What does it look like to practice Christianity in a country where the government controls religious expression? Jolie, a Chinese Christian, takes us behind the scenes of faith life in modern China, revealing a fascinating world where state churches require government-approved sermons and where house churches operate in a delicate balance with authorities.

Raised in China and introduced to Christianity at age eight, Jolie initially viewed God as "almost like a genie" - someone to pray to only when she needed something. It wasn't until facing major life disappointments and a near-death experience that her faith transformed into a genuine relationship with Christ. Her journey eventually led her to Wisconsin Lutheran College in America before returning to her homeland with a deeper understanding of biblical teaching.

Jolie offers rare insights into how Chinese Christians navigate cultural pressures in a society obsessed with worldly success. She explains her countercultural decision to stay home with her children in a country where career advancement is paramount and where even having more than one child - despite the relaxation of the one-child policy in 2016 - remains uncommon. "They've developed this culture where both grandparents take care of this one grandchild, and then the parents will be working," she explains. "A lot of my other friends feel like even one child is too much because they want to make sure they have enough time and energy for their career."

The conversation explores fascinating aspects of Chinese culture, from the challenges of eldercare in a society with strong filial piety values to the unexpected ways Christianity persists and even thrives under restrictions. For anyone interested in global Christianity, family dynamics in different cultures, or the resilience of faith under challenging circumstances, this episode provides thoughtful perspective on how believers maintain their convictions while navigating complex cultural and political realities.

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