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Shocker: Guess Which Country Is the Largest Producer of Bibles

Nov. 15, 2012 12:13pm Billy Hallowell

When one thinks of China, Christianity and the Bible are likely two of the furthest things that come to mind. “Communism,” “forced abortions,” one-child policy” and other terms are, more generally, what’s the nation is known for. But now, a shocking new development has come to the forefront: China, a country that makes many products consumed in the U.S. and abroad, is now also the world’s largest Bible producer.

Amity Printing Company is the only outfit in China that is permitted to produce Christian Bibles. While the Chinese government doesn’t have the most stellar record when it comes to religious freedom, Amity Printing has been fast at work, with the company’s chairman, Qiu Zhonghui, announcing that the business published its 100 millionth Bible in July.

China Is Now the Worlds Largest Producer of Bibles

Credit: AP

According to a report by Christian Today, the Amity has printed 60 million Bibles, including nine ethnic minority editions in various languages. Additionally, 40 million copies were printed in more than 90 languages and sent to about 70 nations and regions across the globe. The outlet goes on to describe the Christian population in China and the expansion that has led to the nation’s new designation as top Bible producer:

China has more than 16 million Christians today, the Xinhuanet report states, as well as 1,800 seminarians in 18 Bible schools. It also has 55,000 churches and gathering venues, 100,000 church volunteers and 36,000 missionaries.

But some believe the number of Christians in China is actually much higher than the country’s government has said due to the large number of Christians who worship separately from churches run by the government. An article that appeared in the May 2011 issue of First Things magazine, and was written by social sciences professors, combines a number of different surveys to suggest that there may have been about 70 million Christians living in China in 2011.

In 2010, the UK-based Bible Society reported that the growth of the church in China was too rapid for the Bible publisher to keep up with. Christians living in rural areas, or those who don’t belong to CCC/TSPM churches, are often forced to live their faith without the book.

Considering that the printing venture, a joint effort on the part of United Bible Societies and the Amity Foundation, started in 1988, this accomplishment is fascinating.

Photo Credit: Getty

Christianity Today (different from “Christian Today”) notes that the Chinese government is welcoming this development, with spokesperson Guo Wei recently claiming that officials both respect and protect religious freedom. Wei also went on to say that the government “will continue to support printing and publishing Bibles in China.”

The irony here is that Christian missionaries regularly smuggle Bibles into the nation — an act that some experts claim is dangerous for both the individuals doing it and for locals. Considering author David Aikman’s claim in an interview with Christianity Today that heavy government restrictions have been placed on Bibles (they are only available at government-registered church bookstores), it’s understandable why some have tried to work around the system.

Photo Credit: AP

Experts like Christina Graham, director of operations for East Gates International, a group that works to help with Bible distribution locally in China, say that working legally through the system is more effective. There are 70 sales outlets through which the Amity Bibles are available in the country — outlets that Graham helps coordinate.

“We’ve found that working legally in China is far more effective in the long run,” Graham told Christianity Today. “We’ve developed incredible relationships with both governmental officials and house-church believers because we choose to respect the religious policies in their country.”

Amity Printing is based in Nanjing, China.

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Comments (83)

GuruMeditation
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 5:36pm
I don’t do new Bibles. It’s often a bad move if you want to understand prophecy.

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- db321
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 6:46pm
  I have to get a new Bible every year, I keep wearing mine out. The good old Thompson King James made in America.
  
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- 4truth2all
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 7:19pm
  Yo DB321:
  
  Stop buying those recycled dollar store bibles …
  
  Report this comment
- BetterInformed
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 7:19pm
  In order for American companies to compete they would have to leave out all the “e’s” and “r’s”.
  
  Report this comment
- AnAppealToGod
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 7:25pm
  Go to youtube and look up underground churches in china. Unbelievable
  
  Report this comment
- ObamaForward_OverTheCliff
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 9:12pm
  “the [communist] Chinese government is welcoming this development, with spokesperson Guo Wei recently claiming that officials both respect and protect religious freedom. Wei also went on to say that the government “will continue to support printing and publishing Bibles in China.” ”
  
  You have DOOMED yourself, America!
  You have shunned God’s words and have turned yourself over to the pagan practices of the land and daily commit evil in His sight. He is bringing you down even as you watch and you are helpless to stop it. Even now we see Him withdrawing the protections and blessings that He has given you and is turning to another people to do His bidding for His glory — and shame you for your unfaithfulness.
  
