"Revisiting the Chinese Rites Controversy: A Contemporary Perspective on the East Asian Practice of Ancestral Worship"

This paper offers a contemporary examination of the East Asian practice of ancestral worship, with a focus on its evolution since the historical Chinese Rites Controversy. Emphasizing key themes such as ancestral veneration, Confucian rites, Catholic and Protestant reactions, contemporary practices, harmonization, and complimentary or conflicting religious dynamics, the study delves into the multifaceted nature of ancestral worship in modern East Asian societies. Drawing on observations of evolving rituals and beliefs, the paper explores how ancestral worship has adapted to globalization, modernization, and cultural shifts while retaining its cultural significance in shaping family and community dynamics. It examines the interplay between ancestral veneration and various Asian religious traditions, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity, highlighting efforts towards syncretism or tension between different belief systems. Furthermore, the paper analyzes contemporary challenges faced by practitioners of ancestral worship, such as generational shifts and urbanization. It explores how these challenges impact the preservation and transmission of ancestral rituals. It also considers the global dimension of ancestral worship among East Asian diaspora communities, examining how these rituals are maintained and adapted in multicultural contexts.