Nevertheless, many Chinese are looking to Buddhism, Taoism and even brand-new religions to slake a thirst that all the Cokes in the world won't abate.

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In 1991, Lin founded the Hua Shan Forum, a private educational institute offering free classes in the Chinese classics, Taoism, and Buddhism.

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Focusing especially on Christianity but including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese spiritualities, Armstrong examines the diminished impulse toward religion in our own time, when a significant number of people either want nothing to do with God or question the efficacy of faith.

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Tieshan said his eight-member delegation, appointed by the Chinese government, includes representatives from Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam.

CNN: Tieshan