Religion in China: Ties that Bind

Adam Yuet Chau's book explores how religion is embedded in contemporary Chinese lives and society, from personal devotion to community-wide festivals. It provides insights into the contemporary relevance of religious traditions, arguing that relationality is the key anchor of religious lifeworlds. It appeals to those studying or curious about Chinese or East Asian religions and serves as a gateway to understanding religious practices in China today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2019
Publisher: Polity Press

In recent years, China has witnessed an extraordinary resurgence of religious practices, transcending mere numerical counts of religious practitioners, temples, and churches. Anthropologist Adam Yuet Chau delves into the intricate tapestry of how religion permeates the daily lives and societal fabric of contemporary China, offering a comprehensive exploration that goes beyond mere statistics.

Chau's ethnographically rich book spans a wide range of religious traditions, including Buddhism, Daoism, folk religion, Christianity, and Islam. By examining the diverse ways in which Chinese individuals engage in religious practices, he sheds light on the critical role that religious practice plays in forging and sustaining a diverse array of relationships. These relationships encompass interconnections between people, spirits, and places, as well as the dynamic interactions between ritual service providers and their customers, the state, and religious groups.

Chau's central argument revolves around the notion of relationality, which he posits as the fundamental anchor of religious lifeworlds. He challenges the prevailing notion that religion is primarily about belief and doctrine, emphasizing instead the importance of the relationships that shape religious experiences and practices. Through his insightful analysis, Chau unveils how religious lifeworlds are intricately woven with social, cultural, and political dimensions, creating a rich and complex tapestry of human existence.

This captivating account appeals to scholars and enthusiasts alike, particularly those interested in Chinese or East Asian religions. It serves as an invaluable gateway into understanding the vibrant and diverse religious practices that continue to shape China's contemporary landscape. By delving into the intricate nuances of Chinese religious practices, Chau offers a fresh perspective that challenges traditional understandings of religion and invites us to reevaluate our assumptions about the role of religion in the world.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745679167