The “Theological” Creation and “Sociological” Foundations of “The Jesus Family” in Modern Shandong

With regards to the Sinicization of Christianity (基督教中國化), there has always been a tension between “Chinese Christians” (中國(人)基督徒) and “Christian Chinese” (基督徒中國人). This paper intends respond this through analysis The Jesus Family (耶穌家庭), an important representative indigenous church movement in modern China. had its own unique theological propositions ecclesial practices. Particularly noteworthy was emphasis on living community believers. Below, we present research Family, analyzed from two distinct aspects: those “Jesus” “family”. If return reflected movement’s restorationist position, “family” can be seen as reflecting sociological advocacy for practice communitarian Christian principles. We argue that these aspects Family—emphasizing values personal intimacy with alongside principles—were key flourishing precisely within context Chinese social turmoil history. In light, Family—both dimension—eludes simple classification product traditions” or orthodoxy.” Rather, it appears interaction two, this, one sees also how process relies both traditional culture orthodoxy inseparable playing mutually interdependent roles.