitors to China on"legitimate occasions," in which he maintains: "I believethat since the Communists came into power the number ofChristians in China has perhaps doubled!" He says further,"I personally believe there are more Christians in Chinathan English believers in England."The speaker revealed his bias toward non-creedalChristianity when he says, "Denominational thinking hasbeen almost completely sloughed off," though doubtlessunder such circumstances creedal formulations must bepostponed. He says, "The new form of Christian life iswhat you might call 'grass roots regeneration.' Truebelievers have been thrown back on the Bible alone withno aids, commentaries, seminaries." (This does not accordwith what was reported two weeks ago, where DonCarlson reported that Christians in Canton, at least, werewithout Bibles. L.K.) This anonymous lecturer statesfurther, "They don't have the benefit or handicap ofknowing church history or denominational theology sotheir faith is pure. No one is called pastor, but they haveelders in the Biblical pattern. It is a strong and veryresponsible lay movement with collective discipline. . .Memorization (of Scripture) is a test of recognitionamong believers."Moses Chow, editor of Communique, conducted theWorkshop for Chinese students at Urbana '70, the Inter-Varsity Missionary Conference. Sam Chao, son of theRev. Charles Chao of the Reformation TranslationFellowship, served as a Bible study leader at the Conference.Also, the Rev. Paul Szto, who has done sometranslating for the RTF, was one of the Chinese resourcepanel.The Ambassadors for Christ, Inc. last summerfilmed the story of Miss Christiana Tsai, "Queen of theDark Chamber", in Taiwan, and will have the film readyfor release this summer. You may have read this valuablemissionary book."The Committee of One Million — Against Admissionof Communist China to the United Nations" isproducing a TV documentary entitled "Red China: Mythsand Realities." They state that in a single month HongKong authorities counted 280 swimmers who made itsafely in their flight from Red China, and they estimatethat not more than 1 in 10 make it. "Lucky ones" drown orare shot, but those captured may be dragged over "rockcrags and oyster bars" till dead, or be sent to prisoncamps."God forbid that we should be slack in praying forour brethren in Christ in mainland China today!"HOW IS A PUBLIC SLN APOLOGLZED FOR?Some publicity has been given to a "Christianprogram" in which a profane curse was uttered, and then aparody of the story of the fall into sin of Adam and Evewas given. Not being familiar with all the circumstances,one cannot pass judgment. However, I am concerned withthe defense or "apology," or explanation that apparentlywas circulated because of criticism of the program. Thecurse, so the letter of defense says, was by "an overenthusiasticyouth in an otherwise deeply spiritualpresentation . . . (it) was regrettable, . . . (an) indiscretion. . It was . . . exuberant pleading." But it was not rebukedby the leadership at the time. The parody "was in badtaste," so the defending letter says, and "A stern lettercounseling this youth to use his talents in a more positiveChristian way" was sent to him. It was "inappropriate,"they say, but all this was "soon swept away" by the"magnificent" good things that followed.Really now, we're not helping someone to find relieffrom the burden and guilt of sin, by toting up all the attenuatingcircumstances, making excuses and thenstigmatizing as "not Christian" those who suggest that aretraction and apology may be in order.There is a way of recovery when we sin. It is simpleand plainly set forth in Scripture, "Repent." That involvessorrow, contrition, a broken heart. It is humbling tohuman pride, but it is the way to peace with God and man.Furthermore, we do not balance out, or sweep away, ourbad deeds by piling up some good ones. This would belogical according to human reasoning, but such "worksreligion" is the opposite of salvation by the grace of God.David put it very simply, "I have sinned."HOLL1NGTON K. TONGAmbassador Tong, one of the great men of China,has gone to be with his Lord. He worked his way throughPark College in Missouri. He was a Christian and had greatinfluence on Chiang Kai Shek. He was in the difficult postof ambassador to Japan after World War II, and won thehearts of thousands who "came to say farewell, and toshake the hand of the recent enemy." He was Ambassadorto the U.S.A. from the Republic of China and was one ofthe most respected of the diplomatic community. Hewrote a letter to the Reformation Translation Fellowshipin appreciation for its ministry in providing Christianliterature in Chinese. The Beaver Falls News Tribune citessee page 7COVENANTER WITNESS