An Introduction to Religion in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

An Introduction to Religion in China - Essay Example Different communities had different beliefs, thus developing differing attitudes towards religion. This paper looks to demonstrate how the Chinese conception of religion in relation to their beliefs and practices. This paper will also seek to determine whether religion existed in China during pre-modern times and outline what might be at stake when the Chinese are asked these questions. In the ancient times in China, people lived in small villages and towns typically of up to one to one thousand residents. Their exposure to cultural horizons was not far much wide as almost all of them were illiterate. Any chance they had of learning about the tradition in the west or the outside world had to come in the type of songs and speeches in their native language. There is certainly no doubt that the people who lived in the same are all shared common practices and beliefs. However, other Chinese citizens in different locations across China also had their doctrines and practices that varied fr om others I one way or another. Despite of these differences that developed between these people, all their cultural beliefs were still regarded as Chinese. Vernacular ideologies explain why these cultural beliefs and practices were collectively shared. Similar language, customary laws and equivalent proverbs were also common. This coherence of similar cultural practices summed the Chinese beliefs and practices (DeBary, Lufrano & Chan 76).... A European traveler, Father Evariste Hue, who had spent quite a lot of time in China, was able to discern the progress that the Chinese were making. Presentations were still a common occurrence, and different social classes were beginning to emerge. The rich were gradually differentiating themselves from the poor but despite these developing differences, various kinds of rituals still retained their primary role in the symbolic heart of China. According to Hue, temples, family ceremonials and religious processions where springing up with almost the same accuracy as were the different kinds of rituals taking centre stage in china. It is noteworthy that the Chinese embraced religion with almost the same enthusiasm as they valued their beliefs. The Chinese incorporated their beliefs into religion. This is seen when they perform procedure gods. This script execution formed a means of communication between them and their gods (DeBary, Lufrano & Chan 97). Religion existed in China long bef ore they developed ties with the west though it is vital to mention that faith was developed further after China had developed ties with the west. Temples still existed in the pre-modern times. The presence of this temple shows there was some of the worship. Rituals were performed in these temples to communicate with the gods. These gods, the Chinese people believed had some super natural powers over them. This shows that though an inferior form of worship as compared to modern day religion, that the Chinese believed in religion long before meeting civilization from the west. The refining of fire ritual is one excellent example to show further prove to affirm that religion was already in china before civilization. This