While many textbooks name Buddhism as the main religion of China, most Chinese people are atheists. From a young age, children are taught by the government that there is no god. Self-sufficiency is promoted to fill the void, and people are encouraged to work for the common good of the general populace.

In addition to atheism, which is most prevalent, many other religions are practiced in China. The government has established approved Buddhist temples, as well as government-run Christian and Catholic churches throughout the country, but most do not allow freedom of worship. Whole portions of key doctrine are banned in most of these churches. Most people who follow religions which are not approved by the atheistic government keep a low profile to avoid negative attention from authorities.