The rapid growth of Chinese religion and the related studies will potentially reshape the boundary of sociology of religion. While sociology of religion focuses mainly on exclusive religions, so much so that it was on...The rapid growth of Chinese religion and the related studies will potentially reshape the boundary of sociology of religion. While sociology of religion focuses mainly on exclusive religions, so much so that it was once labeled ＂sociology of Christianity,＂ it meets challenges and opportunities in China where non-exclusive religions dominate the society. At the micro-level, the prevalence of non-exclusive religion poses challenges to some key concepts rooted in Western society, such as conversion and commitment. At the organizational level, it challenges sect-to-church theory, reminding us to study non- bureaucratic religious organizations. At the market level, Chinese religions are a laboratory for sociologists to examine factors leading to the prevalence of non-exclusive religions.展开更多
The paper gives an overview of the Anti-Christian Movement of 1922-1927, focusing on the role of Peking University faculty and students in the first stage of the movement. Statements by some important Peking Universit...The paper gives an overview of the Anti-Christian Movement of 1922-1927, focusing on the role of Peking University faculty and students in the first stage of the movement. Statements by some important Peking University intellectuals, such as University President Cai Yuanpei （蔡元培） and Professors Chen Duxiu （陈独秀）, Hu Shi （胡适）, Zhou Zuoren （周作人）, etc. are discussed in detail. Special attention is given to those comments that stand out as against ＂majority opinion＂. Neither the Communists nor the Nationalists were key leaders during the first stage of the movement. It was the clash of core Chinese cultural values with those of Christianity and the Chinese desire to industrialize a country overwhelmed by the Western powers that were instrumental in the instigation of the Anti-Christian Movement.展开更多
In the academic research on religion in China, there have been gaps and dilemmas as the result of differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Throughout this initial period, Chinese scholars have often attempted...In the academic research on religion in China, there have been gaps and dilemmas as the result of differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Throughout this initial period, Chinese scholars have often attempted to interpret Chinese traditional culture and belief with reference to Westem viewpoints and theories. But in studying Chinese religion in this way, many problems and dilemmas inevitably arise. Philosophers, too, adopted this starting point-a strategy now identified as reverse analogical interpretation. This approach has also had great influence in the conventional line of thinking in the social scientific study of religion. By discussing the existence and influence of reverse analogical interpretation in Chinese religious studies, this paper intends to strengthen the social scientific basis of religious studies in China. One negative result of this Western orientation is that the potential substantive contributions of Chinese religion to the larger field of religious studies are slighted. Reverse analogical interpretation even tempts Chinese researchers to overlook the distinctive features of Chinese religion. This paper begins with an analysis of the application of the term “ religion” in Chinese academic research and then reflects on the dilemma of employing Western theories of religion in Chinese cultural environments. It is hoped that this reflection may contribute to a heightened consciousness of both the benefits and the difficulties involved in such cross-cultural intellectual exchange.展开更多
China is the only country in the Far East in which Jews have lived continuously for over a thousand years. Because Judaism is inseparable from the Jews, it has also continued in Chinese society for over a thousand yea...China is the only country in the Far East in which Jews have lived continuously for over a thousand years. Because Judaism is inseparable from the Jews, it has also continued in Chinese society for over a thousand years. Judaism refers not only to the religious beliefs of the Jews but also - maybe more importantly - to the visible shape of the daily life of Jewish people. Therefore, in order to trace and present Judaism in China, this paper will focus on two issues： the presence of the Jews in China to provide the background, and their daily life such as holiday rituals, education, dietary laws and burial customs to present evidence of the actual practice of Judaism in China. In addition, the paper addresses official Chinese attitudes toward Judaism from a historical perspective.展开更多
文摘The rapid growth of Chinese religion and the related studies will potentially reshape the boundary of sociology of religion. While sociology of religion focuses mainly on exclusive religions, so much so that it was once labeled ＂sociology of Christianity,＂ it meets challenges and opportunities in China where non-exclusive religions dominate the society. At the micro-level, the prevalence of non-exclusive religion poses challenges to some key concepts rooted in Western society, such as conversion and commitment. At the organizational level, it challenges sect-to-church theory, reminding us to study non- bureaucratic religious organizations. At the market level, Chinese religions are a laboratory for sociologists to examine factors leading to the prevalence of non-exclusive religions.
文摘The paper gives an overview of the Anti-Christian Movement of 1922-1927, focusing on the role of Peking University faculty and students in the first stage of the movement. Statements by some important Peking University intellectuals, such as University President Cai Yuanpei （蔡元培） and Professors Chen Duxiu （陈独秀）, Hu Shi （胡适）, Zhou Zuoren （周作人）, etc. are discussed in detail. Special attention is given to those comments that stand out as against ＂majority opinion＂. Neither the Communists nor the Nationalists were key leaders during the first stage of the movement. It was the clash of core Chinese cultural values with those of Christianity and the Chinese desire to industrialize a country overwhelmed by the Western powers that were instrumental in the instigation of the Anti-Christian Movement.
文摘In the academic research on religion in China, there have been gaps and dilemmas as the result of differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Throughout this initial period, Chinese scholars have often attempted to interpret Chinese traditional culture and belief with reference to Westem viewpoints and theories. But in studying Chinese religion in this way, many problems and dilemmas inevitably arise. Philosophers, too, adopted this starting point-a strategy now identified as reverse analogical interpretation. This approach has also had great influence in the conventional line of thinking in the social scientific study of religion. By discussing the existence and influence of reverse analogical interpretation in Chinese religious studies, this paper intends to strengthen the social scientific basis of religious studies in China. One negative result of this Western orientation is that the potential substantive contributions of Chinese religion to the larger field of religious studies are slighted. Reverse analogical interpretation even tempts Chinese researchers to overlook the distinctive features of Chinese religion. This paper begins with an analysis of the application of the term “ religion” in Chinese academic research and then reflects on the dilemma of employing Western theories of religion in Chinese cultural environments. It is hoped that this reflection may contribute to a heightened consciousness of both the benefits and the difficulties involved in such cross-cultural intellectual exchange.
文摘China is the only country in the Far East in which Jews have lived continuously for over a thousand years. Because Judaism is inseparable from the Jews, it has also continued in Chinese society for over a thousand years. Judaism refers not only to the religious beliefs of the Jews but also - maybe more importantly - to the visible shape of the daily life of Jewish people. Therefore, in order to trace and present Judaism in China, this paper will focus on two issues： the presence of the Jews in China to provide the background, and their daily life such as holiday rituals, education, dietary laws and burial customs to present evidence of the actual practice of Judaism in China. In addition, the paper addresses official Chinese attitudes toward Judaism from a historical perspective.
