Confucianism and Sacred Space: The Confucius Temple from Imperial China to Today

Temples dedicated to Confucius are found throughout China and across East Asia, dating back over two thousand years. Chin-shing Huang's book explores Confucianism as a religion, arguing that Confucius temples are the holy ground of Confucianism, symbolic sites of sacred space that represent a point of convergence between political and cultural power. Their complex histories shed light on the religious nature and character of Confucianism and its status as official religion in imperial China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2020
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Temples dedicated to Confucius can be found throughout China and East Asia, with a rich history dating back over two thousand years. These sacred and magnificent sanctuaries hold immense cultural and political significance, representing the profound reverence and admiration for the teachings of Confucius.

In his book, "Confucianism and Sacred Space," Chin-shing Huang delves into the multifaceted aspects of Confucius temples, exploring them as both religious institutions and cultural phenomena. Through extensive research spanning decades, Huang offers a comprehensive examination of Confucianism as one of China's "three religions," alongside Buddhism and Daoism. He views Confucius temples as the holiest ground of Confucianism, symbolic sites of sacred space that embody a convergence of political and cultural power.

Huang's analysis encompasses various topics, including the political and intellectual elements of Confucian enshrinement, the historical process of integrating Confucius temples into the imperial ritual system, and the prevailing perception of Confucianism in modern China. He sheds light on the complex histories of these temples, revealing their role in shaping the religious nature and character of Confucianism during imperial China.

One of the key insights offered by Huang is his argument that Confucianism should be viewed as a religion rather than merely a philosophy or ethical system. He contends that Confucius temples serve as the physical manifestation of Confucian beliefs and values, providing a tangible connection between the followers of Confucianism and their spiritual heritage. These temples are not just places of worship but also centers of learning, where Confucian principles are disseminated and studied.

Through his meticulous research, Huang provides a nuanced analysis of the question of Confucianism as religion. He challenges the conventional understanding of Confucianism as a secular or ethical system and highlights its religious dimensions. He explores the ways in which Confucian temples were integrated into the imperial ritual system, emphasizing their role in legitimizing the political authority
authority of the emperor and the ruling elite.

Furthermore, Huang delves into the historical factors that contributed to the decline of Confucianism as an official religion in modern China. He examines the impact of Western colonialism, the rise of nationalism, and the Communist Party's promotion of Marxist ideology on the perception and practice of Confucianism. He argues that while Confucianism continues to hold a significant place in Chinese culture and society, its status as an official religion has been eroded over time.

In conclusion, "Confucianism and Sacred Space" offers a valuable contribution to the study of Confucianism and its relationship with religion. Through his comprehensive analysis, Huang sheds light on the significance of Confucius temples in the intellectual, political, social, and religious histories of imperial China. He challenges the conventional understanding of Confucianism as a secular or ethical system and presents a compelling argument for viewing it as a religion. This book provides insights into the complex dynamics between religion, politics, and culture in early modern China and offers valuable perspectives on the enduring legacy of Confucianism in contemporary society.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 155 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231198974