What is the Religious Make-Up of China?

There are over 100 million believers in China, although it's difficult to estimate the percentage that belongs to each religion. One of the main difficulties in understanding religion in China is that the government discourages religious practices. Another is the fact that many Chinese residents adhere to ancestor worship, which cannot be considered officially a religion, since there is no concept of God in this type of belief system.

Folk religions are popular in China, especially in small villages with little foreign influence. Shamanism is an example of this. Shamans, or holy men, are popular in China. They're considered intermediaries between the forces of nature and men, and many people seek their help for healing and spiritual counseling. Shamans were highly prosecuted in China during Mao Zedong's government, but they are now a respected part of China's ancient history.

Despite the government's official position as atheist, China has five recognized religions. One of these is Taoism, which started as a philosophical school and developed gradually into a religion. According to Taoism, there is a natural energy that flows through every living creature. This energy, or Tao, can be cultivated through meditation, compassion, and the understanding of Yin-Yang, the dual nature of everything we know.

Another of China's recognized religions is Buddhism, which was introduced to China in the second century. Buddhism has adapted to the Chinese way of life rather than the other way around, becoming the predominant belief system in China. It's estimated that about 25% of Chinese now practice Buddhism. Like Taoism, Buddhism is a non-theistic religion that focus on the pursuit of personal enlightenment.

Islam has been recognized in China since the Tang Dynasty, around 700 CE. About two percent of the population in China practice Islam officially, and many more are thought to practice it in the safety of their home. One of the reasons China respects Islam is because the country maintains diplomatic and economic relationships with many Muslim states.

China also recognizes two forms of Christianity: Catholicism and Protestantism. There has been some hostility from part of the government towards Christian sects and practicants, so many are unwilling to reveal their beliefs.