Q:  Is ancient China a secular society?

A:

Yes. As far as the records of ancient literature and discoveries from cultural relic excavations, Chinese civilization has been a secular society since ancient times. It does not mean the Chinese have never had the concept of supernatural beings or spiritual beings. It just means that kings and monarchs were recognized as humans and had the authority of the society. Supernatural or spiritual were useful for humans just like other natural resources. The most powerful religious person can only provide consultancy to kings or monarchs. Religion is never in power. The clergy never become a ruling class.

Dalai Lama was a title that had to be approved by the secular emperor in the Qing Dynasty[1]. In Europe, by contrast, the title of an emperor had to be granted by the pope, Napoleon included.

Religions have to obey the law and regulation by secular power in China for five thousand years. Don’t complain that China has no religious freedom. Religion has freedom under the law just like individuals have freedom under the law. Any attempt to evade the law in the name of religious freedom will be cracked down, just as any mafia will be raided by police.

[1]金瓶册封