Chinese Traditional Religion (CTR) has a rich historical background, with roots deeply embedded in ancient folk beliefs, Confucianism, Taoism, and elements of Buddhism.
Rooted in ancient traditions, it involves ancestor veneration, respect for nature, and a divine ensemble.
The core philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism emerged during the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BC) and have since intertwined with popular religious practices.
These belief systems, distinct in their teachings, have profoundly shaped Chinese spirituality and societal norms, underscoring their significant influence.
Confucianism
Confucianism, founded by Confucius (551-479 BC), is primarily a moral and philosophical system rather than a religion in the conventional sense.
Confucius emphasized virtues like righteousness, propriety, and filial piety.
Confucian teachings promote harmonious living within societal structures and fulfilling duties to family and state.
Confucianism rejects the idea of a personal relationship with a deity, the afterlife, and the paranormal. Instead, it stresses the importance of ritual, education, and ethical behavior.
Taoism
Taoism is a philosophical and religious tradition attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi. At its core is the concept of the “Tao,” which translates to “the way” or “the path.”
Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, the universe’s fundamental principle. Taoists revere various deities and spirits, often associated with nature, health, and longevity. Taoism encourages meditation, simplicity, and following natural rhythms, in contrast to Confucianism’s focus on social structure and duty.
Chinese Folk Religion
Chinese Folk Religion is a blend of animism, ancestor worship, and local deity veneration that predates Confucianism and Taoism. This long-standing tradition of ancestor worship plays a central role in the religious practices of many Chinese households, fostering a deep sense of continuity and connection with our ancestors.
Differences with Christianity: A Biblical View on Idolatry
The practices within Chinese Traditional Religion starkly contrast with the teachings of Christianity, particularly regarding the concept of idolatry. In biblical Christianity, worship is directed solely toward the one true God, revealed in the Bible as the Creator of heaven and earth. The Bible strictly forbids the worship of other gods, idols, or created beings.
Idolatry in Chinese Traditional Religion
CTR’s practice of ancestor worship, veneration of spirits, and reverence for various gods is considered idolatry from a Christian perspective. The Bible is evident in its condemnation of idolatry:
- Exodus 20:3-5: “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, Nor bow down to or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”
- This commandment emphasizes the exclusivity of worship to God alone. The veneration of ancestors or local deities directly conflicts with this commandment. Bowing to ancestors, offering sacrifices, or praying to deities other than God is idolatry in the biblical sense.
- Isaiah 44:9-10: “All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their shame.”
- The Bible speaks of the futility of worshiping man-made objects or deities. Idols, physical or abstract, cannot provide salvation or divine help. Scripture claims that many of the crafted statues or images of deities revered in Chinese folk religion are lifeless and powerless.
- Psalm 115:4-7: “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths but do not speak; eyes but do not see. They have ears but do not hear; noses do not smell.”
- This psalm illustrates the emptiness of idol worship. While the deities of Chinese Traditional Religion may appear majestic, they lack the life and power that belong only to the living God.
Biblical Truth: Why Chinese Traditional Religion is a False Religion
From a biblical perspective, Chinese Traditional Religion leads people away from the truth of God and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. According to Scripture, there is only one true God, and all other gods and spiritual entities worshiped outside of Him are false:
- 1 Corinthians 8:4-6: “We know that ‘an idol is nothing in the world’ and that ‘there is no God but one.’ For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, yet for us, there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
- The Bible asserts that there is only one true God and rejects the legitimacy of other deities. For this reason, any religious practice founded on anything other than the worship of the God of the Bible is false.
- John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
- This verse is foundational to Christianity. Salvation and eternal life come through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through rituals, ancestors, or many deities. Chinese Traditional Religion, which does not acknowledge Jesus as the Savior, offers no path to salvation or eternal life with God.
The Call to Salvation: Why Chinese Traditional Religion’s Youth Should Come to Christ
Youth practicing Chinese Traditional Religion face a crucial decision in their spiritual journey.
The Bible teaches that all people are born in sin (Romans 3:23) and need salvation through Jesus Christ. Without being “born again” (John 3:3), individuals cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Chinese Traditional Religion does not address the problem of sin or offer a savior who can reconcile people with God.
Jesus Christ: The Only Savior
The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation:
- Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
- Jesus is the only name through which eternal salvation is offered. No amount of ancestor worship, ritual, or philosophical pondering can bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God.
- Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- The gospel is simple: salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Unlike the rituals and sacrifices of Chinese Traditional Religion, which focus on appeasing ancestors and spirits, Christianity offers a relationship with God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Eternal Life and Heavenly Vision
One of the critical reasons Chinese youth should turn to Christ is the biblical promise of eternal life. CTR is primarily concerned with earthly prosperity, balance, and ancestral honor. However, Christianity offers a heavenly vision that transcends earthly existence:
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- This promise of eternal life is central to the Christian faith. While Chinese Traditional Religion provides a limited, earth-centered view of existence, the gospel of Christ offers the hope of eternal life in heaven.
- John 14:2-3: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.”
- Jesus offers an eternal future with Him in heaven. CTR’s temporary and cyclical views of life and death are incomplete compared to the eternal promise found in Christ.
Conclusion: The Urgent Call to Turn to Christ
Chinese Traditional Religion, while deeply embedded in Chinese culture and history, is a system of beliefs that ultimately leads people away from the truth of God as revealed in the Bible.
The worship of ancestors, spirits, and multiple deities is idolatry and cannot provide salvation or eternal life. Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Through Him, all people—including the youth in China—can receive forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.
The Bible’s call is urgent: “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The youth in China must recognize the futility of their religious practices and turn to Christ, the only Savior who offers true life, peace, and eternal joy with God.