Christianity : A Religion Impacting China

1124 Words3 Pages

Christianity: A Religion Impacting China
China is a unique country with distinct religions. There are five traditional Chinese religions that each offer insight into the culture. These practices reveal the reverence and honor the Chinese bring to their families, the desire to be one with nature, and the connection they have with their idols and gods. However, Christianity has been on the rise in contemporary Chinese culture. By understanding the key features of Chinese religions, the role of traditional Chinese religion in their culture, how the growth of Christianity has impacted their society, and how a Christian can enhance their interactions with the Chinese, a Christian can represent the gospel in a loving and caring way that draws more Chinese towards Christ and salvation.
Key Features & Religious Practices of Chinese Popular Religions
The main Chinese religions have many key features. The main religions include shamanism/ancestor reverence, Confucianism, Daoism, Mahayana Buddhism, and idol worship. These five religions share some features in common. For example, Chinese popular religion focuses on the human being’s pursuit of health, wealth, and happiness in their lives (Corduan, 2012). Chinese popular religions want humans to do well and succeed in their day-to-day lives. Another key component of Chinese religions is respecting one’s elders. The religions teach the importance of obeying the commands of the elders and honoring the family name. The Chinese also place a strong emphasis on the temple. The temple is a place where people communicate, understand, and learn about their gods (Corduan, 2012). The next subsections will describe the key religious practices of each of the five Chinese religions.
Shamanism/ancestor reverence is the oldest Chinese religion. It is based on the belief that the spirits of ancestors can influence the living. Confucianism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of education, family, and social order. Daoism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. Mahayana Buddhism is a religion that emphasizes the importance of compassion and the belief in reincarnation. Idol worship is the belief that gods and goddesses can be found in statues and images.
Role of Traditional Chinese Religion on Culture
Traditional Chinese religion has played a significant role in shaping Chinese culture. It has influenced the way Chinese people think, behave, and interact with others. Traditional Chinese religion has also influenced Chinese art, literature, and architecture. It has helped to create a sense of community and belonging among the Chinese people.
Impact of Christianity on Chinese Society
Christianity has had a significant impact on Chinese society. It has brought new ideas and values to China. Christianity has also helped to create a sense of community among Chinese Christians. However, Christianity has faced opposition from the Chinese government, which sees it as a threat to its authority.
Enhancing Interactions with the Chinese
To enhance interactions with the Chinese, Christians need to understand Chinese culture and values. They need to show respect for Chinese traditions and beliefs. Christians also need to be patient and understanding when communicating with

Show More
Related

  • microtheme

    540 Words  | 2 Pages

    After watching the documentary The Long Search: Taoism: A Question of Balance—China, I am totally surprised by the details in the video, which explain every single aspect of people’s daily life in Taiwan as religious, especially Taoist. Since China does not consider itself as a nation of religious beliefs and practices, I do not actually think of what Chinese people do everyday as religious. However, after studying Religions in China for a semester, I finally realize that all the Chinese traditions and beliefs have evolved as a mixture of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. As a result, it all makes sense to see in the video that Taoism is a dominant religion that has deeply influenced individuals’ life in Taiwan.

    Read More

  • Buddhism in China

    807 Words  | 2 Pages

    of acceptance of Buddhism within China, one must look at each class individually and see

    Read More

  • Spread of Buddhism in China

    922 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhist popularity towards the Chinese grew following the collapse of the Han Dynasty in 220 C.E. It’s influence has continued to expand for several centuries. Between 220 C.E. and 220 C.E. and 570 C.E., China experienced a period of political instability and disunity. During this time, many of the Chinese, specifically scholars, sought for peace in Buddhism and approved of Buddhism. On the other hand, the strict confucianists and the government fought to end Buddhism and make people go against it.

    Read More

  • Proposal – Chinese Christians in the US

    555 Words  | 2 Pages

    As an Arab(Muslim) living in the US, I perfectly recognize what it is to be a member of a minority group. However, I am quite intrigued by the idea of studying the Chinese Christian subculture within the United States. This project will involve studying existing literature on the given subculture – which is Chinese Christian community within the US. In most cases, subcultures are closed knit and members like associating with members of their communities; understandably because of the need to belong and find closeness with one another. Nonetheless, Christianity amongst Chinese immigrants in the United States brings forth the idea of present-day assimilation, religious conversion, and so forth. In order to ensure this project is completed successfully, there will be different methods of collecting information other than studying existing literature – by experts in the field. Most notably, there will be interviews with members of the subculture being studied to get first-hand information on the experiences of the group in the US.

