Chinese Religions in Five Minutes
Edited by
Ben Van Overmeire [+–]
Duke Kunshan University
Ben Van Overmeire is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Duke Kunshan University. A comparatist, he examines how premodern Zen Buddhist genres and ideas are understood today, particularly in popular literature. His first book, American Koan: Imagining Zen and Self in Autobiographical Literature, describes how and why American Zen autobiographical narratives incorporate koan, Zen riddles revolving around seemingly unsolvable questions such as “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” His current book project examines the Buddhist imagination of outer space. For more about him, visit his personal website at https://benvanovermeire.wordpress.com.
James Miller [+–]
Duke Kunshan University
James Miller is the inaugural Professor of Humanities at Duke Kunshan University and Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Initiatives. His research is based in the study of Chinese philosophy, theology, and religion, with an emphasis on philosophy of nature, environmental ethics, and the intersection of religion and ecology in China. He is known worldwide as a scholar of Daoism, China’s indigenous religion, and especially its relation to ecology. He has published seven books including, most notably, China’s Green Religion: Daoism and the Quest for a Sustainable Future (Columbia 2017).
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Chinese spiritual heritage with Chinese Religions in Five Minutes. Drawing from a rich tapestry of inquiries by Chinese students and their international peers, this work delves into the profound depths of Chinese theological concepts, philosophical foundations, and the diverse range of religious practices that have shaped one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations.
From the ancient teachings of Confucius and Laozi to the vibrant syncretism that characterizes contemporary belief systems, this book offers a kaleidoscopic view of the rituals, myths, and philosophies that continue to influence billions of lives both within China and across the global diaspora. By weaving together questions that reflect the curiosity and concerns of young minds from different cultural backgrounds, we present a dialogue that bridges East and West, tradition and modernity. This volume is not just an academic endeavor; it is a celebration of the enduring legacy and evolving nature of Chinese religions, their interaction with state and society, and their place in a rapidly changing world.
Series: Religion in 5 Minutes
