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

Author: Xia Chuntao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-17
Features: The religion of the Taiping Movement was closely related to its politics. This book excellently captures the relationship between them, not merely discussing religion in isolation, but also exploring its impact on the Taiping Movement's politics, economy, culture, and foreign relations. It conducts a comprehensive study on the connection between religion and the rise and fall of the Taiping Movement, offering thorough and in-depth arguments. Therefore, this book actually goes beyond the scope suggested by its title. To some extent, it covers the main history of the Taiping Movement, reflecting the breadth and depth of the work. It makes a significant contribution to the in-depth development of Taiping Movement studies and even the study of modern Chinese history.
This book provides a meticulous and comprehensive study of the religion of the Taiping Movement—Xia Chuntao justifiably refers to it as the "God Worshipping Society." 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, and also explores the influence of the God Worshipping Society on various aspects of the Taiping Movement's ideology, as well as its connection to the rise and fall of the movement. This approach encompasses both the positive and negative aspects of the Taiping Movement's religion, demonstrating a broad perspective and the depth of research.
In Chinese history, there have been numerous peasant movements that rose up using religion, and the largest peasant movement—the Taiping Movement—was no exception. However, it became even more mysterious due to its intricate ties with Christianity. The Taiping Movement began and governed itself through religion, and without understanding its religious beliefs, many aspects of the movement remain unclear. This book does not follow conventional wisdom or blindly accept authority; instead, it starts from historical records to delve into the relationship between the name of the Taiping Movement's religion, the God Worshipping Society, and Christianity, Confucian traditional thought and culture, and Chinese folk religions. It conducts an in-depth exploration of these connections.
Beginning with the doctrines of the God Worshipping Society, such as the descent of the Heavenly Father and the Heavenly Brother, the book provides a thorough analysis of the causes of events like the Tianjing Incident and the downfall of the Taiping Movement. It also examines the behavior of figures like Li Xiuquan and the young emperor Hong Tianhui after their capture. Additionally, it clarifies popular misconceptions about the Taiping Movement achieving gender equality and addresses 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.