If China rules Taiwan? This is politics already. China is ruling
HK and Macao now, and churches in both places are more active than
ever before.
Has your pastor from your ex church been to China? There are
controls and interference from the state in China, but the cheapest
Bible is found in China, printed and distributed, both 和合本 and
新译本。There are more books and publication in religion, including
Christianity, in the major book shops you find in any of the big
cities. There is no need to use thumb drives.
There are generally 2 types of churches in China, the family
churches 家庭教会, which are basically not registered, so considered
underground, and the official, registered 三自教会。 if you keep
religion and politic separate, you will not have problem.
Taiwan churches have their own problem in portraying their
belief in the community. Lee Teng Hui is/was a Christian from
Presbyterian church, but when he became president, he really has
big problem in practicing his religion and not involved in rituals
of other religion.
Lets keep politics and religion separated.
My ex-paster is a missionary. He has been to China many
times.
A non-registered church is not a political church. Firstly, if
the church bring up social issues like helping poor people, it
embarrasses the city or provincial government. This is not
political. Even if you are not from a church, if you are a
charitable organisation or if you travel to Beijing to complain
about corruption, your local government will suppress the news, or
may even kidnap you and bring you back.
Secondly, a non-political issue such as God being the ultimate
authority to Christians, is of concern to the government.
Basically the registered church is pro-government just like the
government dalai lama. It won't bring up such issues even if they
are non-political.
Thirdly, there are so many passages on unjust rulers in the
Bible. They will "take care" in their interpretations.
Fourth, a church's dealings with foreign pastors is naturally a
cause for concern, more so than the internet because faith is
involved and because the church can reach even illiterate
people.
Fifth, Christianity has different reach within China. The Govt
tolerates official churches in areas with existing congregations
but is trying to restrict Christianity's spread to other areas it
is not common in.