  “When you spread out your hands,
  I will hide My eyes from you;
  Even though you make many prayers,
  I will not hear.
  Your hands are full of blood.” -Isaiah 1:15
  
  Report this comment
- gosutag
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:57pm
  Why don’t you guys learn one of the languages that the original bible was written in. I don’t see a point in reading this stuff that was edited too many times to count. It doesn’t hurt to spend a little time learning a language to understand God’s true word.
  
  Report this comment
- TransmitToVladmir
  Posted on November 16, 2012 at 1:10am
  gosutag – “Why don’t you guys learn one of the languages that the original bible was written in. I don’t see a point in reading this stuff …”
  
  “The Authorized Version, commonly known as the … King James Bible, … is an English translation of the Christian Bible … begun in 1604 and completed in 1611.”
  -Wikipedia: Authorized King James Version
  
  Let us know when you (and your team of scholars?) get a verse translated. Oh, wait, there won’t by any U.S.A. or “free speech” by then … so just read it now while you can. ;)
  
  Report this comment
goahead.makemyday
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 5:03pm
An Idea just hit me(no it didn’t hurt) everyone remember that when books are burned the first ones are the bibles right? Well now a country known for it’s heavy restrictions is now the largest producers of the bible, we might be seeing the start of the fall of China’s communism. Russia’s was due to a poor economy and outside influence. This might be the first fall of communism due to religion.

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- Chuck Stein
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 5:51pm
  That’s what the Communist leadership is worried about. That’s why all churches are required to be “state” churches.
  
  Report this comment
- Marine25
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 6:41pm
  Actually I believe Christians are the all-time leader in books burned. So no, usually it isn’t bibles burned first.
  
  Report this comment
- grayling646
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:31pm
  Not arguing Marine. I don’t know but would like some proof of your accusation please.
  
  Report this comment
- Ragfish
  Posted on November 16, 2012 at 12:22pm
  It could be that the Chi-coms have read Adam Smith and are attempting to “back engineer” the success of free enterprise. Adam Smith wrote theological treatises before his ‘Wealth of Nations’. China has run into difficulties economically, some of which is due to immorality. This is where the belief in the God of the Bible who sees everything and to whom all men are accounable, impels a reason for moral behavior. While this sort of civil religion may not be personally salvific, it does create a society which is stable, non-oppressive and prosperous. The Chi-coms may be seeing these qualities as responsible for the effective building of great economies and the British empire. Regard for integrity, private property, etc. are encoded within the second table of the 10 Commandments . American exceptionalism is waning as we abandon the God of the Bible. Chinese exceptionalism is on the ascent as Chinese Christians infuse that society with the light of life.
  
  Report this comment
ahberns
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 4:33pm
I am not surprised that China is printing Bibles, they make Madonnas, crucifixes, Buddhas, and anything that they can make a buck. The surprise to me was they are being distributed in the provinces of China. There may be hope yet.

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- M13
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 9:19pm
  What do you think the penalty for work place theft in that factory is?
  
  Report this comment
- From Virginia
  Posted on November 23, 2012 at 11:02pm
  I’ve heard that there are 10,000 converts to Christianity daily in China.
  
  This makes me very happy for those people!
  
  Report this comment
bornagain
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 4:09pm
Watch out! In some of the newer Bibles where it should mention Jesus it does not. The story of the eunuch is one example. To believe in Jesus should be mentioned in order to be baptized. In my new NIV it does not. In the old Bilbles it does. Check it out for your self. It is the story where the eunuch is on the road reading the scriptures.

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- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 4:59pm
  Over 18,000 less words in the NIV than the KJV and whole verses missing. “The Lord Jesus Christ” has been replaced with “Jesus Christ” and just “Jesus” in various places. References to the blood of Christ has been watered down and removed. It also comes from a completely different manuscript than the KJV.
  
  And there are newer version much worse than the NIV.
  
  Report this comment
- Leveraction3030
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 10:18pm
  I am surprised the China bibles are not repalcing my Lord and Saviors name with Obama.
  
