Perspectives on Theory in Religious Studies and the Construction of Daoist Scriptures in Six Dynasties

Title

Perspectives on Theory in Religious Studies and the Construction of Daoist Scriptures in Six Dynasties

Author

Shu-wei HSIEH

Page

87-128

DOI

Abstract

This paper focuses on the transformation of Religious Studies methodology, especially the theories that posit agency as the main theme of religious studies. Rather than thinking of religions as conceptual entities, systems of symbols or theoretical schemes, scholars now tend to think religions as loosely organized sets of resources that people may use, appropriate, or bend in an infinite variety of ways and contexts. From the perspective of agency, people avail themselves of elements from multiple repertoires and they have various understandings and interpretations of certain religions. Based on this theoretical transformation, we provide some criticisms in Chinese religious studies. Furthermore, this paper explores the writing models of Daoist texts, especially the concept of sacred writing in Daoist contexts. The second part of this paper focuses on the discussion of the notion of Daoist celestial writing in medieval China.

Keyword

Religious Studies Theory, Daoist Scriptures, Lingbao, Celestial Writing

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