The China as Seen by Westerners in the 19th Century - Western Perception of China

Author: (English) John Roberts
Translator: Jiang Zhongyue, Liu Linhai (United Kingdom/UK)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: China as Seen by Westerners in the 19th Century is compiled by British sinologist John Roberts. It categorically selects and compiles works, manuscripts, diaries, and official archives of some Westerners who came to China in the 19th century, primarily covering government and law, religion and science, social life, women and children, economy, military, travel, and the characteristics of the Chinese people. The materials in the book are highly representative. They not only allow us to understand the image of 19th-century China in the eyes of the West but also provide insights into the attitudes, perspectives, and methods Westerners held toward different cultures. Additionally, the book serves as a valuable resource for further research.
The book categorically selects and compiles works, manuscripts, diaries, and official archives of some Westerners who came to China in the 19th century, primarily covering government and law, religion and science, social life, women and children, economy, military, travel, and the characteristics of the Chinese people.
If the Chinese do not show the desire and ability to accommodate the Christianity he represents, if they do not express a wish to abandon the Confucian shrines or Buddhist idols and replace them with images of saints and madonnas, then I fully agree with his view. If Protestants agree with this view and believe that the Chinese fail to quickly accept some of their doctrines in terms of knowledge and morality, which is unfavorable to promoting the great truth of Christianity as "peace on earth and good will toward men," it is no different from pouring centuries of theological disputes and sectarian squabbles into the unprepared minds of heathens without result. In that case, I fully agree with their view. However, in this very situation, we are precisely pointing out the religious sentiments of the Chinese.
But if their so-called "lack of religious sentiment" refers to the Chinese not desiring immortality, not revering goodness and greatness, not celebrating the unwavering dedication of virtuous and great figures, not yearning for and praying for the soul, not showing reverence for noble and sacred things, then my view is completely different, even entirely opposed. In general understanding, religious sentiment is as natural to humans as hearing is to the ear and sight is to the eye. We have never heard of a nation, not to mention a small tribe, composed entirely of the deaf and blind, so it is impossible for a group to lack religious sentiment.
Guillaume Joseph de la Vérendrye himself ignored the magnificent temples scattered across the Chinese countryside, dismissing them as mere "ancient customs," but I firmly adhere to the simple and clear explanation: they were built out of a strong religious sentiment, whatever that sentiment may have been misdirected.
Yes, here I will also comment that when Guillaume Joseph de la Vérendrye and other authors, based on psychological perspectives, make affirmative and overly general assertions, they inevitably fall into contradictions when faced with more obvious, tangible facts. At that point, they would admit that the long history of China is filled with good and great people; they would also admit that heroism has always inspired the Chinese to fight and sacrifice for the truth and justice they believe in.
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