Book · 2017 · History
The Souls of China
The Return of Religion After Mao
Why people recommend it
The Souls of China by Ian Johnson is a comprehensive non-fiction work that explores the profound resurgence of religious faith and spiritual life across mainland China following decades of suppression under Mao. While appearing on The Ezra Klein Show in July 2026 for an episode titled What Americans Need to Understand About China, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recommended the book to listeners. Rudd highlighted that the text provides a detailed examination of what is actually occurring on the ground at the grassroots level, specifically noting the contemporary rise and revival of various forms of Daoism, Buddhism, and Protestant Christianity. Through this recommendation, Rudd drew attention to the enduring spiritual dimensions of Chinese society that often go unnoticed by foreign observers and policymakers attempting to understand the complex dynamics of modern China.
Who recommended it
- Kevin Rudd Recommended
Kevin Rudd — 1 mention
“The second is um Ian Johnson uh the souls of China, the return of religion after Mao. Um and it's about uh what is occurred on the grounds in the grassroots with the rise of various forms of Dowoism, Buddhism, Protestant Christianity”