9 replies to this topic

[Radek_]

We are Catholics/Christians, though we still practise Buddhism and Daoism and frequently visit temples.

I know it's totally off-topic, but I'd like to ask - how is it possible to practise both Catholic faith and Buddhism/Daoism?

[Radek_]

Well... I see some Mighty Person moved my post from the Chinese Language Help and Discussion. Alright, it wasn't the best place for the religion questions.

To make the issue more clear. I'd like to know, is it common situation, that Christian Chinese attend the Buddhism/Daoism/Confucian temples?
Is it an act of respect for ancestral tradition? Or do they really worship the Daoist Gods together with Christian God?

[General_Zhaoyun]

Well... I see some Mighty Person moved my post from the Chinese Language Help and Discussion. Alright, it wasn't the best place for the religion questions.

To make the issue more clear. I'd like to know, is it common situation, that Christian Chinese attend the Buddhism/Daoism/Confucian temples?
Is it an act of respect for ancestral tradition? Or do they really worship the Daoist Gods together with Christian God?

Actually, Chinese Christian seldom attends Buddhism/Daoism/Confucianism temples. For those who visit these temple, it's only for interests. What is more common is that Chinese Christian typically do not use/carry incense or joss sticks. Neither were they engaged in any form of worshipping of deities.

While some still maintain some form of ancestry worship, they typically do not carry incense or joss sticks when worshiping.

[qrasy]

It's very common for Catholics to celebrate traditional ceremonies. But very rare for Protestants.
And then, while they may go to temples, they probably just visit, don't pray.
Even holding joss sticks, doesn't mean truly praying in order to get blessing.

Edited by qrasy, 23 February 2010 - 05:32 AM.

[William O'Chee]

It's very common for Catholics to celebrate traditional ceremonies. But very rare for Protestants.
And then, while they may go to temples, they probably just visit, don't pray.
Even holding joss sticks, doesn't mean truly praying in order to get blessing.

I agree, if one is performing these rituals for ritual and not religious purposes, then it is not incompatible with Christianity. This is frequent in China.

I also agree that protestants have a very sniffy attitude to these things.

[HappyHistorian]

Daoist and Buddhist ideas may influence how Roman Catholics live their lives, so long as it is not in conflict with Roman Catholicism. Historically there was conflict between different Roman Catholic prelatures about whether Chinese folk rites constituted idolatry. The Chinese Rites controversy occurred during the 17th and 18th century. Jesuits believed that a Roman Catholic could practice Chinese folk rites. Conversely, Dominicans believed that a Roman Catholic could not practice Chinese folk rites, as it was considered idolatry. Pope Clement XI favoured the Dominicans. It wasn't until 1939, when Pope Pius XII relaxed certain aspects for Roman Catholics in regards to practicing Chinese folk rites. However, Pope Clement XI's assessment that Roman Catholicism was at odds with traditional Chinese beliefs (i.e. Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism) led to the decline of the Roman Catholic mission in China. The Chinese imperial court were not impressed that their traditional beliefs were looked down upon.

Protestants tend to be hostile to worship that is idolatry. Many Protestants would consider traditional Chinese folk worship as repugnant to God. Protestant tend to be highly suspicious of elaborate rituals. Amongst Roman Catholics today there would be an ambivalent view towards a Roman Catholic practising Chinese folk rituals. It would vary from person to person based on their interpretation of theology.

[Radek_]

Thank you for the answers.

[ophelia]

I suppose that, since China has a long history of religious syncretism, Christianity is no exception and will - or has been partly - influenced by other major religions in China, such as Daoism or Buddhism.
This is an aspect of Chinese culture that I personally really like and admire.

[shunyadragon]

I know it's totally off-topic, but I'd like to ask - how is it possible to practise both Catholic faith and Buddhism/Daoism?

Become a Baha'i

[sg_han]

Protestants especially those from new age churches do not recognise other beliefs and other than tolerating, there seem to be a lack of understanding which leads to many conflict and their criticism of other religions.

Non Singaporeans please check out pastor rony tan and pastor mark ng.