Religious Entrepreneurism in China’s Urban House Churches

This book provides a carefully researched examination of the complex world of Chinese unregistered Christian churches (house churches). With a keen eye for both Chinese market development and Chinese-western relationships, both charismatic leadership and rapid urbanization, it opens a treasure chest of insight on the social, religious, political, economic, and diplomatic realities of recent Chinese history. Mark Noll, McAnaney Professor of History Emeritus, University of Notre Dame This excellent study tells the story of the dramatic rise and fall of an urban house church community in China. Li Ma creatively integrates social theory with rich ethnography. She also employs interdisciplinary lenses in a very skillful manner. I recommend anyone in China studies and/or institutional research to read this fine book. Richard Swedberg, Professor of Sociology, Cornell University, USA Christians in the West often have a highly romanticized view of the underground churches in mainland China. We lack trustworthy detailed accounts of what actually goes on in local contexts where there are not only wonderful displays of deep commitments to the Gospel, but also power struggles, competing theological influences, and the manipulation of local congregants by ambitious church leaders. Li Ma's well-researched and highly readable narrative of the Early Rain community is splendid gift to all of us who want to be better informed about the dynamics of Christianity in present-day China. Richard Mouw, President Emeritus and Professor of Faith and Public Life, Fuller Theological Seminary This excellent study tells the story of the dramatic rise and fall of an urban house church community in China. Li Ma creatively integrates social theory with rich ethnography. She also employs interdisciplinary lenses in a very skillful manner. I recommend anyone in China studies and/or institutional research to read this fine book. Richard Swedberg, Professor of Sociology, Cornell University, USA This book provides a carefully researched examination of the complex world of Chinese unregistered Christian churches (house churches). With a keen eye for both Chinese market development and Chinese-western relationships, both charismatic leadership and rapid urbanization, it opens a treasure chest of insight on the social, religious, political, economic, and diplomatic realities of recent Chinese history. Mark Noll, Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame, USA Christians in the West often have a highly romanticized view of the underground churches in mainland China. We lack trustworthy detailed accounts of what actually goes on in local contexts where there are not only wonderful displays of deep commitments to the Gospel, but also power struggles, competing theological influences, and the manipulation of local congregants by ambitious church leaders. Li Ma's well-researched and highly readable narrative of the Early Rain community is splendid gift to all of us who want to be better informed about the dynamics of Christianity in present-day China. Richard Mouw, President Emeritus and Professor of Faith and Public Life, Fuller Theological Seminary