Chinese American Educational Newsletter China Notes Archive 1972-73

China Council of the Churches of Christ

Archive

China Notes Newsletter Archive of 3 issues: Vol. XI Nos. 1, 2, and 4. New York: East Asia Office – Division of Overseas Ministries NCC/USA (The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA), 1972–1973. Archive of three issues of China Notes, a critical educational publication distributed by the East Asia Office of the Division of Overseas Ministries in New York. Aimed at American educators, religious scholars, and mission-affiliated readers, China Notes served as a bridge between U.S. audiences and the People’s Republic of China during a period of thawing diplomatic relations and renewed American interest in Chinese society following Nixon’s 1972 visit. Each measure 8.5" x 11", printed on unbound yellow paper, 10-11 pages per issue. Each issue features articles, lesson plans, and firsthand interviews intended to reshape Western understanding of contemporary China. Issues included are:

[1] China Notes, Vol. XI, No. 1 (Winter 1972–73) Cover article: “Buddhism in China” offers a nuanced theological and sociopolitical study of Chinese Buddhism post-1949, explaining the intersection of Buddhist practice with Maoist ideology. Additional pieces include “Religion and the Churches,” a look at the challenges faced by Christian communities under the People’s Republic, and a retrospective index of previous issues.

[2] China Notes, Vol. XI, No. 2 (Spring 1973) Cover article: “Down on the Commune” by Arthur W. Galston, based on field observations in rural China, investigates daily life and agricultural practices within people’s communes, with a focus on food production, worker solidarity, and health systems. The issue includes pedagogical content such as “Learning and Teaching About China” and interviews with U.S. high school students who had recently studied modern Chinese history.

[3] China Notes, Vol. XI, No. 4 (Autumn 1973) Cover article: “The Chinese Revolution and American Missions” by Mark Rankin critically revisits the American Protestant missionary presence in pre-Communist China, arguing for a reassessment of the moral and cultural failures of mission strategy amid nationalist movements. Other features include reflections on U.S.-China relations, an article on Chinese-American history titled “China and U.S. Chinese-American Identity,” and recent data on Chinese urban reforms.

Light edgewear and slight discoloration to paper; overall very good condition. An uncommon and historically valuable grouping from one of the few progressive Christian publications that critically addressed both the domestic and global politics of China during the Cold War, with special attention to education, religion, and Chinese American identity.

Item #22192

Price: $225.00