Religious Beliefs Of The Shang Period

Drawing on some archeological data, oracle inscriptions on tortoiseshells and some literature, this thesis intends to give a thorough analysis on the religious beliefs in Shang Dynasty.This thesis is divided into four main parts:Through the change of the religious beliefs from primitive society to Shang Dynasty, the author in this part points out that three main religious systems are formed in Shang Dynasty, they are nature worship, ancestor worship and the worship of gods. The religion in Shang Dynasty is, in a great degree, the succession to the primitive religion, meanwhile it has got its own characteristics.Part two gives an analysis on the major religious beliefs in Shang Dynasty. The view of religion in Shang Dynasty is characterized by polytheism as well as the primitiveness. The absurd religious beliefs on the surface reveal people's real understanding and exploration to nature and the various social phenomena in Shang Dynasty.Part three expatiates the main religious activities in the Shang Dynasty-thesystems and methods and characteristics of sacrifice and divination.Part four analyzes the social position of the religious beliefs and how they function in people's life. Shang Dynasty is, to a great extent, a gods-based dynasty. "Leading the people to serve the god" is the chief task for the Shang household, the religious authority was thus in the hands of the kings. Wizards took a high social status. It is the worship to ghosts and gods that becomes the significant link and condition to the existence of the united regime of Shang Dynasty. The belief in ghosts and gods plays a most significant role in the political life of Shang Dynasty.