Barriers for the Gospel

Adapted from:

http://www.joshuaproject.net/

and

http://www.chsource.org/Hidden%20China.htm

There are various barriers for the spread of the gospel in China. One of the biggest problems is the cultural barrier. In terms of language, many different languages and dialects are spoken in China, and there are further regional dialectical differences. These often pose as a barrier for the understanding and acceptance of the gospel. Some believe that the gospel can penetrate into each people group cluster once indigenous believers are mobilized to spread the gospel, but this may not be so. On top of the language barrier, there are also differences in the customs and cultures of the different people groups in China. Containing nearly half of China’s minority groups, Yunnan presents itself as a prime example of this barrier.

Accessibility also poses as a problem, as there are many mountainous areas and rural places which are cannot be reached easily. Besides physical accessibility, there is also the lack of available Christian radio, television and translated literature in some areas. Illiteracy prevalent in some people groups is also a challenge.

Persecution plays a part in hindering the spread of the gospel too, and it can come not only from the government, but also from the local people. Fearful memories of Christians being persecuted for their faith may hinder some from accepting the gospel. Conformity to traditional society and resistance to “foreign” thinking also prevent openness to the gospel.