Review: Giant in Chains
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Reviewed by Dallas K. Miller, LLB Anyone who has read the works of John Warwick Montgomery knows that he is thorough, well-researched, articulate and makes his point with style and accuracy. In addition, he applies the inerrant Scriptures to the crucial issues of the day, whether it is defending the historic Christian faith, integrating law, theology and morality or articulating an evangelical position with regard to human rights difficulties. Readers of Giant In Chains will find it vintage Montgomery and will not be disappointed. A renowned theologian and world traveller, Montgomery recounts from personal experience his observations while he was in Beijing at the time of the June, 1989 bloodbath now called the Tiananmen Square incident. For two weeks the author and his wife were in China and witnessed the history making events that have come to be known as one of the most famous student protests in the twentieth Century. While on a study tour which included contact with the new generation of Christian workers, Montgomery recounts the important events of his visit. Following his personal account the author chronicles the outside world's response to the student revolt and its resulting suppression by the army. The pressure brought to bear by other nations was largely ineffective, says the author. The reason for the ruling Chinese gerontocracy to be unmoved by world opinion is, according to Montgomery, the unique interrelation of Marxist ideology with the very traditional Chinese value system and religions. The religious history of the Chinese nation is put under the author's theological microscope. Montgomery examines the origin, historical impact and relationship of Communism with traditional Chinese folk religion, Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. As Tiananmen Square cried out for freedoms for the Chinese people, such as basic civil rights and freedom of expression, the author concludes that the religions of China were of no assistance. All of the Chinese religions aligned themselves with the Marxist leadership and were therefore of little assistance to the student protesters. Montgomery laments that the failings of the classic religions of China include the belief that man in basically good and therefore does not require redemption (folk religion, Taoism, Confucianism) or sees man as able to save himself (Buddhism). Against this unfortunate totalitarian regime with its supportive religious systems the author applies the gospel corrective. At this point the book will be of particular interest to Canadian evangelicals. Montgomery presents an historical analysis of Christian missions in China from the time prior to Marco Polo's visit right through to the missionary thrust of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The turmoil of the Chinese church throughout the twentieth century is also examined. While the indigenous church has grown at an incredible rate in China during the last several decades with considerable state persecution, the author attempts to give guidance to the western church in "assisting" not "controlling and leading". The concluding emphasis is the need for the Chinese church to have a strong doctrinal position in line with the historic creeds of the church while preaching freedom in Christ - only then can China as a nation begin to realize true freedom. As Canadian interest in China increases, this book is must reading for Christians who want to apply a Biblical perspective to a fascinating international issue.
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