New Books Network Wang Yi, Hannah Nation ed., "Faithful Disobedience: Writings on Church and State from a Chinese House Church Movement" (IVP Academic, 2022)
Jul 5, 2025
Hannah Nation, Managing Director of the Center for House Church Theology, discusses key writings from the Chinese house church movement. She shares insights on how unregistered churches in China navigate government oppression while maintaining their faith. The conversation explores Wang Yi's journey from human rights lawyer to imprisoned pastor, highlighting significant themes of spiritual resistance and civil disobedience. Nation emphasizes the importance of these voices for both local and global Christian communities, showcasing their unique theological contributions.
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Wang Yi's Public and Prepared Life
- Wang Yi was a public intellectual and human rights lawyer before his Christian conversion and later arrest.
- He prepared thoroughly for his arrest, including strategic weight gain and writing a statement of faith.
House Churches' Identity Explained
- The registered Three-Self Patriotic Movement churches submit to CCP authority, unlike the unregistered house churches.
- 'House church' is a historic identity that persists despite changes in meeting size and places.
Reality of Christianity in China
- China has a vast, complex Christian landscape with 70-100 million believers, public and not fully underground.
- Persecution since 2018 increased but varies greatly by location and church.
