1. Chapter Eight
Chinese Religions

2. Basic Chinese Religious Concepts
Recognition of Multiple Gods and Spirits
The earliest Chinese religions were based on multiple gods and spirits that controlled the universe
They were polytheistic and animistic and were particularly concerned with the gods of Heaven and Earth
There were also local deities
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3. Basic Chinese Religious Concepts
Ying and Yang
The universe operated because of the balance of yin and yang
Yin was the negative force in nature
Darkness, Coolness, Femaleness
Yang was the positive force
Brightness, Warmth, Maleness
Everything in the universe was a combination of those forces
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4. Basic Chinese Religious Concepts
Filial Piety and Ancestor Worship
Throughout history, the Chinese engaged in ancestor veneration, or the respect for and veneration of aged members of the family
The term “old” in Chinese society is seen as a sign of respect and a great compliment
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5. Basic Chinese Religious Concepts
Divination
The early Chinese believed that the universe allowed for future events to be predicted
The Chinese used the shells of tortoises or stalks of grain for divination
I Ching
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6. Basic Chinese Religious Concepts
Development of Belief in the Shang Ti
In the eleventh century, the Chou rules started to assert that the right to rule had to be based on morality and religion
They further asserted that one supreme god controlled the destinies of all of mankind – Shang Ti
He rewarded moral behavior
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7. Basic Chinese Religious Concepts
Decline of the Feudal System
The feudal system began to break down between the 8th and 3rd centuries B.C.E.
Lords were no longer able to protect their vassals from foreign invasion
Three Chinese schools then entered the picture:
Confucianism, Legalists, and Taoism
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8. Taoism The Life of Lao-tzu
Lao-tzu is the founder of Taoism, although some scholars doubt that he was a real historical figure
Legend has it that Lao-tzu sought to leave the country but was not allowed to go until he wrote down the sum of his wisdom – the Tao Tê Ching
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9. Taoism
The Tao Tê Ching
The Tao Tê Ching is one of the most influential books in Chinese literature
It has been translated more than any other book aside from the Bible
The theme of the Tao Tê Ching is that all human achievements are folly, especially elaborate governments
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10. Teachings of the Early Taoist Philosophers
Taoism
Teachings of the Early Taoist Philosophers
The themes of early Taoism are:
The unity behind the universe is a mysterious and undefinable force called the Tao
“Tao” is sometimes defined as the way of the universe
Life is the greatest of all possessions
Life is to be lived simply
Pomp and glory are to be despised
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11. Schools that Rivaled the Early Taoists
Taoism
Schools that Rivaled the Early Taoists
Confucians
An idealized feudal system is the best system of government
Legalists
Government should do good for the majority
Mohists
Government should follow traditional Chinese religion that teaches love and pacificity
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12. Later Development of Taoism
Taoism was basically concerned with living life in harmony with the Tao
An offshoot of Taoism took the Tao concept and tried to use it to seek immortality
Alchemy was also used as a popular method for seeking to extend life
Taoism has continued to have a hold on common people through the present time
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13. Confucianism The Life of Confucius
Confucius, a Westernized name, was actually called Kung and his disciples called him K’ung Fu-tzu
Confucius was born in 550 B.C.E. to a wealthy family who had become poor during the decline of the feudal states
Confucius showed interest in government as a student
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14. Confucianism The Life of Confucius
Confucius became a teacher and particularly taught principles of good government
At age fifty, Confucius was asked to join the government and put his principles to work
After retirement, he wrote classical texts
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15. The Teachings of Confucius
Confucianism
The Teachings of Confucius
There are debates about whether Confucius created a religion or was an atheist
But he basically believed that, although gods existed, they were secondary to an equitable social order
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16. The Teachings of Confucius
Confucianism
The Teachings of Confucius
Confucius taught several themes:
The course of life as it is intended to go (Li)
Five basic relationships in life:
Father-son; elder brother-younger brother; husband-wife; elder-junior; and ruler-subject
We should pursue Jen or love and good-heartedness
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17. The Development of Confucianism
After Confucius’ death, his disciples scattered and spread his message
Interpretations of Confucius’ works by Mencius and Hsün Tzŭ helped to keep his words alive
In addition to acting as an education theory, a cult of Confucius himself developed during the Han dynasty
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18. Traditional Chinese Holidays
Chinese New Year
Occurs at the end of January and is associated with a new animal each year
Emphasizes cleaning and renewal
Pure and Bright Festival
Families clean and reorder the ancestors’ graves in preparation for spring
The Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrates summer with boat races
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19. Traditional Chinese Holidays
All Souls’ Day
Souls are released in a kind of purgatory, and families can make offerings to them
Autumn Harvest Festival
Includes the reading of poetry and viewing the full moon
Winter Holidays
The renewal of the universe
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20. Religion in China Today
Throughout history, Chinese governments have attempted to control religion
Particularly during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, religious and political conflicts an natural disasters have created chaos in much of China
In 1949, China underwent a Marxist revolution and became the People’s Republic of China
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21. Religion in China Today
The Marxist government told citizens that they had freedom of religion
But the Marxist government sought to suppress religious belief – especially from outsiders like Christians and Muslims
Since Mao’s death, the government has become more open to religion
But to be officially recognized, religions must accept official censorship
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