Religious Freedom in China

Hey everyone, 

When most people think of Asia, they think immediately of China. Maybe because it takes the biggest part of the continent?? For those who don't know much about China, it is a communist country and the world's most populated country.

Map of China

Religion is frowned upon and persecuted in China. Because of this, lots of buildings have been destroyed. The people are trying to repair these historical and cultural sites to protect them. The members of the Communist Party have to be atheists but since it isn't really enforced because some of them sneak off to their religious activities.1

I'm going to be focusing on three main religions:

• Christianity: "The religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its belief and practices." There are only two Christian groups that are considered "legal" in China. Other Christian groups are persecuted.6

This Falun Gong practitioner
was allegedly tortured
in custody in 2005.

• Tibetan Buddhism: "The religion of Tibet, a form of Mahayana Buddhism." The Chinese government declared that, without their permission, no living Buddha would may be incarnated.7 

• Falun Gong: "Chinese spiritual practice that combines meditation and qigong exercises with a moral philosophy centered on the tenets of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance." The Communist Party banned this practice. Thousands and maybe millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been tortured, sent to labor camps and went through horrible treatment.  

According to me, China has went too far. They want to have full control over everyone and every religion. So, in order to make people listen, the decide to use labor camps and persecution. That is not the right thing to do. They shouldn't even have religious groups that are "legal" and "illegal". What is the difference between the legal ones are those who are illegal? They are both religions that are being practiced. I don't think it's right to put a barrier around your beliefs. Each person should have the right to believe in their own religions and should have the freedom to practice their religion. You don't necessarily have to practice and believe in that religion. But it's important to accept everyone. Freedom of religion is something that should be cherished in the countries that can practice their beliefs without being persecuted.

拜拜啦!
(Bye Bye!)

Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_China#Religious_freedom
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Falun_Gong
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falun_Gong
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_China
5. http://www.hrichina.org/en
6. https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-
8#q=what%20is%20christianity
7. https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what+is+tibetan+buddhism