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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.
List of contents
List of Figures
List of Boxes
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1- Introduction to lay religion in China
Chapter 2- Setting the Stage and Defining Terms
Chapter 3- Entering Temples
Chapter 4- Understanding and Interacting with Deities, Spirits and Ancestors
Chapter 5- Interacting with Auspiciousness
Chapter 6- Interacting with Fate, Fortune, and Chance
Chapter 7- Lay Goals and Major Issues: Why Practice Religion
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Shawn Arthur is Assistant Professor of Chinese Religions at Wake Forest University, USA.
