Experiences Serving Chinese Students in North America
In recent years, as China’s economy has grown and international education has gained popularity, more and more Chinese students are choosing to study in the U.S., especially those pursuing higher education. While chasing academic success, they not only face intense study pressures but also the challenge of balancing cultural conflicts and identity struggles. The differences between Chinese and American cultures make their study-abroad experiences challenging, but at the same time, offer opportunities for self-exploration and a broader worldview. As a Chinese Christian, I’ve had the privilege of serving these young scholars at several North American universities over the past two years. I’ve experienced their situations and struggles alongside them, which has deepened my understanding of the identity conflicts between two cultures. It has also led me to reflect on whether they can embrace Christianity within this cultural tension. In the following sections, I will explore their struggles with identity, misunderstandings, and resistance toward Christianity, and how we can effectively guide them toward faith through love and truth.
Struggles with Dual Cultural Identity
Chinese students often find themselves caught between two cultures. On one hand, they were raised in a Chinese cultural environment, heavily influenced by Confucianism and Daoism. These philosophies shape their morals and attitudes toward life, as well as their understanding of family and social responsibilities. On the other hand, studying and living in the U.S., they’re exposed to Western values that emphasize individualism, personal freedom, and multiculturalism. This clash of cultures often leaves them feeling confused.
Different students handle this tension in various ways. Some reinforce their connection to Chinese culture to maintain their sense of identity, while others gradually adapt to and accept American values, sometimes even questioning the traditional beliefs they grew up with. However, this dual identity also gives them a unique perspective, pushing them to think more deeply about their roles and responsibilities in a globalized world.
Views on Cultural Differences Between China and Christianity
Many Chinese students, when first encountering Christianity, feel like it’s a foreign culture. They see Christianity as part of Western culture, with colonial overtones, and feel it clashes with China’s traditional values. Christianity focuses on faith in God and personal spirituality, while Chinese culture emphasizes collective interests, family duties, and moral self-improvement. This cultural gap makes some students naturally resistant to Christianity.
Confucian values like moral discipline and social order, along with Daoist and Buddhist emphasis on harmony with nature, are deeply ingrained in the Chinese psyche. These traditions advocate for unity between human and natural law, social order, and moral self-cultivation. In contrast, Christianity focuses on reverence for God, the relationship between individuals and God, and the supernatural nature of salvation. These differing views on life and the universe often lead Chinese students to question Christian doctrines.
However, as they learn more about Christianity, many students begin to see that the two cultures aren’t entirely at odds. For example, Christianity’s teachings of “loving your neighbor as yourself” and “self-sacrifice” resonate with Confucian ideas of “benevolence” and “righteousness.” The selfless nature of Jesus Christ can also inspire students to rethink concepts of loyalty and filial piety. Presenting Christianity’s universal values in a way that respects their cultural roots is key to having meaningful conversations with these students.
Misunderstandings and Resistance Toward Christianity
Many Chinese students resist Christianity for two main reasons: their upbringing in a secular, atheist society and negative personal experiences with Christians. Most people in China grow up in an environment where religion is viewed as outdated or superstitious, especially in a modern, tech-driven society where faith is often seen as incompatible with reason. As a result, when these students encounter Christianity, they question its validity, viewing it as part of the feudal past.
Additionally, some students meet Christians who fail to offer genuine, biblically grounded responses to their questions. Some Christians may overemphasize rules and neglect the inner life of faith or fail to show the true witness of a Christian life. This leads students to think of Christianity as a formalized religion, unable to answer deep questions about life, suffering, or social justice.
Guiding Students Toward Faith
To truly guide these young Chinese students to Christ, we must acknowledge the intellectual and cultural challenges they face. What we need to do, as you might feel too, is engage in long-term, loving conversations with great patience. We trust that the power of the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit’s work, is ultimately what changes hearts.
Balancing Truth and Love in Dialogue
Conversations with this generation of Chinese students need to balance truth and love. They are looking for honest, rational, and caring discussions. Facing their questions and resistance, simple persuasion or dogmatic answers won’t win them over. We must use truth to address their doubts—Christianity not only explains the universe but also gives the deepest meaning to every aspect of life. Along the way, love is equally crucial. Being far from home, and often feeling lonely, they need our support and companionship to feel the real care and warmth that Christianity offers.
Faith and Reason: Re-examining the Rationality of Christianity
Many Chinese students come from strong academic backgrounds and are used to thinking critically. So when discussing faith with them, we can’t overlook the role of reason. Through discussions in philosophy, science, and history, we can help them see that faith and reason aren’t opposed but that faith goes beyond reason, offering a foundation for it. For example, through discussions about the origins of the universe, the source of morality, and the historical Jesus, we can show that Christianity is both reasonable and transcendent.
Discipleship: From Faith to Action
Once students accept Christianity, our job isn’t done. Faith is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process of life transformation. Discipleship is key, and we must continue to walk with these young believers, helping them root their faith in Scripture and live it out. This generation of students often has critical thinking skills and a sense of social responsibility, and they want to integrate their faith into everyday life. So discipleship isn’t just about teaching theology but helping them apply their faith in their studies, work, and relationships.
God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Finally, we believe that in the process of evangelism and discipleship, God’s sovereignty is always in control. Whether they accept Christianity doesn’t depend solely on our ability but on God’s grace and election. In His plan, He moves the hearts of those He has chosen. So we serve with humility, love, and patience, trusting in God to work in their hearts. At the same time, we have the responsibility to faithfully and wisely share the Gospel, touching their hearts with both love and truth. Through deep discussions and life-giving relationships, we believe the seeds of the Gospel will take root and bear spiritual fruit in their lives.
Author: Pan Song, Director of the Campus Evangelistic Fellowship
