The contemporary revival of confucianism: Anshen liming or the religious dimension of confucianism

Since the beginning of the century, the resurgence in Mainland China of what is referred to as “Confucianism” has included a “religious” dimension. The term “religious” is here used to characterise a variety of explorations where the quest for “inner peace” also echoes a concern for individual or co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:China perspectives
Main Author: Billioud, Sébastien 1969- (Author)
Contributors: Thoraval, Joël 1950-2016 (Other)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Published: CEFC 2008
In: China perspectives
Further subjects:B Volksrepublik China Confucianism Religion Institutionalization Gesellschaftliche Prozesse Erneuerungsbewegung Individuelle Faktoren Religiosity Philosophy
B China
B Institutionalization
B Religion
B Development
B Confucianism
B Society
B Religiosity
B Religious renewal
B Philosophy
Description
Summary:Since the beginning of the century, the resurgence in Mainland China of what is referred to as “Confucianism” has included a “religious” dimension. The term “religious” is here used to characterise a variety of explorations where the quest for “inner peace” also echoes a concern for individual or collective destiny (anshen liming). In order to understand these phenomena better, this article first examines an individual story that provides insight into what a Confucian religious experience may be today. This example is then placed within the context of shifting categories (religion, philosophy, science) once accepted as self-evident but now being questioned by elites and other groups in society. Finally, to give a sense of various explicit projects oriented towards achieving recognition of Confucianism as an official and institutionalised religion, the article analyses three such efforts seeking to institute Confucianism either as a “religion on par with other official religions,” as the “state religion,” or as “civil religion.” (China Perspect/GIGA)
ISSN:2070-3449
Contains:In: China perspectives