The Faith and Life, our quarterly magazine, continues to be published at 2,000 copies per issue. Of these, about 1,500 are distributed to subscribers bookstores, and some as gifts. Countries to which the quarterly goes include Brazil, Burma, Canada, England, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, the U.S.A. and Taiwan. A total of 5,553 copies were distributed in 1970, and of that, 3,293 copies (60%) were distributed in Taiwan. This is a clear index to the difference it makes as to whether the editor is here in Taiwan doing promotion work or not. The following are representative responses from our readers:
Mr. H.Y. Yeoh, a school teacher in Pahang, Malaysia:
‘Dear Rev. Chao,
Thank you for sending me the Faith and Life. I appreciate your having printed my article, “Life and Its Sufferings”. I read carefully the article “Reasons for Chinese Theological Impoverishment” and felt that the horizon of my view was extended. Every time I enter a Christian bookstore I leave there with an impression that more than 80% of the books are in English, and we Chinese Christians just don’t seem to have cultivated the habit of reading and writing. I agree with what you said in your article, “The Task of Chinese Christian Literature Work.” I suggest that we aim at establishing a publishing house and a bookstore where we can sell other good books, stationery, along with our Christian books. I agree with Professor Lit-sen Chang’s idea that we aim at a position of cultured leadership. Mr. Jonah Chan wrote me recently and said that he hopes Faith and Life could have a more dynamic editorial committee, efficient production, and a business manager, etc. The journal should aim at becoming a vehicle whereby younger men can exercise in their gifts in the Christian literature ministry. I agree with Mr. Chan. What is your view? It is my most sincere hope that your periodical will have a larger and more dynamic group of original writers. If the content of the periodical can appeal more to the needs of the Chinese Church, written with a high quality, then the faith of the readers will be strengthened, and its circulation will automatically increase . . .’
Part of another letter from the same writer (April 19, 1970):
‘… I appreciated reading (in issue No. 82) your article “The Devil’s Emergency Meeting”. I think this type of writing is a good technique in presenting a message, and is quite attractive. I also enjoyed reading Watson Soong’s article: “Indigenous Theology and Polytheistic Concepts.” It is a good contribution to the debate on indigenous theology. I used to dislike translated articles, because I don’t have the patience to read them. But your translated articles are like original Chinese ones. The critical article on Nietzche is good. I am enclosing four names and addresses . . .’
Mr Chou Ming, a lay Christian in Hongkong (March 30, 1970):
‘Your magazine and books are most suitable for pastors, theological students and mature Christians. They meet our needs, and so we enjoy them greatly. However, it is sad that they are seldom seen in other Christian bookstores. It is difficult to secure your books. I hope you can improve the distribution situation in Hongkong and thereby facilitate us readers. We Christians in Hongkong feel the need for deeper and more detailed Biblical expository or exegetical works. We hope that you will aim at meeting this need of the Chinese churches today.’
Rev. Jonathan Kaan of Vietnam (June 5, 1970):
‘Your periodical is most helpful to those who are searching after the truth. However, I think it is a pity that it is only a quarterly. It would be best if it could become a monthly journal.’
Mr. Stephen Chiu, Pastor of Greater Boston Mandarin Church (September 24, 1970):
‘The content of Faith and Life is getting richer, and I think you probably spend a lot of time on it. It is very suitable for pastors and Christian intellectuals. I am willing to do my best to promote it on your behalf . . .’
As indicated previously, Biblical expositions are in greatest demand. Dr. J.G. Vos’ The End of the Ages, Dr. L. Boettner’s Immortality and The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination were good sellers among our other books. Cameron’s God’s Plan and Man’s Destiny has been designated as the Chinese textbook at the newly formed China Evangelical Seminary where Jonathan is teaching this year.
Thus, generally speaking, the response of our readers and sale of literatures indicate that: (1) commentaries and Biblical theology should have top priority in our future selection of books for translation; (2) the Faith and Life periodical should be increased to bi-monthly publication and, if possible, eventually to become a monthly; (3) in terms of contents, Faith and Life should, in addition to introducing Reformed literature, aim at dealing with the contemporary issues facing the Chinese Church, such as Christianity’s conflict with Chinese culture; (4) an editorial Committee be formed with an enlarged body of Chinese contributing editors who can participate in the work of contemporary witness to the Biblical truth; (5) more paperbacks dealing with specific issues facing the Chinese Church and society should be published; and (6) we ought to increase our staff so as to improve our business management and general promotion work.