391 Term Paper First Draft: Religion In Chinese History

Name: Hanluo Wang
Professor: Kristin Stapleton
Course: AS391
Date: 11-20-2017
Religion in Chinese History
Religion occupied a significant place in Chinese history as it influenced politics. There are a number of religions that have characterized the history of China which in one way or another influenced politics of the day. The major ones that were common in the Chinese society include Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. This paper seeks to examine the religious practices in practice in the history of China and how their connection with politics. Major focus of this is on the relationship between politics and religion during Ming Dynasty. Therefore, a deep examination of literature is used to identify relevant information that relates links religion with politics in Ming Dynasty. While the Chinese history is mainly characterized by Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, there are other religions and sects like Catholicism, Islam, and Lo Chiao that were also present during the Ming Dynasty. The paper will also seek to examine the religious practices of the Coastal people during the Ming dynasty. It is the argument of this paper that while religion was strongly related to politics, it did not has significant impact on its course.
During the Ming dynasty, government officials would offer sacrifices regularly to deities. After the deterioration of the Mongol rule, there was the rise of the Ming Dynasty that would lead China in the course for close to 300 years. Zhu (1368-1398) was a significant figure in the Ming Dynasty and possessed strong religious beliefs (Adler). Zhu developed strict laws that sought to control the rise of popular practices during his reign. According to him, it was the Heaven that established him an emperor in a long line of sacred rulers. Zhu’s ancestors were considered powerful intermediaries with Shangdi. During his reign, the government officials had the role of offering regular sacrifices to deities of natural forces, fertility, and cities. Abandoned ghosts and spirits of heroes were offered sacrifices to (Adler). It is evident that religion characterized to a great extent the reign of Zhu. Given that government officials had the responsibility of offering sacrifices to deities, it is clear that the religion was a big part of the beginnings of the Ming Dynasty. It is evident, therefore, that religion had connection with politics during Ming Dynasty.
During the Ming Dynasty, the religious lives of the people were mainly influenced by economy monetization and agricultural diversification (Adler). These factors ensured there were funds to print scriptures, build temples, and invest in popular religion. During Ming’s time, cultural and economic initiatives were popular more than ever before. This is due to the high competition that was present among small entrepreneurs. Religion was impacted as a result, and monks like Yunqi Zhuhong (1535-1615) authored morality books that affirmed Confucian in Buddhist framework (Adler). As such, Buddhism was integrated into the Chinese society. A factor that helped this integration was the approval by the government of monks to perform rituals for the people. It is important to note that Taoism was also supported by the state. As such, the religion becam...