Religion in China





As religious devotion increase in China, the communist government is increasingly seeking to establish stricter control and regulations over practices. Many Chinese individuals increased religious devotion resulting from a dearth of spirituality amidst economic growth. However, these groups, while permitted under the Chinese constitution, face greater scrutiny than ever.

Background:
  • Article 36 of the Chinese Constitutions notes citizens "enjoy freedom of religious belief" and bans discrimination and state-compelled worship. 
  • China only formally recognizes five religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Daoism, Islam, and Protestantism; however, other religious are practiced and mainly tolerated. 
  • estimates vary--the U.S. State Department suggests that nearly 650 million Chinese individuals adhere to a religion
  • Chinese government officials monitor unofficial and official religious activity in an attempt to prohibit any activities that could disrupt public order 
  • The Chinese Communist Party is official atheist and prohibits individuals from holding religious beliefs 
  • Buddhism has a long history and tradition in China and many Buddhist traditions are incorporated into traditional Chinese folk religions, which had no rigid structure and worship 
  • While it is challenging to quantify the exact number of adherents to traditional Chinese practices in the country, the building of new temples and restoration of ancient sites indicates a growth in these religions. 
  • The Tibet Autonomous Region and many of its near provinces house nearly six million ethnic Tibetans. They practice a distinct form of Tibetan Buddhism. Since 1987, the Dalai Lama and his exiled government advocate for Tibetan autonomy. 
  • Many of the tension between Tibetan monks and the Chinese stem from the economic disparities between the two groups. 
  • Following the 1980s, Christianity has increased in China. While many individuals worship in underground churches, it is also noted that religious persecution primarily against Christians is increasing. 
  • Since 1951, the Vatican has cut ties with China. 
  • Muslims are about 1.6 percent of the Chinese population.
  • The largest group is the Hui, who are closely related to the Han Chinese and based in Ningxia Autonomous region as well as surrounding provinces. 
  • Xinjiang is an areas of concern because of the increasing tensions between state officials and the Uighurs in the region. The government considers recent attacks to be orchestrated by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement; however, most of the Uighurs do not support this group. 
  • Many Uighurs are discontent with the Chinese government because of the discrimination they face for having a different language, religion, and culture than the dominant Han Chinese 
  • Despite crackdowns, the religious revival in China continues. Some scholars posit that the Chinese government is accepting of religion practiced individually; however, it fears collective religious practice that could undermine the legitimacy of the communist party. 

Additional Sources: 

The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao by Barbara Demick 
Religion and Authoritarianism: Cooperation, Conflict, and Consequences by Karrie Koesel 




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