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These days, it seems like everyone is trying to rewrite or reinterpret the Bible to suit their needs. Even though the Word of God is clear that no one is to add or subtract from its contents or commandments (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19), there are still those who act in complete defiance.
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Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that China, one of the world’s most repressive and restrictive countries, has set its sights on overhauling the Bible for its purposes. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) exercises near-absolute authority over its people. Civil liberties, which include religious freedom, are curtailed and surveilled with the utmost scrutiny. While Christianity isn’t outright banned, all churches must comply with a rigorous certification process. Any community of believers that operates outside the accepted CCP standard will be labeled as “illegal.” Harassment and persecution will most certainly follow. Over the years, countless Christians have been imprisoned, abused, tortured, and their house churches demolished for refusing to adhere to the socialist form of Christianity.
The Background to Persecution
Avowed atheist Mao Zedong ruled China from 1949 to 1976, and ushered in an era of religious persecution. This leader wanted more than just loyalty and respect–he demanded worship. His face was plastered everywhere, from homes and schools to all public places. Criticism and opposition to this deified leader were treated as treason and punishable by death.
Mao saw Christianity as one of the biggest threats to his divine status. Consequently, he outlawed its practice throughout the country. At the time, there were approximately four million Christians living throughout China, but as the sadistic leader ordered the destruction of churches, Bibles, and religious traditions, this thriving population diminished. Those who refused to renounce their faith were publicly humiliated, sent to labor camps, or murdered.
China and Religion Today
Fast forward to 2026, and a different leader is in power who has his own way of repressing and controlling true Christianity. Xi Jinping’s approach to religion is not the same as Mao’s because he tolerates its practice under certain conditions. At the same time, he knows that Christianity is growing by leaps and bounds, threatening his monopoly of power. Recently, the Christian Post reported that, “if Christianity continues to grow at a steady rate, China may be the world’s largest Christian country by 2030.” While Xi cannot completely control the underground church, he’s focusing his attention on the greater population of Christians who are subject to his guidelines and rules. In this way, he hopes to transform the Gospel into a communist manifesto.
Xi Jinping’s “Sinicization of Christianity” campaign was launched in 2015 with the goal of reshaping the ideals of Christianity to fit the image of socialism. This program was implemented to ensure that religions, ethnic groups, and all institutions “adapt to socialism by integrating their doctrines, customs, and morality with Chinese culture.” More specifically, “leaders of Protestantism, Catholicism, and Islam are expected to align their teachings and customs with Chinese traditions and pledge loyalty to the state.”
Making Christianity into Socialism’s Image
It is under this umbrella of “sinicization” that rewriting the Bible comes in. It’s been a work in progress that continues to this very day. In 2019, Chinese officials announced their plans to study and develop interpretations of the Bible that were favorable to socialism. In alignment with these goals, sections of the biblical text are being removed or reworded, such as the Ten Commandments. An example includes CCP authorities “forcing Protestant churches to replace the Ten Commandments with Xi Jinping quotes.” The first commandment, which says, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me,” (Exodus 20:3) was replaced with “Resolutely guard against the infiltration of Western ideology.” Other modified commandments include “using Chinese Culture to permeate faith” and “following the party.”
John 8:3-11 has also been targeted, which tells the story of a woman accused of adultery. In the original narrative, the Pharisees argue that the woman must be stoned for her actions, but Jesus doesn’t condemn her. Instead, he challenges the religious authorities by stating, “He who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” This account didn’t mesh with the CCP’s socialist standards, so the ending was changed. In the Marxist version, Jesus Christ tells the woman, “I too am a sinner. But if the law could only be executed by men without blemish, the law would be dead.” Next, Jesus personally stones the woman to death.
If that weren’t enough, it’s been disclosed that in Hong Kong, there are Sunday school curricula where the entire book of Genesis has been deleted, as well as all references to “the Lord.”
CCP-approved churches are closely monitored and expected to preach what is considered acceptable by the regime. Each one must register with the state and participate in government-approved training. Officials attend services and monitor the topics preached, making sure that pastors and congregants support the CCP’s ideals and do not criticize the government.
Hitler’s Attempt to Rewrite the Bible
This isn’t the first time that authority figures have tried to rewrite the Bible. Mass murderer Adolf Hitler commissioned a Nazi version where all “Jewishness” would be erased, and a new moral order created. The Institute for the Study and Elimination of Jewish Influence on German Church Life was founded to “cleanse the Protestant Church of all ceremonies with non-Aryan influences, and to compile scriptures derived from the Nazi ideology and spirit of the Church.” The Old Testament was omitted, and the Ten Commandments were replaced by 12 Hitleresque guidelines which revolved around “honoring the Führer.”
How Does China’s Plight Affect America?
Some may ask, “What does all of this have to do with me? I don’t live in a country where the Bible is being rewritten, and I am free to read any version I want.” The glaring truth, however, is that what’s been unfolding in China, and even what happened in Hitler’s era, is more important than it’s ever been!
In our day and age, God’s Word is being skewed and re-interpreted to fit societal beliefs and attitudes. Liberal-minded clergy are preaching another gospel as they accept and promote the LGBT lifestyle. Additionally, there are even Christian schools that have openly embraced this apostasy. From transgender bishops to reverends who affirm abortion, the list is long and growing when it comes to twisting the Bible into an ideological pretzel.
Social media is also a danger zone when it comes to rewriting the Scriptures. Influencers parrot their own version of the Gospel according to their sinful desires, rather than what the Lord has already declared in His Word. They speak with an air of authority, but their words are not backed up by God’s Truth.
Even AI has jumped on this bandwagon, becoming the authority on anything and everything. Futurist, historian, and atheist Yuval Noah Harari predicts that AI could someday write a new Bible because it’s quickly becoming the master of words and ideas. He states, “Throughout history, religions have dreamt about having a book written by a superhuman intelligence, by a non-human entity.” Moreover, Harari speculates that AI could unify religions and correct flawed theologies. “In a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct…just think about a religion whose holy book is written by an AI.” Combine this with the popularity of AI Jesus apps, and you have a recipe for theological disaster.
When the Word of God is changed, watered down, or rewritten, people are led astray. The truth of who Jesus is and what He did on the cross is lost in the false details. The stakes are high–eternal life with the Father in heaven.
Intercession is Key
The people of China need our prayers because while millions are seeking to follow Jesus, they are at the mercy of leaders who want to replace Him. A similar pattern is emerging in our own country, where Leftist government leaders, globalists, educators, and influencers are trying to undermine the Christian principles that form the backbone of this nation.
Here in America, we have enjoyed much freedom when it comes to religion, but our liberties have been trampled on in recent years. Pressure to conform to liberal social norms is high, and many of our laws force believers into a corner that reeks of faith-based persecution. We must continue to fight for our right to worship freely and pray for believers in other nations who are being persecuted.
Lord Jesus, we pray for the people of China to be released from the bondage of their atheist leaders. We pray for deep revival, even among the CCP, who themselves are in a prison of their own making. We lift up all Christians and citizens who are facing persecution for staying true to Your Word. Give Your mighty angels charge over these precious people.
Believers in China face many obstacles to their faith. Share your heartfelt prayers for them in the comments.
Angela Rodriguez is an author, blogger, and former teacher who studies the signs of the times, as well as the historical and biblical connections between Israel and the United States. You can visit her blogs at 67owls.com and 100trumpets.com. She is also the author of Psalm 91: Under the Wings of Jesus and Hallelujah’s Great Ride. Photo Credit: Nothing Ahead/Pexels via Canva Teams.
