The Chinese Communist Party’s restrictive, anti-Christian behavior is well-documented, putting Chinese believers at great risk of danger and persecution.
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That’s why a famous singer’s decision to embrace her faith so openly is captivating people around the globe. G.E.M. (Deng Ziqi) is a popular performer whose star rose after joining a 2014 Chinese singing competition called “I Am a Singer 2,” according to Movieguide.
Deng’s career immediately took off, skyrocketing her to fame and landing her with the nickname: “China’s Taylor Swift.”
That’s what makes her overt Christian faith so fascinating and compelling. The 31-year-old singer is so open about her beliefs she recently released a 14-song album, “Revelation.”
Deng is also known for sharing her Christian faith on social media.
In light of all that’s known about persecution in China, Deng’s faith-themed music is making international headlines, with Christianity Today calling her latest song, “Gloria,” “courageous.”
The song’s title is based on the English name the singer’s father once gave her.
The outlet noted her recently released music video for the tune, which already has nearly three million views, features a “desolate wasteland” and sorrow — until the singer is pictured discovering light and experiencing healing.
It also features Deng praying and the sea before her parting.
And the lyrics themselves borrow from biblical themes as well, imploring listeners not to “be afraid,” explaining there’s “no fear in love,” and maintaining that “love never fails.”
As for the album itself, Aleteia reported it “tells a longer story of a conversation with God.” Her latest music was reportedly inspired by 1 John 8:14, which reads, “There is no fear in love.”
“In this world where love is badly needed, I trust what I can do is to try my best to create works that make people once again see the love, believe in love, and return to love,” Deng told China Christian Daily. “So it doesn’t matter how many setbacks there are on the way, as long as I can finish them.”
Deng has been the subject of some debate in China, specifically over her perceived views on Hong Kong and its pro-democracy movement. The singer has sparked debate on both sides, but the most significant issue was China’s purported decision to add her to a list of “strictly controlled” people over past prayers for Hong Kong, according to Christianity Today.
China ranked on Open Doors USA’s 2022 “World Watch List” as the 17th most challenging country to live as a Christian, with severe persecution and restrictions placed on believers.
“Surveillance in China is among the most oppressive and sophisticated in the world,” Open Doors noted. “Church attendance is rigorously monitored, and many churches are being closed down—whether they are independent or belong to the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (the officially state-sanctioned Protestant church in China).”
Plus, as Faithwire recently reported, the Chinese Communist Party is reportedly writing their own version of the Bible, which purportedly refers to Jesus as a “sinner.”
Given these elements, Deng’s genuine Christian faith is truly notable.
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