The Fall of Heaven: A Reassessment of the Religion of the Taiping Movement

Author: Xia Chuntao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The religion of the Taiping Movement was closely related to its politics. This book effectively captures the relationship between them, not merely discussing religion in isolation, but examining its influence on the Taiping Movement's politics, economy, culture, and foreign relations. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth study of the connection between religion and the rise and fall of the Taiping Movement. Thus, the book goes beyond its title, to some extent covering the major history of the Taiping Movement and reflecting its breadth and depth. It makes a significant contribution to the further development of Taiping Movement studies and the study of modern Chinese history. The book conducts a meticulous and thorough research on the religion of the Taiping Movement—reasonably termed "God Worshipping Society" by Xia Chuntao. It examines the process by which Hong Xiuquan established the God Worshipping Society, its doctrines, scriptures, rituals, festivals, its spread among the Taiping Army and in the, its relationship with Western Christianity and with traditional Chinese folk religions, as well as its influence on various aspects of the Taiping Movement's ideology and its connection with the rise and fall of the Taiping Movement. This approach incorporates both the positive and negative aspects of the Taiping Movement's religion into the research scope, demonstrating a broad perspective and depth of study.
Throughout Chinese history, there have been numerous peasant uprisings that utilized religion, and the largest peasant movement in Chinese history—the Taiping Movement—was no exception. However, it became even more mysterious due to its intricate ties with Christianity. The Taiping Movement rose in the name of religion, conducted military operations and governance based on religious principles, and therefore, without understanding its religion, many aspects of the Taiping Movement remain unclear. This book does not follow conventional wisdom or blindly trust authority; instead, it starts from historical records to explore the name of the Taiping Movement's religion, its relationship with Christianity, Confucian traditional thought and culture, and folk religions. It delves into the Taiping Movement's religion, examining the doctrines of the God Worshipping Society, such as the descent of the Heavenly Father and the Heavenly Brother, to provide an in-depth analysis of the causes of the Tianjing Incident and the downfall of the Taiping Movement. It also examines the behavior of captured figures like Li Xiuquan and the Young Emperor Hong Tianhui. Additionally, it clarifies popular misconceptions about the Taiping Movement achieving gender equality and the recent emergence of the "cult" narrative surrounding the Taiping Movement.
Following the author's fluent writing, it feels as if the dramatic peasant movement from 150 years ago is unfolding right before your eyes.