Chinese and Japanese Popular Religions

Assessment Description

Complete the provided “Chinese and Japanese Popular Religions” document prompts that analyze key issues in Chinese and Japanese popular religions.

As a research option, interview a practicing Daoist or Shinto individual or a leader of one of their temples, which can be used as an academic resource for this assignment. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community or place of worship, be sure to obtain permission.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of five additional academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic Resources and external resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons. Use at least one resource per question.

APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Complete the following prompts by analyzing key issues in Chinese and Japanese popular religions. A minimum of five academic resources is required, one of which must be the course textbook. Use at least one resource per question.

1. Briefly summarize five key features of syncretistic (mixed together) Chinese popular religion (shamanism/ancestor worship, Chinese idolatry, Confucianism, Daoism, Mahayana Buddhism). (75-100 words total)

• Key Feature #1:
• Key Feature #2:
• Key Feature #3:
• Key Feature #4:
• Key Feature #5:
•  <Academic Resource(s) Used>

• Briefly summarize three key features of syncretistic (mixed together) Japanese popular religion (Shintoism, Japanese Buddhism, and Confucianism). (75-100 words total)

• Key Feature #1:
• Key Feature #2:
• Key Feature #3:
• <Academic Resource(s) Used>

• Describe key religious practices (e.g., arranging a marriage, funerals, etc.) that an individual follower of Chinese popular religion might do in their daily life or alternatively in a lifetime. Describe practices from at least three of the five religions. (75-100 words)

<Text>

• Describe key religious practices (e.g., emperor’s birthday, birth of a baby, etc.) that an individual follower of Japanese popular religion might do in their daily life or alternatively in a lifetime. Describe practices from at least three of the five religions. (75-100 words)

<Text>

• Describe the interaction that a Christian might have with a follower of Chinese or Japanese syncretistic popular religions in a respectful, constructive manner while maintaining clarity and faithfulness to the core Christian message of creation-fall-redemption and restoration through Christ alone.  Take into account Chinese or Japanese shamanism, ancestor fear, and fear of the spirit world. (200-250 words)

<Text>