State and Religion in China pdf

Anthony Christopher Yu, an American scholar, was renowned for his expertise in literature, religion, and Sinology. His academic journey led him to become the Carl Darling Buck Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Humanities and Professor Emeritus of Religion and Literature at the Chicago Divinity School. He was also affiliated with various departments at the University of Chicago, including Comparative Literature, East Asian Languages and Civilizations, and English Language and Literature, in addition to being part of the Committee on Social Thought.

Throughout his prolific career, Yu made significant contributions to the fields of religion and comparative literature. One of his most notable achievements was the four-volume translation of "Journey to the West," one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, into English.

Born on October 6, 1938, in Hong Kong, Yu's family background included his father, Pak Chuen Yu, a general in the Chinese Nationalist Army, and his mother, Norma Sau Chan. After the war, he relocated with his parents to Taiwan. Later on, Yu pursued his education in the United States, earning a bachelor's degree from Houghton College and furthering his studies in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary (S.T.B) and the University of Chicago (Ph.D.).

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Yu received various honors and awards, including elected membership in the American Council of Learned Societies and Academia Sinica. Additionally, he was a recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship and Mellon Foundation grant.

Anthony Christopher Yu passed away in 2015 due to heart failure, leaving behind a profound legacy in the fields of literature, religion, and Sinology.

State and Religion in China pdf by Anthony C. Yu

In his book State and Religion in China, Anthony C. Yu provides a new perspective on the intricate relationship between Chinese religion and politics. Contrary to the belief that Chinese politics has historically been secular and devoid of religion, Yu convincingly argues that religion has a profound and enduring presence in China's past. He challenges the notion that the Chinese lacked religious traditions, emphasizing instead the deep-rooted nature of their religious practices.

Moreover, Yu highlights how the Chinese state has consistently intervened in religious affairs since its inception. Through his meticulous analysis, he unveils the long-standing historical pattern of state interference in matters of faith, illustrating the entwined nature of governance and religious institutions in China.

With a fresh and informed outlook, "State and Religion in China" sheds light on the interconnectedness of politics and religion in the Chinese context, unveiling the complexities that shape the country's religious landscape. By delving into the historical depths, Yu's work presents a compelling narrative that challenges conventional views and enriches our understanding of the enduring relationship between state power and religious beliefs in China.