China, Other Eastern Religions & Sacred Texts, Religious Studies 

 

Publisher Comments
This accessible introduction to the study of Chinese religion presents religious expression as a manifestation of Chinese culture. Like other books in Wadsworth's Religious Life in History Series, this text explores religion as a means to 'ultimate transformation.' 

Synopsis
Laurence Thompson's Chinese Religion: An Introduction, Fifth Edition is unique in its presentation of religious expression as a manifestation of Chinese culture. Part of Wadsworth's Religious Life in History Series, this accessible introduction to Chinese religion adheres to the Series' fundamental mission to explore religion as a means to "ultimate transformation". Continuing to expand on that theme, the author has added a new chapter to this edition that views Chinese religion as a means of coping with existential problems. The Fifth Edition also includes new suggested readings that explore current developments in this rapidly evolving field.

Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [164]-176) and index.

Table of Contents
1. The Early Chinese Worldview. 2. Prescientific Theory and Religious Practice. 3. The Family: Kindred and Ancestors. 4. The Community: Gods and Temples. 5. The State: Emperor and Officials. 6. Three Ways to Ultimate Transformation: (1) Taoist Tradition. 7. Three Ways to Ultimate Transformation: (2) Literati Tradition. 8. Three Ways to Ultimate Transformation: (3) Buddhist Tradition. 9. Their Separate Ways: Cults and Sects. 10. The Festival Year. 11. Traditional Chinese Religion as a Means of Coping. 12. The Disruption of Tradition. Appendices:1. The Canons of the Three Traditions. 2. The Mind or Heart Scripture of Perfect Wisdom. 3. The Heaven-Honored One of the Primal Beginnings Speaks the Scripture of the Precious Names of the Three Controllers. Glossary. Selected Readings. Index.
 

Document Type: Book
All Authors / Contributors: Laurence G Thompson
ISBN: 0534255361 9780534255367
OCLC Number: 1073145595
Description: XXIV, 182 S. Ill.
Series Title: Religious life in history
Responsibility: Laurence G. Thompson.