  Report this comment
- YAHSHUARULES
  Posted on November 16, 2012 at 7:13am
  The NIV is based on gnosticism and the Almighty knew that would happen. The gnostics believed that Yahshua never came in the flesh. That is why it says in 1 John 4v3 “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”
  NIV removes the references to the Blood, Completely eliminates Mark 16 where Yahshua says that those that believe and are baptized shall be saved and these signs shall follow in my name they shall cast out devils and speak with new tongues”
  The NIV removes 64,000+ words from King James and twists the words it leaves.
  Want to know how really bad NIV is you can read all about it: The New International Perversion
  http://www.av1611.org/niv.html
  
  Report this comment
TGC_InHisWord
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:29pm
It is all true my friends. I have distributed a few thousand of them myself in the interior provinces. They are the real deal, totally unaltered and just like the bibles you and i have at home except in Chinese and legally printed by Amity. What is happening in China is truly awesome and only the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob could accomplish such a thing in this jaded world of ours (no pun intended). As believers in Christ, all that is left is for us is to rejoice and marvel at the positive effect it is having on life in China and upon the Chinese people. The numbers of those coming to Christ daily is mind-boggling! We serve an amazing God!

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- Hanner
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:37pm
  Pay attention atheists……God will even use the heathen to accomplish his will.
  
  Report this comment
- oneshiner
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 4:33pm
  TGC………….sure hope you’re right about them printing the bibles correctly, not leaving out or adding words that don’t belong. Yes, I did guess China. Also, I hope there are people hungry for God and His Word in China.
  
  Report this comment
- rghtwngcrzy
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:51pm
  A Chinese Christian Church started meeting at a school in my neighborhood in 04. It started out small but grew rapidly – to the point of filling the parking lot. They have since moved to a large rented church space. Their website says the members are almost all new to Jesus.
  
  I am sad to see the Light go out in Europe and North America – but God be praised as it spreads to Asia and Africa.
  
  “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”
  
  Report this comment
Mainer forever
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:18pm
The Chi-coms…who’da thunk?

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G.E.R
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:17pm
“When one thinks of China, Christianity and the Bible are likely two of the furthest things that come to mind. “Communism,” “forced abortions,” one-child policy” and other terms”

Only if you’re an ignorant knuckle dragging mouthbreather that likes Glenn Beck

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- USACommoner
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:28pm
  Beck got you to visit his website, register, and post comments to his news stories. I think it’s score one for Beck, G.E.R zero. X-D
  
  Report this comment
- usedCZARsalesman
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 4:20pm
  Such a silly little troll…are you saying that those things AREN’T TRUE about china? Or that somehow your Godless, black, troll soul has found a way to look past those things just so you can feel like less of a commie POS?
  
  Report this comment
- Dushman Kush
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:00pm
  Every Comrade loves Glen Beck. He is one of the truth-tellers in the Media. While he has never publicly acknowledged being a Communist, he has accurately described us, outlined our goals, and informed his listeners, viewers, and readers that we are in control now. Long Live Communism !!!
  
  Report this comment
The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:05pm
China cares about two things:

1. China

2. See above

I think they are a wild card nation, because all they care about is increasing their bottom line.

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- Texas Chris
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 3:11pm
  There are over 1 billion individuals there who need Jesus.
  
  Report this comment
- IDIDBUILDTHIS
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 5:29pm
  You hit the proverbial wanton in the dish of noodles! China is only interested in making a buck for world domination – they just believe that they have all the time in the universe to do it.
  
  Report this comment
- 4truth2all
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 7:16pm
  And you do not think that business in America is about making a buck.
  Why do you think many American businesses have gone to CHINA …
  
  Report this comment
- SimpleTruths
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 11:55pm
  I know of one person that needs their head examined.
  
  Report this comment
- snotso
  Posted on November 16, 2012 at 8:02am
  aMEN
  
  Report this comment
psadie
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 2:52pm
The only reason he is allowed to produce Bibles is that he can put more Chinese to work. Don’t forget that the Chinese govt. has to keep the population working or there will be riots and the govt. won’t be able to contain 1.2 billion Chinese. Manufacturing is slowing down. Do I see a Chinese Spring on the horizon?

