Chinese Religons
...d culture. He also explored the history of different religions in late traditional and modern periods, while giving his readers a “sneak peak” into the local rituals and beliefs practiced in villages. There were three major traditional Chinese religions Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. The Chinese people take elements from the three major religions to make up their religious beliefs. Confucianism teaches that mortal standards applied to everyone. These principles are the will of heaven for human beings, and that those in power should develop a sense of ethical commitment. In addition it strongly emphasizes respect for the past and for one’s ancestors. Taoism teaches people that they should live in harmony with nature and withdraw from everyday life; it is a religion with many protective Gods. The Buddhist part of the Chinese religion worships many Gods to whom they look to for help in times of trouble. They believe in life after death and have strict moral standards. Dr. Overmyer did a wonderful job in presenting the religions of China in an historical context. The way in which he compared Chinese religions with other religions around the world was especially fascinating: “ In religions all over the world there is a sense that sacred power that periodically needs to be renewed, just as a personal energy needs to be recharged by sleep. In Chinese religions, this renewal takes place in rituals that are repeated every year or even every few days.” (Overmyer, 66.) By creating these comparisons, he not only showed a coherent system of beliefs within China but he also helped to point out connections within Chinese...