Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the controversial features of the secularization thesis about Chinese religions performed via analyzing the newly published Chinese religious policy named The Several Opinions on Further Governance of Commercial Problems in Buddhism and Taoism. This article proposes a complex hypothesis: (1) though the public influence of religion has acquired momentum of expansion in China, the growth and expansion of Chinese religions accompanied the decline of private religiosity; (2) Chinese religions possess controversial features of secularization: though they experience the reduction of their power, range of control, and prestige, meanwhile they embrace the increase in numbers of members, intensity, frequency, and importance of public life; (3) Nonreligious factors play an important role in promoting the growth of Chinese religions temporarily, while religious factors will be responsible for resurgence of Chinese religions chronically. This paper is the first in a series to apply the secularization thesis to Chinese religions.
Highlights
The secularization thesis has been full of controversy since it arose
In light of the public influence of religion, attendance at religious sites, and belief in religion, all themes which the secularization thesis always focuses on, this article argues that: (1) the secularization process has not proceeded as expected in atheist China; (2) if Chinese religions are studied according to secularization theories, several main differences could be observed; (3) though Chinese religions manifest several exceptional or even controversial features of the secularization thesis, these exceptions do not overturn the existing secularization thesis but offer certain constructive supplements
Martin proposes that secularization is less a scientific concept than a tool of counter-religious ideologies, and that the uses of secularization are a barrier to progress in the sociology of religion
Summary
The secularization thesis has been full of controversy since it arose. One party claims that religion will lose its public influence as the forces of modernity advance. The fourth one is the newly published official document, entitled The Several Opinions on Further Governance of Commercial Problem in Buddhism and Taoism, which was issued at the time of nearly 40 years’ continuous economic development in China The publishing of this religious policy was so widely involved with the different departments of central government and the CPC central committee, that it cannot fail to generate significant influence on Chinese religion and society because its issuers cover areas such as religion, security, finance, taxation, tourism, cultural heritage, cyberspace, securities, propaganda, etc. This has been viewed as a problem by the public, and there is a need do something to guide and improve the social influence caused by religion. In light of the public influence of religion, attendance at religious sites, and belief in religion, all themes which the secularization thesis always focuses on, this article argues that: (1) the secularization process has not proceeded as expected in atheist China; (2) if Chinese religions are studied according to secularization theories, several main differences could be observed; (3) though Chinese religions manifest several exceptional or even controversial features of the secularization thesis, these exceptions do not overturn the existing secularization thesis but offer certain constructive supplements
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