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- sparkyrules
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 6:12pm
  You got it!
  
  Report this comment
Mr.Fitnah
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 2:47pm
Thank God China will be there to fund our social programs and provide a military to protect US from the enemies we have made on the way up while we are going back down to 3rd world states.

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JEANNIEMAC
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 2:41pm
Which version of the Bible is China producing? Can we be sure some parts have not been changed to conform to their ideology?

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Guerrino_P
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 2:01pm
Not shocking at all. The China-bashing jackass Donald Trump has a line of ties made in China.

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Dave.the.Blaze
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:38pm
To paraphrase a Chinese dissident, 21st century China is an unholy alliance of Communism and Capitalism. It’s interesting how capitalism is seen as being the sole ownership of free societies, but that’s just a falsehood we tell ourselves.

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Lion420
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:22pm
It amazes me, how we have socialist leaning countries, lecturing us on things like spending, and China’s got a big chunk of the Bible readers. The world seems to have flipped!

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thekuligs
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:49pm
How is China a shocking answer? Not for this audience!

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- True American66
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:14pm
  Who said it was a shock?….Of course China will produce anything that sells, even if it goes against the communist mantra….Who’s shocked that money wins out every time?
  
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- thekuligs
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:32pm
  You must have missed the HEADLINE:
  
  Shocker: Guess Which Country Is the Largest Producer of Bibles
  
  Report this comment
- Balpit
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 4:35pm
  I correctly predicted it would be China.
  
  My guess is it’s shocking because China has the highest atheist/agnostic population of any country, said to be between 40-80%. Not to mention their incredibly low Christian population (4%).
  
  Report this comment
rsanchez1
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:47pm
China, a communist country, is one of the biggest enablers of capitalism with all the cheap products it produces and exports to the US. China, a communist country, is one of the biggest enablers of Christianity with all the Bibles it produces.

I guess as long as the Chinese people can’t afford those products, and as long as they can’t read those Bibles, it’s no problem to the Chinese government.

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- pdw
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:54pm
  In America the most purchased book is the Bible, but at the same time the least read of all books.
  
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- 4truth2all
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:25pm
  Yo PDW:
  
  AND THAT IS WHY THEY ARE RISING AND WE … are falling !
  
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huey6367
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:43pm
Without even reading the story, I said China. They make everything else.

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The Giver
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:40pm
Wish a plane old drop some over North Korea!

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moreteaplease
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:35pm
Money has a way of making people look past their religious / political / idealogical beliefs.

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- frednerk
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 5:05pm
  ‘THE RICH INVENTED RELIGION ..’ to confuse the poor ‘ …….’& it works!!
  ……………….’ not me though’……. THNIK … (think’)
  
  Report this comment
Delores at CH WV
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:33pm
My BIBLES were never printed in China. You have to draw the line somewhere. I hope these Bibles are the True bibles that they are giving out in China. Of course, in the last few weeks, the Chinese Leaders have given us more truth than Obama has in the last 6 years.

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- God_Is_Not
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:13pm
  Paradox of the day: ‘True Bibles’
  
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- Dave.the.Blaze
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 1:34pm
  Does is matter where they are printed? You, like the rest of us, no doubt visit religious, news, and other sites to get information. OK, now flip your computer over and see where it’s made. China!
  
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thegreatcarnac
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:32pm
Too much irony.

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The Jewish Avenger
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:31pm
Wasnt hard to guess…

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soybomb315_II
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:22pm
and as China manufactures the bibles and sends them away on trucks…Every once an awhile have a truck accidentally drop its load in a busy marketplace. Oooops

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doomytram
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:22pm
The Obozo administration burns those Bibles as fast as China can make em….. The use these them to bow down and apologize and placate to the muslims when they get their prius’s hurt. Anytime one person burns a koran Obozo burns a million bibles as a sign of love, respect, diversity, and tolerance to a great, great, great, peaceful, beautiful religion, say’s Obozo.

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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:36pm
  i doubt that
  
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Dave.the.Blaze
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 12:17pm
If it sells, China can made it cheap! Considering the Bible is the best selling book ever, it’s not surprising the Chinese want a part of the action. It’s just good business.

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