André van der Braak

 

Abstract：This paper focuses on the need for a China－EU intercultural dialogue with regard to the human right of freedom of religious belief. Such a dialogue will have to critically assess the hidden assumptions with regard to the nature of religion and religiosity that are implicit in the UDHR, and in thinking about religion in both Europe and China. I will analyze such hidden assumptions with reference to the World Religions Paradigm: a conceptual model which has been very influential in both Europe and China. However, due to the specific nature of religiosity in China, such a World Religions Paradigm is not the most useful approach to religion and the freedom of religious belief.

 

Key words: religion, freedom of religious belief, world religions, dialogue, Chinese religion