""The Historical Development of Religion in China"" offers a detailed exploration of the spiritual and moral framework that has guided Chinese civilization for centuries. Written by Walter James Clennell, this scholarly yet accessible work traces the evolution of belief systems from the ancient origins of the Chinese state through the dawn of the twentieth century.
The book provides an insightful analysis of the ""Three Teachings""-Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism-and how they have coexisted and merged to form a unique religious synthesis. Clennell examines the relationship between the state and religion, the role of ancestral worship, and the impact of foreign influences, including the introduction of Christianity and the modernizing pressures of the early Republican era. By contextualizing religious shifts within the broader historical narrative of dynastic change and social upheaval, Clennell highlights the enduring resilience and adaptability of Chinese thought.
Ideal for students of history and comparative religion, this work remains a valuable resource for understanding the complex intellectual heritage of China. It clarifies how traditional values and spiritual practices have remained central to the Chinese identity even amidst profound cultural transformation.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
By:
Walter James Clennell Imprint: Tradd Street Press Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Spine: 18mm
Weight: 576g ISBN:9781025707266 ISBN 10: 1025707265 Pages: 284 Publication Date:14 February 2026 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active