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Confucianism as a World Religion: Contested Histories and Contemporary Realities

Hardback

Main Details

Title Confucianism as a World Religion: Contested Histories and Contemporary Realities
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Anna Sun
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:272
Dimensions(mm): Height 235,Width 152
Category/GenreSocial and political philosophy
Confucianism
ISBN/Barcode 9780691155579
ClassificationsDewey:299.512
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 1 line illus. 9 tables.

Publishing Details

Publisher Princeton University Press
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publication Date 21 April 2013
Publication Country United States

Description

Is Confucianism a religion? If so, why do most Chinese think it isn't? From ancient Confucian temples, to nineteenth-century archives, to the testimony of people interviewed by the author throughout China over a period of more than a decade, this book traces the birth and growth of the idea of Confucianism as a world religion. The book begins at Oxford, in the late nineteenth century, when Friedrich Max Muller and James Legge classified Confucianism as a world religion in the new discourse of "world religions" and the emerging discipline of comparative religion. Anna Sun shows how that decisive moment continues to influence the understanding of Confucianism in the contemporary world, not only in the West but also in China, where the politics of Confucianism has become important to the present regime in a time of transition. Contested histories of Confucianism are vital signs of social and political change. Sun also examines the revival of Confucianism in contemporary China and the social significance of the ritual practice of Confucian temples. While the Chinese government turns to Confucianism to justify its political agenda, Confucian activists have started a movement to turn Confucianism into a religion. Confucianism as a world religion might have begun as a scholarly construction, but are we witnessing its transformation into a social and political reality? With historical analysis, extensive research, and thoughtful reflection, Confucianism as a World Religion will engage all those interested in religion and global politics at the beginning of the Chinese century.

Author Biography

Anna Sun is assistant professor of sociology and Asian studies at Kenyon College.

Reviews

"[T]his admirable book presents a fascinating, well-researched, historical account of the establishment of Confucianism as a world religion in tandem with the emergence of comparative religion as a discipline. Sun's keen sense of history serves her equally well as she turns to contemporary issues... This well written book is strongly recommended not only for China specialists, but also for anyone seeking to understand the world's creeds and rituals... An outstanding book."--Choice