Principles of Religious Studies - (New Revised Edition)

Author: Chen Linshu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Chinese religion and Western religion share both commonalities and differences in their belief models. This comparison focuses on the distinctions between the two. Here, "Chinese religion" is limited to the Han ethnic group, primarily referring to Buddhism, Taoism, and folk beliefs; Western religion refers to Christianity, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Chinese religion and Western religion have significant differences in their belief models, which are reflected in the following three aspects:
First, from the perspective of religious belief characteristics, the mass belief of Chinese religion exhibits a diversified belief characteristic; conversely, the collective belief of Western religion is characterized by a unified belief characteristic.
Second, from the perspective of religious belief consciousness, the mass belief of Chinese religion is dominated by a utilitarian consciousness of the present world, while the collective belief of Western religion is dominated by doctrinal consciousness.
Third, from the perspective of sect relationships, the belief society of Chinese religion seeks development through coexistence and competition centered on imperial power, whereas the belief society of Western religion seeks development through mutual exclusivity centered on ecclesiastical power.