The distribution of the Bible has always been restricted in China. Unlike the Quran and Buddhist Sutras, which are permitted to be freely sold both online and in brick-and-mortar bookstores, the Chinese Holy Bible is restricted to distribution solely by government-held churches. The Bible cannot be obtained through public channels, such as bookstores. Moreover, only one printing company—the Jiangsu Amity Printing Company—is authorized to print the Bible, and the total number of Bibles printed each year is also severely restricted. Since 1987, the Episcopal Church of America has donated the royalties, paper, and printing machines necessary for making the Bible affordable for Chinese citizens. The standard Bible is less than $1 and is lightweight with excellent quality paper, printing, and binding.

As online shopping has become more and more accessible to distant cities over the past 5 years, some Christians started purchasing Bibles from government-held churches and selling them through online platforms. These online sales have made the Bible more accessible for those in rural areas without access to government-held churches, as well as curious non-Christians who do not know where to purchase one. The government has never restricted the online sale of the Bibles until now.

Currently, one can still access electronic Bibles through certain apps. WeDevote Bible, a popular Bible app equivalent to YouVersion, provides the same design and format as the printed Bible, and supplements it with commentaries. This app provides even greater access to the Bible for Chinese citizens. Many Chinese Christians are concerned that WeDevote Bible will also soon be shut down.

The proclamation which banned the online sale of Bibles gave no indication of the reason behind this restrictive measure against the distribution of the Bible. Some Chinese web users speculate that it is part of the movement intending to incorporate Chinese characteristics into Christianity. The tightened restriction of the Bible distribution, some suspect, is to provide room for the government to "fix" the current translation of the Bible, the Chinese Union Version translated in 1919, in order to incorporate traditional Chinese cultural and socialist core values into the Bible.

More than likely, this change is related to the implementation of the newly revised Regulation on Religious Affairs and Cyber Security Law. These regulations led to a nationwide crackdown on Chinese Christians and stronger control over Christian activities on the Internet.

We have recently submitted a Universal Periodic Review on China for the United Nations to address the recent severe persecution of Chinese Christians as a result of new laws. We will continue to follow this disturbing development and work internationally to defend the persecuted Church.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Ancient Beams Offer New Evidence of the First Temple's Destruction

New Visa Restrictions Target Left-Wing Terrorists and Extremists

Trump Ramps up Military Pressure on Iran's Regime, Targeting Area Near Pickaxe Mountain Nuclear Site

Epic Fail: Mamdani Finally Makes Humiliating Admission About His Threat to Arrest Netanyahu

How China Made and Shipped Fake Driver's Licenses to Tamper With the 2020 Election

Andy Biggs Dominates Arizona Race

DSA Unveils Platform Calling for Abolishing the Senate, Presidency, and Supreme Court

6,600 Non-Citizens Registered to Vote in NJ Due to 'Software Error,' Dem Gov. Sherrill Admits

Justin Bieber Used the Biggest Stage Ever to Worship God with 'Everything Hallelujah' at World Cup Final

Trump Education Department Defends Homeschool Parents from Hateful, Woke Podcasters

House Committee Approves Bill Allowing Victims of 'Trans' Drugs, Surgeries to Sue

Major Teachers Union That Funds Democrats Endorses 'Gender-Affirming Care' Amid Backlash to Transgender 'Medicine'

Oregon's Troubling Transgender Story; Why Are They Pumping Minors Full of Puberty Blockers?

Trump Admin Launches 'Largest Denaturalization Effort Ever' Against Child Molesters and Scammers

Report: Iran Moves Nuclear Centrifuges Underground as Houthis Threaten US Coalition, Red Sea Shipping

State Department Issues Worldwide Caution for Traveling US Citizens

'Resurrection of the Christ' Writer Reveals Mel Gibson's Spiritual Warfare Warning about the 'Passion' Sequel

Second Family Welcomes Their New Baby Boy

FDA: That Recalled Lettuce from Taylor Fresh Farms Turned Out to Be a 'False Positive' for Cyclospora

About Those Burn Bags President Trump Mentioned in His Address to the Nation