I've been to Beijing twice. They really go over your stuff when you both enter the country and leave the country. If this is still in force when people go to visit the Olympics, I would check with your country's embassy to see what to do if you want to bring your Bible before you go. It was not always as if that something like this was always an absolute no. Sometimes the government has a way to bring things in and out. But you have to do it the way the Chinese Government wants it, which means filling in a form before you leave. Your embassy will tell you what form to ask for from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. But if you are going to the Olympics and are thinking of bringing in a Bible despite the prohibition, don't do it but check to see if there is a procedure. If you violate their rules of what can be brought in and out, the whatever-it-is confiscated, no if ands or buts and no getting it back. They wouldn't let me bring out a statue because it might be antique even though I had an official form from the "Friendship Store" where I bought it that it wasn't an antique. All in all be prepared for a three to four hour departure lead time at the airport when departing. The last time I went was last year and they checked my bags twice. It's their country and it has a million pleasant reasons to go and wonderful people, but don't mess with their rules and regulations at the time, they are subject to change without notice and arguing just prolongs the process so you might miss your flight. Bring your Bible, my guess is that there will be a way and a form to fill in and a form to bring with you to show that you are taking it out of the country when you leave. Lastly one travel tip. Chinese police have the right to collect fines for tickets at the moment they nab you for speeding, being too drunk in public, being too loud, loss of emotion control is frowned upon and yelling or acting silly the way we do in North America after having a few can result in a fine for disturbing the peace. It isn't a bribe, just ask for a receipt and you will get one. But don't let this stop you if you really want to see the Olympics and China at the same time, you will be extremely glad you went. W.

I thought the spirit of the Olympics was to accept everyones religious beliefs. I hope this is not true, but I suspect it is.

ESPN posted an article today - USOC confirmation of no Bible ban in Beijing Olympic villiageThe guidance they provide still an reinforces that religion is not "free" in China. I'm glad that this has gotten some amount of press and attention.

I have signed on to this and I am accepting the validity of the content above and have reviewed the article on the Catholic News Agency website that confirms a part of this.Catholic News Agency - The Bible among objects prohibited at the 2008 Beijing OlympicsI understand that a boycott will hurt our athetes that have trained for and dreamed of the compitition however the sacrafice of not going pales in comparison to the sacrafices of life made by our ansestors to preserve this key fundamental right of freedom of religion.I also believe that this is an issue that is better resolved by the US Olympic committee through the International Olympic Committee and my signature here is provided to make sure that the  US Olympic committee understands how this American feels about the issue.

I find this quite distressing.  The US was founded in large part on a desire for religious freedom.  This reinforces the fact that freedom is not ubiquitous. This is not the first time Chinese human/civil rights - or lack thereof - have been brought to light.  When will it change?  Catholic News Agency - The Bible among objects prohibited at the 2008 Beijing OlympicsThere's not much else out there in terms of media coverage.  Is it being ignored?