The Souls Of China

Ian Johnson

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The human story of the vast changes now transforming China, with religion sweeping up millions of people in ways which are a profound threat to the Communist Party.

In no society on Earth was there such a ferocious attempt to eradicate all trace of religion as in modern China. But now, following a century of violent antireligious campaigns, China is awash with new temples, churches, and mosques - as well as cults, sects, and politicians trying to harness religion for their own ends. Driving this explosion of faith is uncertainty - over what it means to be Chinese, and how to live an ethical life in a country that discarded traditional morality and is still searching for new guideposts.

The Souls of China is the result of some fifteen years of studying and travelling around China. The message of Ian Johnson's extraordinary book is that China is now experiencing a 'Great Awakening' on a vast scale. Everywhere long-suppressed religions are rebuilding, often in new forms, and reshaping the values and behaviours of entire communities.

Published: 14 May 2018
ISBN: 9780141986081
Imprint: Penguin Press
Format: Paperback
Pages: 464
RRP: $24.99

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Non-fiction prose

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Praise for The Souls Of China

In this fascinating odyssey, Ian Johnson uncovers the contradictory, complex face of religion in China today . . . a nuanced group portrait of citizens striving for non-material answers in an era of frenetic materialism . . . the book is full of moving encounters
Julia Lovell, Guardian

We need to understand the explosion of religious faith in China. Ian Johnson's excellent book explains it . . . one of the finest practitioners of reportage on the China scene
Roger Garside, Spectator