imported>Graceshanshan at 00:44, 10 June 2009

2009-06-10T00:44:29Z

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'''Place of Worship in Beijing'''

== Buddhism ==

[[Buddhism]], the dominant religious philosophy in [[China]], first arrived during the [[Han Dynasty]] and played a central role in Chinese [[culture]] and [[history]]. Generally speaking, Buddhism in China can be categorized into Han, Tibetan and Southern Buddhism. Chinese Buddhism refers collectively to the various schools of Buddhist thought that have flourished in China since ancient times. These schools have integrated the ideas of [[Confucianism]], [[Taoism]] and other indigenous philosophical systems so that what was initially a foreign religion (the buddhadharma from [[India]]) came to be a natural part of Chinese [[civilization]], albeit with its own unique character.

Buddhism has played an enormous role in shaping the mindset of the Chinese people. Chinese [[aesthetics]], [[politics]], [[literature]], [[philosophy]] and medicine have all been greatly influenced by Buddhism. During the [[Tang Dynasty]] Chinese Buddhism peaked and produced numerous spiritual masters of outstanding brilliance. Their legacy is among China's greatest treasures.

Beijing houses many celebrated Buddhist temples.

== Taoism ==

[[Taoism]] is the only religious doctrine that actually originated in China. As with [[Buddhism]], a philosophical, then religious tradition, it has, with [[Confucianism]], shaped Chinese life for more than 2,000 years. The doctrine derives from the philosophical ideas of [[Laozi]], an outstanding Chinese philosopher. The key concept in [[Taoism]] revolves around "the Way," variously interpreted as either a philosophical or religious guidance system for all people interested in Taoism. At one time, it was used as a governing tool, but today it survives both as a religious tradition and as a philosophy. The most common representation of Taoist theology is the circular [[Yin Yang]] figure: a symbol of existing opposites in perfect balance. When they are both equally present, all is calm; when one outweighs the other, confusion and chaos appear.

== Christianity ==

The first time [[Christianity]] came into [[China]] was in 635AD, arriving as a Nestorian [[Church]], but it survived only briefly. In the 1800s, Christianity reentered China from the West, but unfortunately this religion was linked with colonialism. Later, in order to break away from the old image of "foreign religion", [[Chinese]] [[Protestant]] Christians initiated the [[Three-Self]] Patriotic Movement in 1950, and set up the National Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement of Protestant Churches in China. The Three-Self Patriotic Movement has achieved much. Churches in China have realized the principles of self-governance, self-support and self-propagation. In Chinese we deem this moving from "Three-Selves to Three-Wells").

Under the guidance of Three-Self principles, Chinese churches have entered into a post-denominational period: institutional Protestant denominations do not exist any longer. In 1958, unified worship services were initiated. In the spirit of mutual respect, Christians with different faiths and liturgical backgrounds now worship [[God]] together. From 1966 to 1976, under the influence of [[ultra-leftist]] thought during the [[Culture Revolution]], Christian churches were closed. In 1979 they began reopening, and in 1980 the [[China Christian Council]] ([[CCC]]) was established. From that time onward both the national church organizations, the CCC and the TSPM, have complemented each other and built up the body of Christ together.

To date, there are 16 million believers in [[China]], more than 55 thousand churches and meeting points, approximately 2,700 [[pastors]] (associate pastors included), 27 thousand pastoral personnel (pastors, associate pastors, elders and [[preachers]]), 18 seminaries and [[Bible]] schools, and several training centers.

There are several churches within Beijing, including the [[Eastern Church]] ([[Wangfujing Catholic Church]]), [[Western Church]] ([[Xizhimen Church]]), [[Southern Church]] ([[Xuanwumen Catholic Church]]), [[Northern Church]] ([[Xishiku Catholic Church]]), [[St. Michael's Church]], [[Nangangzi Church]], [[Pingfang Church]] and [[Dongguantou Church]]. There are also many miscelaneous churches located in [[Beijing]]'s suburbs.

== Islam ==

Islam arrived in [[China]] during the [[Tang]] and [[Song]] dynasties (618 BC-AD 1279) through trade links. From the [[Yuan Dynasty]] (1271-1368), Islam became an independent [[religion]] in China, and many of its followers came from ethnic groups in [[Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]]. There are now about 20 million Chinese [[Muslims]]. There are more than 40 [[mosques]] in [[Beijing]] that are open to the public.

Worship - Revision history

imported>Graceshanshan at 00:44, 10 June 2009