Religions and Society in China (introductory course)
This course is offered in Charles University (Prague), Faculty of Social Sciences in April 2018
This short course provides an introduction to the study of the history, main doctrines, and practices of the major Chinese religions and spiritual practices and is designed to give conceptual tools to appreciate diverse religious practice in China. It covers the development of Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism and wide range of popular and local religions as well as Chinese mythology. From historical perspective, we will explore the development of key theological, religious and philosophical doctrines as well as associated practices of main spiritual schools from Early to contemporary China. We will analyze the origins, central teachings, divisions and religious branches, rituals and practices, influences on culture, and responses to modern challenges for each tradition. We will cover many topics from religious philosophies and spiritual practices, to rituals, scriptures, gender, religious authority. We also will concentrate on the mystical experience of the followers and syncretic metaphysical doctrines, as well to the hermeneutic difficulties attendant upon the study of Asian religions.
At the end of the course we will discuss the role and apprehension of foreign religions in China, such as Christianity, Islam, Manichaeism, missionary activities and Chinese response to it We will explore new Chinese religions as well as several important topics such as state and religion, fame and religion, politics and religion, state ideology and religions, etc. as dynamic, ongoing forces in the lives of individuals and in the collective experience of modern societies.
You can listen the part of this course at Coursera
(Please, take into consideration that it is just a simplified version for non-professional audience)
(Please, take into consideration that it is just a simplified version for non-professional audience)