Despite its foreboding title and evident academic audience, von Glahn's treatment of Chinese religion offers a wealth of information and insight to general readers as well as to students of Chinese culture. To explain the rise and transformation of one prominent cult--that of Wutong, a precursor to the smiling face we see today--the author ranges widely throughout Chinese history. The end product is a general overview of popular Chinese religion from earliest times to the present.
After a succinct and critical review of recent theories of traditional Chinese religion, von Glahn traces the development of Chinese "vernacular" religion from the Shang Dynasty up to the 20th century. Such a survey complements the usual treatments, which neatly separate Confucian, Buddhist, Daoist, and "popular" beliefs and practices.
In particular, von Glahn traces the vicissitudes of what he terms "the sinister way." This menacing phrase refers to the "dark side" of Chinese religion. While some objects of worship, such as the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin), represent nothing but benignity and kindness, others, such as Wutong, display a propensity for malice.
Full review (Christianity Today)
To order, or for more information from Barnes & Noble, click the book cover below.
The Sinister Way: The Divine and the Demonic in Chinese Religious Culture
No comments:
Post a Comment