Following Christ and Confucius

The first full-length critical biography and theological analysis of Wang Mingdao, the spiritual father of Chinas 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 Churchesa choice that made him a frequent target of government persecution. In this thorough new biography, scholar Christopher Payk traces Wangs 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 Drawing on unpublished sermons, journals, and additional sources in English and Chinese, Payk argues persuasively that Wangs theologywhile largely based on Christian scripturewas shaped by Confucian tradition, reason, and personal experience. Following Christ and Confucius brings new clarity to Wangs uncompromising faith and lasting impact.