Chinese Religious Traditions (Religions of the World) [Paperback]

Joseph A. Adler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130911631 | ISBN-13: 978-0130911636 | Publication Date: March 16, 2002 | Edition: 1

This book provides an introduction to the history of religion in China and its contours in China and Taiwan today, focusing on four religious traditions: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and popular religion. It covers not only religious and ethical ideas but also the practices of each tradition. Readers will become familiar with common themes that weave themselves through the history of Chinese religion to the present day—such as ancestor worship, sacrifice, and divination—and gain an understanding of the ways in which religion has responded to and influenced political and cultural change in China. For individuals interested in the history of China and its religions.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This series provides succinct and balanced overviews of the religions of the world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, each book gives a basic introduction to the faith—its history, beliefs, and practices—and emphasizes modern developments and the role and impact of the religion in today's world.

Chinese Religious Traditions provides a concise introduction to the history of religion in China and its ramifications in China today. Focusing on the four major religious traditions of Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and popular religion, this book covers the religious and ethical ideas as well as the practices within each tradition. The book traces themes that are common to Chinese society from earliest times to the present day. It also highlights the ways in which each tradition has responded to and influenced political and cultural change.

About the Author

Joseph A. Adler is Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio.

Ninian Smart was J. F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (March 16, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130911631
• ISBN-13: 978-0130911636
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)