China's rise onto the global stage is one of the geopolitical issues that will define the 21st century, and the kind of country China becomes matters a great lot. The current regime is promoting attitudes that could easily morph into something akin to fascism (xenophobic nationalism + dictatorial government + 'thwarted destiny'). In contrast, religions like Falun Dafa and Christianity offer something else:
"Moreover, embracing Christianity brings Chinese seekers into a mindset that replaces traditional Chinese nationalism and xenophobia with the community of believers. Under Communism the central relationship is between the individual and his master, the state. Replacing this threatened, isolated understanding of the self is one of the crucial tasks in renewing a society that has suffered through totalitarianism. Even non-Christians should welcome the spread of Christianity in China as an extraordinarily good sign for that country's renewal. (Aikman also argues that Christianization has the potential to transform China from an antagonist of the United States into an ally.)"
This is a very quiet story - and a very big one. Eve Tushnet has the details.
Dan Darling has relayed the phrase "The Constantinization of China" to describe the strong upsurge in Christian belief there, and what it may portend. This is a story worth keeping a long-term eye on.
Though only a "holidays-only" Christian at best, I've long been a supporter of the religion's spread for this very reason.
In the right hands, it's a powerful force for transmiting liberalism and tolerance.
Insofar as Christianity serves to bolster and consolidate the powers of the authorities in China as it most certainly did for Rome, Christianity will be tolerated there. If it's seen as threatening the powers of the authorities, it will be put down most severely. It's a millenia-old tradition: the only values are retaining power and maintaining order.
Here's another book. There's a sample chapter you can read.
Just remember that China suffered severely under the Taiping, which was at least as Christian a cult as Al Qaeda is Islamic.
If you can imagine the Rev Sung Moon crossed with Kim Jong Il, you get the picture.
From the Brittanica : I can completely understand why China is just a teeny bit suspicious of cults like the Falun Gong, and maybe even the smallest bit prejudiced against Christianity. Of course, the current regime being gross violators of everbody's human rights doesn't help. But in this case, it's understandable.