| As a social and cultural phenomenon, religion involves both aspect of individual faith and aspect of influence within the society. Since China adopted Reform and Opening-up policies in1979, religion have experienced gradual changes from the forbidden arena to the social stage. With the merging and conflicting of different thoughts, new changes have emerged in environments for religion too. It has long lingered in the academe to find out the status quo of traditional culture preservation and religious cultures’ function especially in areas with quick economic development.Located in the center of the triangle formed by Beijing, Tianjin, and Baoding, Shengfang County of Hebei Province was initially established at the end of Spring and Autumn Period2500years ago. It used to be a well-known port for business with the name of Dongdian, which was one of the six counties administrated by Zhili province. With a tradition of trade since the ancient time, Shengfang is nicknamed "Small Tianjinwei". After the adoption of Reform and Opening-up policies in China, Shengfang became a famous industrial county. In1985, it became the first county with the GDP reaching100million RMB. In1989, Dongsheng village of Shengfang became the first village with the GDP of100million RMB. In recent years, the quickly developed economy and the improved living standard of people there have attracted migration of people from other counties. The local and nonlocal people ratio is near1.5:1. The communication and coexistence of different cultures and religions is a microcosm of China under the background of market economy. Religious cultures reveal the characteristics of cultures in the area. The study on religious cultures in Shengfang is only in the beginning stage currently and scholars’focus is usually on music and traditional folk culture. However, although religion is an important part of culture, there are only a limited amount of studies in this area. Therefore, it is essential to conduct research on religious ecological mode in Shengfang where exists multi-cultures and multi-religions, especially in areas with quick economic development and fair cultural preservation. It can be regarded as a verification of religious theories on the basis of facts to conduct comprehensive research on Shengfang Phenomenon and to clarify local knowledge.The article mainly adopts a multidisciplinary research method covering Sociology of Religion, Phenomenology of Religion, Anthropology and Folklore. The author conducts field research and actively involves in religious and cultural activities to get the first hand material. He also takes references from local historical literatures and oral cultures, as well as academic outcomes in Study of Religions, Sociology, Anthropology and Folklore. By conducting research on religions in Shengfang, the author attempts to disclose the embodiment for the ecological mode of religious culture in the modern society, to clarify the characteristic of Harmony and Difference, to analyze the social function of different religions, and finally to appraise and reposition the ecologic mode of religious culture and issues of social administration.Chapter1, Introduction. It introduces the reasons behind the selection of the topic, describes studies in the past and methods of research, and clarifies relevant conceptions.Chapter2, Status Quo of Religions in Shengfang. It introduces5religions in the history, analyzes individual faith and organizational structures, and depicts each religion in terms of economic resources and social status.Chapter3, the Harmony and Difference of Multiculturalism. By exploring its cultural accumulation, it is found that the cultural roots of Shengfang lie in Confucianism which is the source of religious tolerance and economic development. It explores the understanding and tolerance of the secular world to religious beliefs, as well as the harmonious coexistance of different religions, and finally discloses the ecologic mode of multi-religions and multi-cultures.Chapter4, the Distinctive Phenomenon of Religious and Cultural Tolerance-Huahui. The author collects and analyzes behaviors of different folk faiths and religions during Shehuo, identifies religious factors in Shengfang Huahui, and summaries its distinct characteristics. It is argued that Huahui plays an important role in the inheritance of cultures, and that the process of its secularization is similar to that of religion.Chapter5. Hedgehog Effect:the Limited Understanding among Different Cultures. The Hedgehog Effect theory is applied in the study of religions. It is stated that there are limits to the understanding between the religious beliefs and the secular society, among different religions, and even in the same religion.Chapter6. Analysis to the Social Function of Multi-religions and cultures. Taking the perspective of Sociology of Religion, the author researches the social function of religions and cultures, and proposes two different functions.Conclusion. By the study on Shengfang Phenomenon, it is concluded that different religions and cultures coexist harmoniously even though they each possess their own distinctive characteristics. On the same time, the Hedgehog Effect theory shows that there are limits to the understanding between different religions and cultures. It is argued that the ecologic mode of religions in which religions coexist both harmoniously and differently contributes positively to the improvement and innovation of social administration. Under this mode, religions can play a positive role in society. Furthermore, this mode can also help the establishment of a harmonious and stable society. |
