Daniel L. Overmyer ” religions of China; the World as a Living System Long Grove, Illinois Waveland Press, Inc. Copyright 1986125 Page Count Daniel Overmyer’s, Religions of China, discusses the historical developments of the different religions of China. It also addresses the impact religion has on the daily life of the Chinese in the past and present. Overmyer introduces the Chinese living system with his knowledge of Feng-shut, and how everything is connected by shared rhythms. “These rhythms are discussed as the cold, dark forces of yin and the hot, bright forces of yang; together with the five powers of metal, plant, life, water, fire and earth; these forces are modes of qi, “vital substance.” Their interaction produces all things” (12).
The author does an excellent job in his approach to teaching Chinese religions and culture. He explains its concept and upbringings then tries to relate them to the reader’s daily life. This book serves as an introduction to Chinese History, in terms of religions and practices, which paved the way for China today. In order to help introduce the major cultural and religious features of the book, the author places a chronological list of events in the beginning of the text; from the Prehistoric time (6000 B. C. ) to the Peoples Republic of China (1949-present).
Its geographical limits are all of China, which extends from the Pacific Ocean to India to Afghanistan, and from Burma in the south to Siberia in the north. Overmyer gives a brief historical view of the country’s’ political and social climb, one example was with the decline of the Hans dynasty to the uprising of the Yellow Turbans then to Way of the Celestial Masters. “These two popular movements were also forerunners of Daoism, which became the most important religious tradition founded in China” (37).
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The presentation of the text is thematic and it provides the reader with a step by step analysis to religions and practices.
The author presents the concept in a very organized fashion. The first chapter introduces the beliefs and values of China’s living system, with the concept of Feng-shut and qi. The next chapter gives a brief overview of the historical developments of the different religions; Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Popular Religion, and Foreign Religion. The proceeding chapters include the traditions and practices in their religious life and also the community’s intervention with the spiritual life; i. e.
The Spring Festival, Exorcism and the Buddhist Enlightenment. The last chapter, Chinese Religions Today, emphasizes on present day religion in Taiwan and China mainland. Overmyer is very knowledgeable in the subject matter, he was taught by his mother during his first 5 years living in China. He obviously has had first hand accounts with the traditions of China and understands the country’s basic ideas and structures.
However, with his vast knowledge on the subject matter he remains unbiased in his teaching methods. He tries to incorporate our western civilization with that of China by listing examples to help the audience relate more to a country they may know nothing about. He helps the reader first understand its concepts and ideology then allows them create their own point of view. This is very important because his main focus is to create a better awareness towards the different religions of China, not to negate the teachings of the other worldly religions (i. e. Christianity and Judaism).
Two important topics that prove this is Overmyer’s approaches to the theory of superhuman power and the Buddhist enlightenment. When he deals with the symbols of superhuman power he discusses the various cosmic gods / goddesses of Daoism. He first tries to include our own role models we look to for inspiration and the characters that we idolize because they contain a certain kind of superhuman quality that we may admire (i. e.
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Islam is not only a religion, but a way of life Islam is a way of life, as well as a religion. Those who follow Islam are very dedicated, for they live their whole life submitting themselves to Allah. As a matter of fact, the word Islam means submission to Allah. Those who follow Islam are known as Muslims, or those who submit to Allah s will. Muslims believe in monotheism, or the belief in one ...
superman, x-men).
“All this tells us that many people still have a longing to know about extra special persons, even if only as entertainment” (67).
Overmyer gives a good example of a popular Chinese deity named Ma-zu, the Queen of Heaven. She was a young girl who had a certain immortal quality.
She would fall into a trance and somehow sends out her spirit to calm typhoons and rescue people drowning at sea. Another topic that incorporates some personal experiences is the teachings of Buddhist enlightenment. Although life can always be a constant struggle, one must not always worry about whether it will change. Self egos and desires shouldn’t shape our life, but rather realizing that ‘everything is related and in the long run, will work itself out in a harmonious way” (92).
With this new awakening and a deeper peace of mind, one can achieve Buddhist enlightenment. Daniel Overmyer’s, Religions of China, gives a good overview of the historical developments in China’s religions and traditions.
This book is very useful because it introduces concepts more easily for beginners to comprehend. I recommend this book to the general public and to students with general interest of China’s social history and religions. Daniel Overmyer’s teaching approach and great knowledge of the subject matter, made this book very enjoyable and entertaining.
