Don't

If you ever want to talk about any form of religion to anyone here it is best to know each other as much as possible first.  Otherwise topics like this tend to make people feel very uncomfortable and they will be at a loss of what to say.  Make people feel comfortable first and then have a try or better yet let them bring it up first and let the discusson  evolve naturally. 

Most times conversation went to religion (just for the cultural aspects), it stopped abruptly, mostly because the guys just did not know much about the major religions. Even fairly educated people I talked with were not aware that Christians come in various flavor (Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant and plenty of others), as Muslims (Sunni and Chiia), or Buddhist (Big Vehicle, Small Vehicle). The few times it lasted for more than a minute, it was with Chinese who lived in US for a dozen years. I think people do not get much teaching about what the major religions are about, some of the rituals and beliefs, etc.

Religions are just like politics : debating it might involve a certain degree of personnal opinion, beliefs, reflexion, culture, and an open-mind if you have any hope it gets interesting. Therefore, it's a lost cause in China.

At gunpoint. Convert, motherfucker!

My mothers ancestors were all but decimated because some A hole wanted them to be Christian. This will be an interesting historical point for the Chinese who don't like foreigners.  Still want to talk about it?

This is one of the third rails in China.  Avoid it truly -- if it even smacks of attempts at conversion, someone might report you and then you will have no end to problems.  It happened with an Ossie friend of mine but then again she was a born-again something-or-other and not particularly discrete.

She got chucked out rather quickly.

When introducing myself or my country in a lesson I tell students I'm an atheist. This tends to get a bit of interest, then I go on to explain agnostic etc

Also people regularly ask me about people believing in god in my home country. I then usually laugh and tell them education is much better now.

Paul is dead one. Politics and Religion should only be discussed by mature intelligent people. And insulting someone for having a faith shows ignorance and immaturity just the same as the missionary types who go around trying to convert  people. I am a firm believer in respect for one's belief. 

I don't believe in bringing up religion for preaching purposes, at all.

If you know someone well enough or are just curious then you can ask. 

I don't believe Expats should  bring up religion with Chinese, most are not able to fully grasp or understand this issue. 

If you are dating someone and considering her/him for something more, and religion is important to you then ask away. 

Side note: I just noticed I'm now one of the top posters. Nice breasts really do open doors for you !!

I think in the month of December, why not talk about Santa Claus if you really want to talk about things that doesn't exist. 

it;s funny how "expats" are always talking about freedom, yet they try to impose their religion onto you. dont develop your own thoughts, let religion do the thinking for you.