Dorrough Smith, Ramey/Religions of the World, 3. Chinese Religions

This chapter explores and then interrogates four different representations of Chinese Religion. The first focuses on the Three Teachings. This term, referencing Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, shows how many who identify as Chinese see them as complementary teachings rather than completely separate religions. The second representation emphasizes devotional practices as the most important component of Chinese Religion. These practices generally incorporate devotion to divine figures without emphasizing the tradition (if any) with which they are classically affiliated. The third representation identifies filial piety, the notion of respecting parents and elders above personal interests, as the main component of Chinese religion. The final representation connects the practices and discourses of Chinese religions to the process of legal classification, which is most evident in the recognition of five official religions within the government of contemporary China.