Chinese Religion: A Contextual Approach is a new introduction to the field of Chinese religion and culture. It seeks to guide readers through some of the primary source material and to introduce them to continuing; contemporary debates and interpretations of religious ideas; concepts and practices in China and beyond. Defining religion as a way of life; this book examines religious beliefs and practices in particular cultural contexts; and highlights the relevance of religion to personal; communal and political life. In this clear account; Xinzhong Yao and Yanxia Zhao move away from the traditional and outmoded definition of Chinese religion; towards a multi-layered hermeneutic of the diverse and yet syncretic nature and functions of religions in China. Additional features include questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter and suggestions for further reading at the end of the book.
#1356709 in Books Osprey Publishing 2008-05-20 2008-05-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.87 x 5.84 x 7.25l; .65 #File Name: 184603299796 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The other point of viewBy KristjanThe story of the air war over Korea has been told and retold almost exclusively by US historians. Until the fall of the Iron Curtain we were led to believe that the exchange ratio of F-86 Sabres for MIG-15 fighters was an incredible 10:1; a figure that was later downwards adjusted by the USAF to 8:1. Modern research indicates the air battles over Korea were much less one sided than previously thought with the kill ratio now being downwards adjusted to as low as 1;3:1 in favor of the F-86 when opposed by Soviet flown MIG-15s. This book finally tells the story from the Soviet point of view and for that reason alone it is worth reading. As expected for such a condensed account; the book traces the highlights of air battles waged by the various Soviet units deployed to Korea. It is a somewhat tedious read; but by no means an uninteresting one. The artwork is nice and just for once; unlike other volumes in the Osprey e-books series; the orientation of the art work does not require you to turn your head by 90 degrees to properly admire it.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A book that couldn't have been written 20 years agoBy James D. CrabtreeThis is an excellent look at the MiG pilots who flew aircraft marked as PLA and North Korean fighters. During the Cold War the USSR never acknowledged the involvement of its pilots in Korea (despite the fact that Russian voice intercepts were monitored during aerial combat) and public acknoeledgement of their accomplishments were not made. Many of these pilots were WWII veterans who had gained notoriety fighting the Luftwaffe.For the first time we learn the names of many of these pilots; we see their pictures and we learn what units they were assigned to. The artwork illustrating the paint schemes on the MiG-15s flown during the war is very well done as well. It's a pity that no map is included to outline the operational areas where the MiGs flew.Also; the Russian author never discusses the REASON for the secrecy surrounding these pilots or the great lengths the Soviets went to perpetuate the cover story that North Korean and Chinese pilots against UN forces. Political constraints put artificial limitations on the Soviet pilots; preventing them from flying over areas in which they might be captured if shot down. I would have liked to have learned what the pilots thought of all this.Nevertheless; a very good book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This book puts you in the MiG-15 cockpit!By Matheus SantosWe can see that in the beginning the MiG is a superb machine; while fighting against propeller driven planes and 1st gen fighter jets. But when the F-86 comes into play and by the end; with increasing number and advanced tactics; some of the MiG flaws starts to appear.There is a lot of combats and pilots narratives. The book does not get too repetitive by stating "combat took place on that day over that area; claiming "Y" UN fighters with "Z" losses; being "Y" confirmed/not confirmed by UN forces."
