RELIGIOUS TRENDS IN MODERN CHINA
By Wing-tsit Chan '43h. New York:Columbia University Press, 1953. 327 PP.$4.25.
Dartmouth's Professor of Chinese Culture and Philosophy presents here The Haskell Lectures given at the University of Chicago, following a year of fresh research in China just before the Communist conquest. This attractive book is extensively documented from both Chinese and Western sources.
Although the downfall of formal Confucianism has been complete, Dr. Chan holds that the ideals and spirit of Confucianism are finding new life through a reinterpretation of fundamental concepts and virtues bringing a unity between Heaven and man, and words and deeds, according to the pattern of the Sung philosophers. Contemporary Chinese Buddhism bears the stamp of the late Abbot 'ai-hsu, embodies pietism and compassion, and while weakened by other-worldliness and a multiplicity of sects, derives strength through increased social and ethical action by laymen and through serious philosophical thought by idealistic harmonizers of modern Confucianism with the Buddhistic schools of Being and non-Being.
Buddhism and Confucianism can be expected to outlast Communism. A less rosy fate may be in store for Taoism which popularly seeks to employ magic for material benefits, and which tends to break up into religious societies, often secret and revolutionary.
Dr. Chan uniquely analyzes Islam's 1300-year influence upon China, finding the faith currently modernizing its view of the Prophet and the Book and making adjustments to
Chinese thought-patterns. Chinese Christianity increasingly should present the character and teachings of its founder rather than doctrines or institutionalism.
Most significant is the treatment of Chinese intellectuals, like returned students, whose religion is likely to become dominant once Communism has passed. A generation ago many intellectuals were indifferent to religion. Now Whitehead is superseding Russell as their major Western philosopher. Their religion is an expanding concept of individual and universe, grounded in moral sanctions, a revitalized Neo-Confucianism mingled with the most valid elements from non-Chinese faiths, an adventure in the development of freedom.
Dartmouth deserves congratulations for a monumental yet fascinating book by this competent, companionable scholar who rightly has become one of the most respected members of the Hanover Community.
