China's path is storied but unwavering
Some people enthusiastically seek political confrontation in Chinese society and their speech and behavior becomes all the more striking for it. This sensitivity is further intensified due to Western support.
Objectively, such antagonistic feelings are unavoidable in any society. Any community will cause some negative emotions and have certain incurable defects, beyond the emerging problems China faces.
China's mainstream society advocates "constructive criticism," valuing both the origin and the tone of criticism, namely its "attitude." However, with the emergence of the Internet and the media, certain criticisms and antagonistic feelings become intertwined, impacting on China's traditional political culture and bringing confusion about "freedom of speech" to some.
The Western support for this confrontation has increased the difficulty for Chinese society to handle this phenomenon. After being heated up, some weak political elements have become the focus of the tension between the West and China. These individuals thus become "fighters for democracy."
How should we deal with these new problems? We obviously lack experience in doing so. However, since "antagonistic feelings" are inevitable, we should first try to adapt to them. By improving Chinese society's endurance and adaptability to the political confrontation created by the minority, their impact can be reduced as much as possible and these few malcontents really become a "minority."
China should also strengthen the balance between mainstream culture and mainstream values in confronting antagonistic expression. In addition to legal restrictions on aggressive behavior, it is essential for the mainstream society to firmly oppose political radicals. Currently, most people keep silent while a small number of activists are the most active voices on the Internet. If this pattern cannot be changed, the extreme claims that are destructive to the society will not be effectively controlled and balanced.
It is true that China lacks experience in dealing with acts of political confrontation. Since the West is likely to attack China for the long term, China's administrative and judicial authorities should be cautious. Nevertheless, the West is not the appropriate judge for China. It is worth bringing more attention to foreign affairs to allow the Chinese public to really understand this and perceive China's judicial sovereignty and fairness. Only in this way can we squeeze out the loud voices of the West from China's political life.
China unlikely return to the simpler political situations of the past which are not necessarily the ideal means of state. But it is very dangerous for China to have such widening social differences. It is necessary for China to handle all manners of hostile factors appropriately to ensure its rise and its long-term stability.
House churches cannot politicize religion
The police on Sunday stopped an illegal meeting of a group of Christians in Beijing's Zhongguancun area, which is under their remit to maintain social order. However, once again, the move has been seen by Western media as being a major event.
As is widely known, Chinese laws are clear that every religious group in China needs legal registration. However, this "house church" is unregistered. To be exact, it is not a legal group. However, since religious issues are involved in this sensitive matter, the Chinese government has adopted a tolerant attitude toward "house churches." By maintaining a low profile, these "house churches" are clear about their illegal status.
No matter the rationale, the public gathering of this group inappropriate. The location of their gathering was not a religious site. With the many passers-by around, it had become a public disturbance. Even open churches in China would not behave in this manner.
Chinese society attaches great importance to harmony, and those with religious beliefs should adhere even more strongly to this harmony. They should not cause any public disturbances through their own religious activities, which will put them at odds with society.
The location of this gathering having been at a local Carrefour supermarket, it became an event unseen by local Beijingers before.
Those house churches that currently have this tendency should thoroughly reflect on the consequences of their gatherings.
There are many open Christian churches in China, the Chinese government encourages Christians to worship in legal manners. However, the religion's power overseas eagerly hopes to bring Chinese Christians beyond Chinese law, and so attempt to twist Chinese society by politicizing religion.
All the Christians, as well as those of other faiths, are Chinese citizens first and foremost. It is their obligation to observe discipline and abide by the law. All those related to yesterday's event should reconsider the reasons they attended the gathering.
It is said that many intellectuals were present. These people benefit from a orderly society and should not complain blindly.
The Western media has paid close attention to the development of house churches in China, which is abnormal. Those taking part in yesterday's gathering should reflect why they attend, for their own salvation, or to be the attention of Western media.
The source of this attention is obviously beyond religion itself.
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