Changing Gods in Medieval China, 1127-1276

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Valerie Hansen explores the interplay between social and economic changes and religious practices in medieval China, particularly during the Southern Song period. She highlights how common people's unfamiliarity with Buddhist and Daoist texts led them to seek assistance from local gods for various needs. As economic development flourished, the roles of these deities expanded, influencing commerce and daily life. By examining temple inscriptions and local histories, Hansen reveals differing rates of religious adaptation between lowland and highland regions, emphasizing the nuanced evolution of worship and community beliefs.