Introducing Chinese Religions

by Poceski; Mario

• ISBN13: 9780415434058
• ISBN10: 041543405X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-08-10
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Introducing Chinese Religionsis the ideal starting point for students exploring the fascinating religious traditions of China. This introduction covers the whole spectrum of Chinese religious history, from the multi-faceted religious heritage of pre-modern China, to the practice of different religions in China today, as well as the spread and influence of Chinese religions throughout the world. Mario Poceski, an experienced teacher of Chinese religions, explores the three main traditions of Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism, as well as the development of Western and popular religions in the region, such as Christianity and Islam. The book introduces students to the richness and diversity of Chinese religious life, pointing out mutual influences and intersections of the religions of the region, and how they interact with other elements of Chinese culture and society, including politics, literature and art. Illustrated throughout, the book also includes text boxes, summary charts, a glossary and a list of further reading to aid students'¬" understanding and revision. The accompanying website for this book can be found at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415434065.

Table of Contents

Illustrations

Chinese

Dynastic

History

Preface and Acknowledgements

Introduction

Early Patterns of Chinese

Religious Life

The Classical Confucian Tradition

Early Texts and the Emergence of Religious Daoism

Daoist Traditions and Practices

Spread and Flourishing of Buddhism in China

Schools and Practices of Chinese Buddhism

Popular religion

Later Transformations of Confucianism

Christianity, Islam and other 'Western' Religions

Religion in Modern China

Major Chinese Festivals

Chinese

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.