Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism are the three major religions in China, although it is true to say that Confucianism is a school of philosophy rather than a religion.Generally speaking, Chinese people do not have a strong religious inclination but despite this the three main faiths have had a considerable following. The fact that Confucianism is a philosophy rather than religion meant that it became the orthodox doctrine for Chinese intellectuals in the days of the feudalist society. However, these intellectuals did not stick to their doctrine as a believer clings to his belief. Someone summarized the true attitude of Chinese intellectuals as - they followed the teachings of Confucius and Mencius when they were successful but would turn to Taoism when they were frustrated.
Many people say they are Buddhists yet have never read the sutras. Most people will say they believe in gods, destiny, fate, luck and an afterlife. Even so, on most occasions, rather than rely on prayer, people will make decisions all by themselves or resort to either family or friends for help. A visible human being is considered far more reliable than invisible gods or spirits.
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Q & A on Religions & Beliefs in China
1.
Jan. 20,2010 21:08 Reply
Ms.cutie(canada) said:
do chinese people have a catholic religion too??
2.
Jan. 3,2010 03:07 Reply
Mr.CrisKamote(Philippines) said:
*sigh...
Im in culinary school, but i have an assignment about chinese culture, religiion and everything around it..
im soooo confused where to begin!
3.
Dec. 6,2008 09:44 Reply
Ms.Erica(NY) said:
What do China belive in?
Dec. 6,2008 21:01
Mr.Xu(China) replied:
Actually, most of Chinese don't have religion.
Dec. 9,2008 17:32
Mr.fisher(america) replied:
Well it matters what part of China, What race, What is their history, and stuff like that. so they believe in gods and godeses and the one and only god of abraham.
Apr. 18,2009 23:59
Mrs.pretty woman(usa) replied:
buddhism and um........... there's otherr 2 but cant remember
Nov. 5,2009 08:33
Mr.FROGMAN(China) replied:
Nowadays we believe in none,but those religions have influenced all citizens inevitably.
Dec. 12,2009 10:10
Mrs.Person(Usa) replied:
Chinese people believe in many things. They could believe in anything.
4.
Dec. 2,2009 18:05 Reply
Mr. mcdonald(USA) said:
what do daoists belive in that buddist and cofutionists dont belive in
5.
Apr. 2,2009 10:26 Reply
Mr.elliot(isreal) said:
umm is china tolernet of diferent religions
Oct. 20,2009 04:12
Mr.Pete(England) replied:
different parts of china are tolerant of different religions, the three main fundamental religions are religions looked upon as what you should be, where as other western religions are tolerated but to and extent, for instance if a mad was preeching some other religion on the streets of china, this may be looked upon as attempting to dispen the thoughts of the people and is punishable, but as i said, different parts of china are tolerant to different things. so this is true for one sect, but not for another.