Religious Studies: Chinese

Shang Divination: A Theocratic Stage for Emerging Chinese Religious Thought and Practice

The archaeological evidence of inscribed oracle bones found near Anyang in North Central China provide a written record of the religious divination practices of China's Shang elites (1554 - 1040 BCE) (De Bary 1999:4). Shang oracle inscriptions offer a Neolithic glimpse into the mind of Shang diviners illuminating their view of cosmology and metaphysics which not only served as a vehicle to legitimize the rule of the last nine Shang kings' rule (De Bary 1999:5), but also set into motion a theocratic stage for later Chinese traditions and dynasties. >> [more]
By Cameron Freeman,

A working definition of the Chinese term 'wuwei' (nonaction, doing nothing)

The teachings of Laozi says the Dao cannot be named or spoken, that it is the mother of all things, mysterious (Sources:79-80) and can only be known through a inexplicable intuition (Sources:78). This connection to the Dao enables a "sage" to respond "spontaneously, harmoniously and adapt to any situation that arises"... >> [more]
By Cameron Freeman,

A Precis of Thomas A. Wilson's Sacrifice and the Imperial Cult of Confucius

Thomas A. Wilson, in his paper, Sacrifice and the Imperial Cult of Confucius, (History of Religions, Vol. 41, No.3, Feb. 2002 pp. 251-287), argues a two part hypothesis: >> [more]
By Cameron Freeman,

Chinese Popular Religion

Stephen P. Teiser, states in his paper, Popular Religion (The Journal of Asian Studies, Vol. 54, No. 2, May 1995, pp. 378-395), that the elements scholars regard today as Chinese "popular religion" had crystallized into a separate tradition by the time of the Sung dynasty. However, Teiser argues that because of the nature and diversity of Chinese sources, no dominant definition or approach to Chinese "popular religion" has emerged among scholars. >> [more]
By Cameron Freeman,