He who views the wolrdview (#3)

Great to see you again everyone, we’re back with another exciting issue of the Galactic Getaways coverage of China, located on Earth. This time we’re going to be covering the worldview of Chinese citizens by analyzing the history and culture around their systems of beliefs. China’s dominant worldview has largely been shaped by a blend of atheism, Confucian ethics, and traditional spiritual beliefs like Daoism and Buddhism. Officially, China promotes atheism, particularly under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has governed the country since 1949. However, Confucianism and spiritual traditions continue to exert significant influence on cultural practices, social norms, and ideas about life and death. This worldview is a complex mixture of materialism, ethical teachings, and spiritual customs.

 

Atheism and the State's Influence

Since the CCP promotes a materialistic, non-religious worldview rooted in Marxism- Leninism, public life and education are grounded in secularism, this means that religion is seen as something personal rather than a public or political expression. The state's atheist stance does not mean that all spiritual or religious beliefs are rejected by the public, but it sets the tone for the political and educational systems.The CCP’s atheistic stance influences policies toward religious practices, particularly emphasizing that religion should not interfere with the state's authority. This is evident in the regulation of religious organizations, where religious groups must be registered and are often monitored closely (Wright, 2001). Public discourse under the CCP promotes science and rationalism as opposed to spiritual explanations of life and the universe.

 

Confucianism: A Core Ethical Framework

Despite the prominence of atheism in political life, Confucianism remains deeply influential in Chinese culture. Confucian teachings, which focus on social harmony, hierarchy, and family values, continue to shape Chinese ethics and interpersonal relationships.

Confucianism emphasizes ren (benevolence), li (proper behavior), and xiao (filial piety), making respect for elders and family unity central to Chinese culture, a topic which was discussed in an earlier article. These principles manifest in everyday life, particularly in how people relate to one another and in societal expectations regarding familial obligations and respect for authority (Cengage, 2024).

For example, the Chinese practice of ancestor worship reflects Confucian values, families visit ancestral graves, clean the tombs, and make offerings as a sign of respect for the deceased. Even in an atheistic society, these practices show the enduring influence of Confucian ethics, illustrating how spiritual traditions coexist with a materialist worldview.

 

Death, Life, and Spiritual Traditions

In addition to Confucian ethics, Chinese views on life and death are influenced by Daoism and Buddhism. While many Chinese identify as atheist, particularly in urban areas, ideas from these spiritual traditions still permeate cultural practices. Daoism, which emphasizes harmony with nature and the cosmos, and Buddhism, with its focus on reincarnation and karma, shape how many Chinese people view death. Funerary rituals, such as burning joss paper (symbolic money for the dead), are common even among non-religious individuals, reflecting a cultural connection to these spiritual beliefs (Chau, 2006).

Though official doctrine may dismiss the supernatural, these customs suggest that many Chinese people maintain a spiritual connection to their heritage. Death, for many, is not the end but part of a cycle, and honoring ancestors ensures their protection and blessings for the family.

Worldview Diversity and Religious Tolerance

Despite the dominance of atheism and Confucian values, China is not entirely homogeneous in its worldview. Minorities, such as Muslims in Xinjiang and Christians throughout the country, represent other significant belief systems. Buddhism and Daoism also continue to attract followers, and many Chinese blend these traditions with modern secularism. China’s government promotes a controlled form of religious tolerance, allowing religious practice but under strict regulations. Religious groups must register with the state, and practices are monitored to ensure that they do not conflict with the government’s authority. This creates tension, especially for groups like underground Christian churches, who may face repression for practicing their faith outside of government-approved institutions (Wright, 2001). On a societal level, Chinese people tend to exhibit religious tolerance, particularly when it comes to the blending of spiritual and secular traditions. However, the government’s close regulation of religious groups and its atheist stance can create conflict between those who follow the dominant worldview and religious minorities.

 

Overall China’s worldview is a fascinating blend of state-enforced atheism, Confucian ethical teachings, and enduring spiritual traditions. Atheism dominates public life due to governmental influence, but cultural practices like ancestor worship and Daoist-Buddhist funeral customs show the lasting impact of traditional spiritual beliefs. While most of China’s worldview is shaped by atheism and Confucianism, the country is home to diverse perspectives, and religious tolerance is practiced to varying degrees, depending on the group and region. Despite government control, many Chinese continue to honor their spiritual roots, blending atheism with ancient cultural practices. Such an interesting blend of worldviews was a fun challenge to look through to find the roots of what makes the Chinese people tick, and hopefully it's inspired you to give it some more thought. But as always, thanks for turning in, we hope to see you on the next edition of Galactic Getaways.

-The Galactic Getaways Team

 

 

 

 

●       Wright, Teresa. The Perils of Protest: State Repression and Student Activism in China and Taiwan. University of Hawaii Press, 2001.

●       Chau, Adam Yuet. Miraculous Response: Doing Popular Religion in Contemporary China. Stanford University Press, 2006.

 ●       Cengage Learning. "Communication Between Cultures, 10th Edition.".