chapter 28. religion and faith section 6. religion and belief the chinese way, ding and xu, 2014...

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Chapter 28. Religion and Faith

Section 6. Religion and Belief

The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014Chapter 28. Religion and Faith

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Outline

• Introduction• Diverse religious beliefs• The protection and restriction of religious beliefs• Religious beliefs of Communist Party of China (CPC) members• Road ahead

The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 28. Religion and Faith

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Introduction

• Many options in terms of religion. ⁻ From the ancient combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, to

a diverse religious choices today.

• Policies related to the protection and restriction of religious beliefs differ vastly from those of Western countries.


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Diverse religious beliefs


• Five major religions in China: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism

Statistics: • Over 100 million followers of various religions• 139,000 sites designated for religious activities, 360,000 clergies• and over 5,500 religious groups nationwide• roughly 100 religious schools

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• Buddhism in China:⁻ dates back about 2,000 years;⁻ nearly 33,000 Buddhist temples; ⁻ 200,000 monks and nuns.

• Taoism in China:⁻ originated in China over 1,700 years ago; ⁻ around 9,000 Taoist temples; ⁻ 50,000 priests and nuns.

• Islam in China:⁻ took root in China in 700 AD;⁻ followers include people from 10 ethnic minorities;⁻ roughly 21 million Muslims;⁻ 35,000 mosques and 45,000 imams nationwide.

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• Catholicism in China:⁻ introduced into China since 700 AD;⁻ expanded rapidly after the Opium War of 1840;⁻ about 5.5 million Chinese Catholics;⁻ 7,000 clergymen, and 6,000 churches and chambers.

• Protestantism in China:⁻ first introduced in the early 1900s;⁻ expanded rapidly after the Opium War of 1840;⁻ about 23.05 million Chinese Protestants; ⁻ 37,000 clergymen, 25,000 churches.

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Our major focus is Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism• Buddhism is closely intertwined with traditional Chinese

culture. ⁻ Based on translated Indian Buddhist scriptures ⁻ reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when “Zen” Buddhism

emerged. ⁻ Open and tolerant attitudes towards other religions

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• Taoism： include polytheism, the pursuit of longevity, immortalization and living in harmony with nature.

• Based on Tao Te Ching, a doctrinal classic that documents many Taoist thoughts by a sage Laozi around 600 BC.

• Taoism has significantly influenced Qigong , martial arts, medicine and customs in China.

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• Confucianism is the most influential

• Also called “The Holy One,” Confucianism has long been regarded as an official and national religion.

• Questionable status as a religion.

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• In Confucianism, “heaven” is the highest and ultimate belief.

• The chief goal is to cultivate a civilization characterized by order, harmony, politeness and decency.

• Confucianism is so embedded in various aspects of life that many are not aware of its deep-rooted influence.

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• Many followers in China are quite flexible in their beliefs, as they see religious tenets more as guiding principles in life.

⁻ “Chinese people believe in Confucianism when they are successful; they believe in Taoism and Buddhism when they encounter failure. They hold equivocal polytheism dear to their hearts even if many traditions come and go capriciously.” – Lin Yutang

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The protection and restriction of religious beliefs


• According to the Constitution of China,⁻ Citizens enjoy freedom of religious beliefs;

⁻ The state protects normal religious activities;

⁻ No one may make use of religion to engage in activities that disrupt public order, impair the health of citizens or interfere with the educational system of the state.

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• The Constitution also stipulates that “religious bodies and religious affairs are not subject to any foreign domination.”

⁻ nothing within its borders should be subjected to foreign entities;

⁻ likely has its origins in the Opium War, when Protestant and Catholic preachers participated in military invasions and helped draft unequal treaties.

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• The structural similarity between government and religious organizations. ⁻ e.g.: the lead monk at Shaolin Temple holds a rank equivalent to a vice

governor of a province, and enjoys all the privileges that come with that rank.

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Religious beliefs of Communist Party of China (CPC) members


• CPC members are required to adhere to atheism and refuse any form of religion.

• communism and religion are mutually exclusive in China. • At the end of 2011, there were a total of 82,602,000 CPC members.

⁻ 6 out of every 100 Chinese citizens are CPC members

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Religious beliefs of Communist Party of China (CPC) members


• Some join the CPC for political reasons or potential benefits, and thus are not true atheists.

⁻ college students may gain extra points when they are evaluated for scholarships and prizes;

⁻ party members may have advantageous in applying for positions; e.g., National Civil Servant Examinations

⁻ “Communism by day and corruption and/or religion ”

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Road ahead

• The status quo will likely be maintained.

• China, in general, will remain a secular society for the foreseeable future.


chapter 28. religion and faith section 6. religion and belief the chinese way, ding and xu, 2014...

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