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The Underground Church
The Chinese house church is one of the most misunderstood and controversial subjects in Christian world missions today. Questions about it abound, such as…How did it start?How does it work?How is it led?Why does it continue to experience revival?Is it necessary, now that China has extended religious freedoms?Much of the confusion is caused by the Chinese government, which deceives journalists and foreign missionaries with promises of religious freedom that are never kept. The truth is, the house churches of China are growing at a phenomenal rate. Never in the history of the world have so many people in such a short time left one belief system for another without a hostile revolution. Lives in China are being transformed daily by the gospel of Jesus Christ and the display of His miraculous power.The Underground Church demystifies the Chinese house church movement, with real-life examples and personal testimonies from Chinese Christians. The movement’s unique characteristics—both good and bad—are addressed, as well as how they have led to the church’s astonishing growth. Read and be amazed at what God is doing in China!
- GenresChristianity
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 20, 2017
3.5 stars [Ecclesiology]
An update on the formation and praxis of the Chinese Underground Church. A welcome update (published 2012) from previous works on the subject; China is changing, and with it its massive Church, so new information on that persecuted Body is welcome. A few things detract from the book, which I hope will be received as edification by the author should he ever read this short review.
Writing: 2.25 stars
Bach's style and organization is decent, but with prose often not very tidy. He excels when telling stories, which are compelling and exciting. This is marred, however, by a polemic tone which even approaches condescension. This is the second book I have read of Bach's, and the same tone was in the other book. It is true that Westerner missionaries or Christians have at times harbored condescension and a host of other sins as they relate to the Field in the last several centuries. Bach is right to point this out and attempt to rectify it in whom it still exists, but he has not achieved the tact or grace to do so in a non-divisive way. I am likely on exactly the same page with Bach regarding indigenous missions, humility, a balance of Charismatic practice, and other things--so I am not the object of his attack. Yet I still am repelled by the tone with which he presents it. Truth may be told in this area without himself seeming to take on the same attitudes of those he is opposing.
Use: 3 stars
Truth: 4.5 stars
Stunning truths about God's greatest work in the late 20th and early 21st century--the nuclear bomb of Kingdom expansion in China. I am glad to hear B2J is training its people with resistance and preparatory techniques relevant to the persecuted field, as well. Bach is uncommon in urging Christians not to lie during interrogations, but he needs a better understanding of ethical concepts and vocabulary. E.g., later it is relayed that the Church uses fake IDs to rent places for training. Presenting a fake ID is one form of lying. (A lie is a statement or action with intent to deceive.) "Not lying to pagans," however is a higher ethic than some Eastern-hemisphere Christians are culturally capable, so at least the element of trying not to lie in some contexts is laudatory.
An update on the formation and praxis of the Chinese Underground Church. A welcome update (published 2012) from previous works on the subject; China is changing, and with it its massive Church, so new information on that persecuted Body is welcome. A few things detract from the book, which I hope will be received as edification by the author should he ever read this short review.
Writing: 2.25 stars
Bach's style and organization is decent, but with prose often not very tidy. He excels when telling stories, which are compelling and exciting. This is marred, however, by a polemic tone which even approaches condescension. This is the second book I have read of Bach's, and the same tone was in the other book. It is true that Westerner missionaries or Christians have at times harbored condescension and a host of other sins as they relate to the Field in the last several centuries. Bach is right to point this out and attempt to rectify it in whom it still exists, but he has not achieved the tact or grace to do so in a non-divisive way. I am likely on exactly the same page with Bach regarding indigenous missions, humility, a balance of Charismatic practice, and other things--so I am not the object of his attack. Yet I still am repelled by the tone with which he presents it. Truth may be told in this area without himself seeming to take on the same attitudes of those he is opposing.
Use: 3 stars
Truth: 4.5 stars
Stunning truths about God's greatest work in the late 20th and early 21st century--the nuclear bomb of Kingdom expansion in China. I am glad to hear B2J is training its people with resistance and preparatory techniques relevant to the persecuted field, as well. Bach is uncommon in urging Christians not to lie during interrogations, but he needs a better understanding of ethical concepts and vocabulary. E.g., later it is relayed that the Church uses fake IDs to rent places for training. Presenting a fake ID is one form of lying. (A lie is a statement or action with intent to deceive.) "Not lying to pagans," however is a higher ethic than some Eastern-hemisphere Christians are culturally capable, so at least the element of trying not to lie in some contexts is laudatory.
March 12, 2018
This book made me jealous of Chinese Christians. I want to be able to ditch the rational-ness of my Western slant and truly see the miracles of the Holy Spirit as revealed in China. And I am so thankful that so many have now made it their goal to follow the Spirit to the unreached lands between China sand Jerusalem. God bless my brothers and sisters in Christ.
December 10, 2025
WOW
What an incredible story about Christianity in China. God is indeed on the move and nothing can stop it. Very encouraging in my own journey to know HIM better and to be his hands, feet and mouth here in earth as we bring HIS kingdom to the world around us.
What an incredible story about Christianity in China. God is indeed on the move and nothing can stop it. Very encouraging in my own journey to know HIM better and to be his hands, feet and mouth here in earth as we bring HIS kingdom to the world around us.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews