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
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.