    Read More

  • Key Features And Characteristics Of The Chinese Popular Religion

    1037 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Buddhist brought with them the concept of multiple gods and Buddha’s “spiritual state to provide the power for humans to make the transition into death and the afterlife successfully” (Corduan, 2012, p.410). Confucianism brought the obedience of the child to the parent into Chinese mainstream life, plus the “social stratification and codes governing dress, actions and communication” (Corduan, 2012, p.409). Taoism introduced the balance of forces in harmony in spirits in the form of yin and yang, thus creating that balance of nature and humans (Corduan, 2012). Christianity influenced Chinese life both socially and economically by introducing the concepts of “love for one’s neighbor, self-discipline, and trust” (Lu, 2014, p.2) as both essential and beneficial (Lu, 2014). All of these together with the traditional Chinese religion, give the Chinese culture it’s popular religion

    Read More

  • Example Of A Cultural Plunge

    755 Words  | 2 Pages

    Since I grew in traditional chinese family, so I don’t know much about religions. In my family, we don’t go to church or temple. In my family, we do have some special customs that we follow during holidays,

    Read More

  • Taoism’s Historical Origins and Leaders

    1754 Words  | 4 Pages

    Taoism is an ancient Chinese religion, a religion of peace focused on universal balance. The religion itself, though generally surviving today, was almost entirely wiped out in ancient times. Taoism’s primary symbol is still visible on the global market in modern times, though it tends to carry somewhat different meanings then it necessarily did previously. An incredibly life-structure oriented religion, it has permeated through society and is more easily understood through analysis of Taoism’s historical origins and leaders, its types and beliefs, ethics, and the modern influences of Taoism on society.

    Read More

  • What Is Religion?

    1612 Words  | 4 Pages

    Primal Religions, Confucianism, and Taoism share three features that are discussed by Smith and shared with many religions. Those features are authority, tradition, and mystery. Without these three features it would be hard to define any of the above as religions. As a whole religion is difficult to define, there is not any one correct definition. Enlightening one’s mind and opening one’s heart will allow one to define religion as well as feel it.

    Read More

  • Chinese Influence on Korea and Japan

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    Regarding religion, Chinese culture saw the emergence of Confucianism and Buddhism as the major influence. Confucianism stressed filial piety which meant respecting elders and superiors, ruling righteously, and obeying commands and orders. Confucianism was introduced by the Chinese thinker Confucius. Buddhism was brought to China, but originated in India and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Followers of Buddhism worshipped Buddh...

    Read More

  • Differences Between Buddhism and Christianity

    1226 Words  | 3 Pages

    As we can know, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islamism are the three largest religions all over the world. They all play a very significant role in our life. Nonetheless, Christianity and Buddhism are the largest population around the world. Through our religious distribution map around the world, there are seven billion followers who believe in Buddhism while twenty billion followers who believe in Christianity around the world. Moreover, Christian population are the 31.5% of the world population, in the meantime, Buddhists are the 7.1% of the world population around the world. In China, there are lots of people who believe in Buddhism because they think that Buddhism which can bring their fortune and safety. That is a only one reason Buddhism which plays a large population in China's population. Historically, Buddhism are largely distributed to some Asian areas like China, Thailand, and Japanese.

    Read More

  • Buddhist Art of The Wei Dynasty

    1903 Words  | 4 Pages

    In fact, Buddhism would become a central aspect to culture of the Chinese. Buddhism had a great impact on the Chinese, philosophers, and Chinese emperors. Additionally, Buddhism had a great influence on Chinese art, and Buddhism was the greatest foreign influence on the artwork of the Chinese. Chinese artist would mix their traditions, with other popular Buddhist art forms from places, such as India. The arrival of Buddhism in China greatly influenced the art of China for many dynasties.

    Read More

  • Comparison of the American and Chinese Cultures

    1897 Words  | 4 Pages

    In many countries, religion is very important, so important that some cultures use it in every aspect of their lives. China, like some other countries, is a multi-religious country.... ... middle of paper ... ...

    Read More

  • Rise Of Christianity Essay

    1432 Words  | 3 Pages

    The rise of Christianity in western civilization is arguably among the most important memories in history. There is no denying what the spread of Christianity has done for the world, for better or worse. Its impact on western civilizations is unrivaled and unprecedented. Christianity slowly became something for many individuals to turn to; in times of hurt it provided comfort, in times of pleasure it gave thanks. The will and belief for salvation has driven individuals to be better, and to have a reference while in need.

    Read More

  • Religions of the World

    1604 Words  | 4 Pages

    Johnston, Patricia. "Bibles for China." Magazine of the United Free Church of Scotland [Glasgow]. United Free Church of Scotland. Web. 09 Dec. 2011. .

    Read More

  • Difference Between Confucianism And Taoism

    1048 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the Chinese culture there are several major religions, two of these include Confucianism and Taoism, which have dated back for thousands of years. According to. Experiencing the World 's Religions and The World’s Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World’s Religions, both Confucianism and Taoism originated in ancient China through the religions’ teachers: Confucius and Lao Tzu. “Taoism and Confucianism grew up together, entering Chinese history around the sixth century B.C.E.; Taoism’s beginnings are linked to the legendary figure of Lao Tzu, senior to Confucius by about fifty years. Even though Taoism and many other folk religions have shaped the Chinese mind, Confucianism remains, by any historical measure, its chief mentor” (Novak 113).

    Read More

More about Christianity : A Religion Impacting China

Open Document