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The first full-length critical biography and theological analysis of Wang Mingdao, the spiritual father of China’s House Church Movement.
One of the most influential figures in Chinese Christianity, church leader and evangelist Wang Mingdao rejected state control of religion in favor of the religious freedom of the unregistered House Churches—a choice that made him a frequent target of government persecution.
In this thorough new biography, scholar Christopher Payk traces Wang’s life and Christian development through the sociopolitical tumult of twentieth-century China. Drawing on unpublished sermons, journals, and additional sources in English and Chinese, Payk argues persuasively that Wang’s theology—while largely based on Christian scripture—was shaped by Confucian tradition, reason, and personal experience. Following Christ and Confucius brings new clarity to Wang’s uncompromising faith and lasting impact.
“A thorough telling of the story of one of the most prominent Chinese church leaders of the twentieth century.” —Richard R. Cook, author of Darkest before the Dawn
"The importance of Wang Mingdao on the churches of China and their impact on society make this work essential reading." —Thomas Alan Harvey, author of Acquainted with Grief
"Drawing on a wealth of detailed historical materials, this book comprehensively presents the roles played by Morrison and his missionary colleagues in promoting cross-cultural exchanges between China and the West, as well as their key contributions to the development of Sinology." —Religious Studies Review
Christopher Payk is a chaplain at Morrison Academy Taipei in New Taipei City, Taiwan. He is the author of Grace First: Christian Mission and Prevenient Grace in John Wesley.
Acknowledgments
A Note on Chinese Names
1. Wang Mingdao’s Story Told Thus Far
2. The Dependent Years: 1900–1921
3. The Independent Years: 1921–1937
4. The Conflict Years: 1937–1955
5. The Prison Years: 1955–1980
6. The Spiritual Father Years: 1980–1991
7. The Theology of Wang Mingdao
Works of Wang Mingdao
Notes
Bibliography
Index