Research on Chinese religions is a fast expanding and vibrant field. This anthology gathers both classical pieces of scholarship and very recent articles that illustrate the various disciplinary approaches (history, sociology, anthropology, political sciences, arts and literature), theories and themes that are shaping the field today. Topics covered include the Three teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism) as well as so-called 'popular religion' throughout history, but the overall focus is on how scholars make sense of the variety of religious practices and beliefs to analyze the place of religion in Chinese societies.

Vincent Goossaert Ph.D. (EPHE, 1997) is a historian of modern Chinese religions. He is Deputy Director of the Societies-Religions-Secularisms Institute (GSRL, Paris).