There is no system of truth that adapts itself so readily to the mind of the non-Christian as does the message that we have to give. It is a world message, and therefore has an appeal for every race. It forces itself upon the attention of the people by the very things that are happening all about them.
The greatest criticism that has ever been offered against Christianity in China is that it is a foreign religion. But this statement is not true in the proper sense, for it is a religion that has a wholly human appeal and not merely a local or racial appeal; and the non-Christian can readily appreciate this fact when we approach him from the background of his own experience. We need not bring to the preaching of the gospel the taint of foreign environment. We can bring the story of salvation in the language of the people, and with an appreciation of their life and customs.
It is wonderful how the gospel message adapts itself to primitive as well as modern races. The Bible has had a profound influence on the progress of the human race; and while it is widely read and appreciated by nations which have reached the highest peaks of civilization, yet it is written in the style and environment of the East, and it is primarily an Oriental book. For this reason the primitive non-Christian may even more readily grasp the parables and stories of the Word than those who live under modern conditions.
In approaching the non-Christian with the Bible, we need to exercise simplicity of expression, and in our interpretation of the word, use terms and illustrations which are drawn from the social environment of the native. We also need to demonstrate the same patience that God revealed toward Israel, and be ready to repeat our story and admonitions over and over, "line upon line; here a little, and there a little."
In the natural world some plants grow more rapidly than others, and we should appreciate the fact that this is equally true in Christian growth. Some persons grasp the truths of the word much more readily than others. This is even true of the primitive non-Christians who have never before heard the story of the gospel. Some minds are quick and responsive, while others are dull of perception. We must be ready to adapt our effort to the type of mind with which we have to deal.
We must further remember that a man cannot fully understand that which he has not experienced. Hence we have the best chance of winning attention when we make contact through those things which are being daily experienced in the home, the village, or the nation. Upon this foundational contact we may build until we see the full structure of Christian faith and works wrought out in the life.
In trying to bring the primitive non-Christian to a knowledge of God, we may well approach him from the standpoint of his present knowledge and experience, such as a belief in some overruling power in the heavens, or other views regarding God. In China all common people superstitiously believe in a being who controls all things. He is called "the old father of the heavens." Then there are the ancient classics which refer to a god of the heavens whom the ancients worshiped. And there is a monument still intact where the emperor was wont to worship "heaven" twice each year as a representative of the people. Here we have several points of contact on this fundamental doctrine.
Then one must build up confidence in the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, by showing how it is different from other sacred books which the native people revere. There is a great veneration for precepts and proverbs, which are found in abundance in the ancient classics. The Chinese have a fondness for antiquity. The Bible is even more ancient than the Chinese classics, and is also full of simple ethical teachings, proverbs, and parables which the native can appreciate and understand.
The Bible also records in detail stories which the native has heard through legend, such as the story of the flood, the creation of the world, and the unity of the human race. The words, "All within the four seas are brethren," which is a classical saying, is often quoted. Then we can draw attention to the wide distribution of the Bible, its popularity, and above all the divine influence it has upon the life. Perhaps we can point to some person in the village who, because of the power of the Word of God, has demonstrated the change it has wrought in his life.
Thus we may find some point of contact regarding every phase of truth. When it comes to presenting the special message we have to give regarding the interpretation of the times, we have a wealth of contacts with the Chinese, no matter where they may be living. Even those dwelling in the most remote village know something of the mighty changes that have taken place within the past quarter of a century, —changes in government, transportation, communication, education, society. Every automobile, airplane, railroad, postage stamp, school reader, clock, newspaper, and electric light,—and even the missionary himself, as well as a thousand other things that have been brought within the environment and experience of the common man,—is a point of contact in bringing this message to the attention of the non-Christian and creating his interest in it.
We have held evangelistic efforts in many of the large cities of China, and have also preached in the market places of inland villages. Everywhere we have found a response and an understanding among all classes of people. In the same meetings there have been in attendance Christians, Buddhists, Taoists, Mohammedans, Confucianists, government officials, military officers, teachers, business men, ricksha coolies, and doorkeepers. From every class we have drawn expressions of appreciation and understanding of the message that has been presented.
The greatest joy is found when we see the leaven of truth taking effect in the lives of these men and women, developing within them characters of strength and beauty where before there was only a crude seeking for the things of the flesh. This blessed truth is doing the same work of regeneration in every land; and all we need is to seek points of contact with the nonbeliever, and follow them up with patient prayer and study.
Summarizing what has been herein so briefly emphasized, we should remember five things when approaching the non-Christian:
I. Approach him in the language he best understands.
2. Approach him with an appreciation of the background of his life,
3. Come in simplicity and patience.
4. Make points of contact through that which the native has experienced, and from this point seek to widen his vision.
5. Above all, do not neglect prayer and study for a wider understanding of the non-Christian mind, and a deeper sympathy for the man or woman who knows not the hope and joy there is in Christ.
