Chinese spokesman denounces news reports.
There will be no restrictions on Bibles being brought into the Olympic village in Beijing next year, contrary to news reports that said that said Bibles would be banned in a nation that is hesitant to embrace Christianity.
The Associated Press reports that a story posted on the Catholic News Agency Web site said a list of prohibited items in the Olympic Village included Bibles. The Associated Press reports that the U.S. Olympic Committee contacted the International Olympic Committee in response to the story, and was told that Bibles would be allowed — and most likely provided alongside Korans.
A notice on the official Beijing Olympics Web site explaining entry procedures into the country said "each traveler is recommended to take no more than one Bible into China."
As the communist nation prepares to host the international event, the world is watching to see how it responds to freedom of speech issues. Just a month ago, the organizers pledged to hold a variety of religious services during the Olympic games.
Posted by Sarah Pulliam on November 8, 2007 8:24AM
Comments
Hopefully those who bring Bibles to Beijing will bring Chinese translations with them and will "forget to take them home" when they leave.
Posted by: Duncan Heinly at November 8, 2007
Why should visitors to China need to bring Chinese-language editions of the Bible with them when such editions are already sold in China?
Posted by: Bill Logan at November 8, 2007
I've been privileged to travel to (and minister in) China many times. While I'm concerned about getting Bibles to China (I've brought many into China, distributed them, and paid for many more), I'm just as concerned for the Americans who own, but do not read or obey the Bibles we have. God help us.
Posted by: DW at November 8, 2007
Yes, I sincerely wish that all the good intentions and loves of the Americans for the Chinese can be expressed with wisdom! My husband is pastoring a Chinese church in the States. Our church members are buying all kinds of Chinese Bibles from China and bring them to the States. How can we stop them? They are available in many secular bookstores throughout China, much cheaper, and the qualities are getting better and better! I even heard someone purchased by box to ship to the States!
Posted by: Suzanne Ng at November 9, 2007
It is not difficult for the Chinese to get Bibles in China. Many people don't understand this. What IS difficult it to get theology books, concordences, and other things you might expect to find in a pastor's library. But it is true that modern translations of the Bible are not available. So if people are coming, bring conservative theology books in Chinese and the Bible in modern translation.
Posted by: Robert Glen at November 10, 2007
Actually, there ARE modern translations of the Bible - in Chinese - available in China. The comment by Bill Logan (above, second from the top) links to a post where one of those translations is pictured. United Bible Societies has sponsored and paid for publication of a number of new, modern translations.
Also, there are an increasing number of theology books available to the Chinese --- though they are in Chinese, and not English. I'm not sure what good a bunch of conservative theology books in English will do for Chinese readers, but I suppose it won't hurt. I guess my only amendment to Glen's comment is that visitors shouldn't restrict themselves to bringing conservative books. The Chinese are smart, and they'll figure out the theology on their own. Just bring books.
Posted by: GaryT at November 12, 2007
Praise the Lord for the many Bibles that have been printed and distributed during the last few years in China -- so far over 55 million. Wonderful to hear that Bibles are allowed in the Olympic Village. However, we should respect the Olympic spirit that this event is athletic in nature and not religious nor cultural.
Posted by: Dr. Werner Burklin at November 13, 2007
I have a question. My Aunt is getting ready to fly to China to see my cousin who moved there last summer. My cousin has befriended a chinese lady who is a new christian. She has asked for my Aunt to bring her a Bible.My Aunt wants to but is concerned she may get into trouble if they are found in her luggage. Are there any laws against bringing one or two Bibles into china? Any info would be greatly appriciated. Thank you!
Posted by: william j. at March 22, 2008
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