“Christianity Replacing Buddhism In China,” Says Chinese Missioner

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22914, 5 April 1949, Page 6

“Christianity Replacing Buddhism In China,” Says Chinese Missioner

Buddhism is a fast waning cult in the China of today and in two or three generations will probably exist only in legend. The practical work done by Christian missionaries in China since she was plunged into a chaotic war against the Japanese, compared with the negative and often cowardly attitude of the Buddhist priests, has gained the Christian cause millions of converts. This is the opinion of Mr. Harry Liu, a young Chinese missioner, on his arrival at Auckland a few days ago on a three-month tour of the country. Born of a Buddhist mother and a Confuscionist father, Mr. Liu himself became a convert 11 years ago whilst in America and dedicated his life to the spreading of the Gospel through the China Inland Mission and the Pocket Testament League. Mr. Liu has been closely associated with a New Zealander working in China, Mr. J. S. Muir, Gisborne, during the past three years. “There is a lot of truth in the saying 'man’s extremity, God’s ( opportunity’,” said Mr. Liu. “When the bombs started falling the Buddhist priests ran, but the Christian missionaries stayed and tended the wounded, fed them, built hospitals and orphanages and proved to the ignorant Chinese that the Christian church was practical and the temple was not. “Before the war Chinese worshipped in a negative way. They accepted his negative teachings composed mainly of ‘don’ts’. They pinned their faith in riches and Governments. But now Governments have failed them and the inflation has exploded their money god. They are finding that their only true hope lies in Christianity.” The temples, he added, were fast becoming deserted and even many Buddhist priests had been converted. Mr. Liu will visit Gisborne shortly after Easter.