ABSTRACT

Folk and popular religion is a very significant part of Chinese religious life, especially in rural areas. Contemporary Religions in China focuses on the religious activities of the lay people of contemporary China and their ideas of what it means to be "religious" and to practice "religion". Throughout, the discussion is illustrated with case studies, textboxes, images, thought questions, and further reading, which help to capture what religion is like, how and why it is practiced, and what ‘religion’ means for everyday people across China in the twenty-first century.

Contemporary Religions in China is an ideal introduction to religion in China for undergraduate students of religion, Chinese studies, and anthropology.

chapter 1|32 pages

Introduction to lay religion in China

chapter 2|22 pages

Setting the stage and defining terms

chapter 3|39 pages

Entering temples

chapter 5|52 pages

Interacting with auspiciousness

chapter 6|38 pages

Interacting with fate, fortune, and chance

chapter 7|45 pages

Lay goals and major issues

Why practice religion?