John Song

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Dubbed the Billy Sunday of China for his remarkable influence, John Song has fascinated generations. His story, popularized in the West, includes striking elements: after converting while studying at Union Theological Seminary in New York in 1927, he was allegedly placed in an asylum by modernist professors due to his fundamentalist beliefs. Upon his release, he returned to China, captivating large audiences and introducing many to the Old-Time Religion. In this work, Daryl Ireland challenges traditional views of Song and conservative Chinese Christianity. Utilizing previously untapped sources, Ireland presents a nuanced portrayal of a man who, alongside his contemporaries, sought to save his nation. Unlike reformers who sought to modernize ancient traditions or revolutionaries who aimed to break from the past, Song forged a path for a modern Chinese identity through his revivals. With engaging storytelling and thorough analysis, Ireland illustrates how Song adeptly redefined Christianity to be transformative and adaptable across China and Southeast Asia, fostering new generations who thrived in the region's evolving cities. Song's enduring style of Christianity remains influential, contributing to the remarkable growth of the Chinese church today.