Contemporary Religious Studies in China

It is a spectacular history since the founding of the PRC. When looking back to the history, we realize the huge accomplishment of the contemporary China, and the remarkable spirit of Chinese people. Just as that in other branches, the achievements of contemporary Chinese academic development are fully manifested in the research and results of contemporary Chinese religious studies. Therefore, there is special academic value and practical significance for the development and the future of our religious studies to reexamine this period of history and explore how contemporary Chinese scholars think about it. During the academic development of contemporary China, religious studies be¬ come one of the most developed and popular as well as controversial subjects. This is because religious studies have been situated in a complex background, and it is difficult to have a well-situated position with broad spectrums and sensitive questions. Hence, religious studies belong to the subjects that are growing. The understanding of its connotation and extension is still on the way. The full development of religious studies as a discipline will represent the real leap of Chinese religious studies.