Constructing China's Jerusalem: Christians, Power, and Place in Contemporary Wenzhou

by Nanlai Cao

Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth life history interviews, this illuminating book provides an intimate portrait of contemporary Chinese Christianity in the context of a modern, commercialized economy. In vivid detail, anthropologist Nanlai Cao explores the massive resurgence of Protestant Christianity in the southeastern coastal city of Wenzhou―popularly referred to by its residents as "China's Jerusalem"―a nationwide model for economic development and the largest urban Christian center in China. Cao's study of Chinese Christians delves into the dynamics of activities such as banqueting, network building, property acquisition, mate selection, marriage ritual, migrant work, and education. Unlike previous research that has mainly looked at older, rural, and socially marginalized church communities, Cao trains his focus on economically powerful, politically connected, moralizing Christian entrepreneurs. In framing the city of Wenzhou as China's Jerusalem, newly rich Chinese Christians seek not only to express their leadership aspirations in a global religious movement but also to assert their place, identity, and elite status in post-reform Chinese society.

230 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2010

Reviews

[Joshua Ye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as part of a class haha. Cao takes an ethnographic approach to understanding Christianity in Wenzhou (aka "China's Jerusalem"). It's a very niche book which probably won't appeal to many, but I found it of particular interest because of my Wenzhou heritage. The book itself is a pretty easy read and taught me a lot about Protestantism in Wenzhou and its different people groups. I do wish the author talked more about state-church relations (which he intentionally avoids).

Regardless, it's still a fascinating study that details the inner workings of a very unique Christian community tangled with capitalism and traditional Chinese culture. If you don't have any connections to Wenzhou or Christianity in China, you probably won't find this interesting. If you do however, I'd consider giving it a look!