Thesis statement: there is a constant negotiation of power between religion and government in Imperial China, because both of which attempt to create interpretations, which are often conflicting, of the world people lived in.
So far as Angela Zito is concerned, religion could be seen as an escape from the mundane world, as it “provided a means for people to create their social world, with all its divisions and particular perspectives” (74).
Zito, Angela. “City Gods and Their Magistrates.” In Religions of China in Practice, edited by Donald S. Lopez, Jr, pp. 72-81. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1996.
instructor reply: I think your statement is perhaps true, but the word "interpretation" is a bit confusing. "Negotiation of power" is also slightly vague. What sort of power? Power over what? If you want to delve into the "City Gods and Their Magistrates" text, however, that would be a great idea. It might give you a better sense of the kinds of practices that the state claimed to control. We can talk about this in a bit more detail in person, perhaps.