Are Most Chinese People Actually Atheist?

Logosofia no Dia a Dia · May 17, 2026 · 31m

Most Western assumptions about religion in China are wrong. While the Communist Party is officially atheist, Pew Research data shows that only about 14% of Chinese adults identify as convinced atheists. Meanwhile, 73% believe in some form of supernatural entity — gods, spirits, ancestors, or forces like fate and karma. This episode unpacks the messy reality: hundreds of millions practice folk religion and ancestor veneration, the state manages five officially recognized religions through patriotic associations, and independent religious organizing faces active repression. We explore the…