Guanxi and Gospel:

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Guanxi and Gospel: "
Christie Chui-Shan Chow

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1083384
Doc. No	:	LA127013
Call No	:	‭10.1163/18748945-02603008‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Christie Chui-Shan Chow
Title & Author	:	Guanxi and Gospel: [Article] : Conversion to Seventh-day Adventism in Contemporary China\ Christie Chui-Shan Chow
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Social Sciences and Missions
Date	:	2013
Volume/ Issue Number	:	26/2-3
Page No	:	167–198
Abstract	:	This article studies the symbiotic relationship between social networks and Christian conversion among some Seventh-day Adventists in contemporary China. Drawing on the Chinese Adventist testimonies, I argue that the longstanding kinship, friendship, and discipleship networks (guanxi 關係) are fundamental to the Adventist conversion process. This extensive web of human relationships helps sustain potential converts’ interest in Christianity, nurture their understanding of Adventism, and reinforce their efforts to cultivate a distinctive Christian selfhood and identity in Adventist terms. These relationships also give meaning to the Adventist congregational practices such as Sabbath observance and healthy lifestyle, insofar as the converts rely on the relational resources of the family and church for support. In addition to the positive connection between social mobility and conversion, these stories reveal the challenge of downward social mobility when the converts are confronted with the tension between adhering to Adventist doctrinal practices and pursuing higher education in secular institutions. Lastly, this study addresses the function of Christian publication in the conversion process. Through the publication of their conversion testimonies, the converts seek to make Adventism easily accessible to ordinary people by showing the relation between Adventist theology and the daily lives of Christians.
Descriptor	:	adventisme du septième jour
Descriptor	:	conversion
Descriptor	:	guanxi
Descriptor	:	History of Religion
Descriptor	:	mobilité sociale
Descriptor	:	NEWSTART
Descriptor	:	Religion Society
Descriptor	:	Religious Studies
Descriptor	:	respect du sabbat
Descriptor	:	Sabbath observance
Descriptor	:	Seventh-day Adventism
Descriptor	:	social mobility
Descriptor	:	Social Sciences
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/18748945-02603008‬