13 A Brief Discussion on Theories of Religion and Legal Reconstruction over the Past Twelve Years (略谈十二年来我国的宗教理论和法 制建设)

Abstract

This chapter describes that what China achieved in theory-building and legal construction works with respect to religion from 1993 to 2005. Where the theory-building work is concerned, the ruling CCP has established the basic principles of religious work in the New Era and created a complete set of socialist views of religion. The key of understanding correctly religious questions existing in Chinese society is to have intellectual explorations firmly grounded on the basic national conditions of China and to understand fully the three natures of religious question, namely, the protracted, mass and complex natures. It is also pointed out that in accordance with the rule-of-law strategy, the State Council has enacted Regulations on Religious Affairs , an administrative rule sanctioned by the state with the purpose of safeguarding the freedom of religious belief, maintaining the religious reconciliation and social harmony, and normalizing the administration of religious affairs. Keywords: China; legalization; social harmony; theories of religion