It is true that the Chinese are not so religious as the…
“It is true that the Chinese are not so religious as the Hindus, or even as the Japanese; and they are certainly not so religious as the Christian missionaries desire them to be.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Hu Shih observes that Chinese people are less religious than Hindus, Japanese, and certainly less than what Christian missionaries expect.
In simple terms: Chinese are less religious than expected.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural differences in religiosity.
Themes
culture
religion
perception
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- cross‑cultural studies
- missionary work
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
anthropology
comparative religion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural histories shape religious practice?
- What assumptions do missionaries make about target cultures?
A Different Perspective
Religiosity is complex and varies by tradition.