The Taiping Movement was a religious movement, inspired by Christian teachings, accompanied with various ethical and political ambitions. It intended to target the peasants and poor working class of China to bring about a revolution, which will result in greater nationalism and well-being of greater humanity. Although this movement had a great influence by the Taiping ideology, the ideology itself lacked any logical unity. Even then, the role of this ideology cannot be subsided as it was one of the greatest ideologies in the history of China and it led the grounds for Modern China. Hung Hsiu-chuan, the father of this ideology was a convert to Christianity and thought the spread of this religion was his responsibility. He portrayed himself as the third son of God and brother of Jesus. His doctrine greatly emphasized on religion as it was a source of peace and happiness for the entire humanity. This chronicle, written in 1848, was a key factor in igniting the revolution in China which beagn in 1850.
Religion
As mentioned previously, the key focus of the Taiping Chronicle was on religion. Hung Hsiu-chuan converted to Christianity and impressed by its teachings, decided to promote them. According to the document, God regarded as the Father of humanity, the creator of the world, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. God was portrayed as kind and compassionate someone who cannot see his people in misery and pain. Since the audience was the working class of China, they were impressed by the doctrine and thus the revolution started. Despite the good and humble qualities of God, he was portrayed as an evil looking human being who wears a hat with a brim, dressed in black dragon robe and a golden beard down to his belly. Since he believed to be Gods son, he portrayed himself as the sustainer and provider of peoples needs. The taipings believed in one God and in the existence of heaven and hell. It was compulsory for every Taipian to follow the Ten Commendents and there was harsh punishment in case of violation of religious obligations. Due to their belief in mono-Deity, the doctrine is in conflict with other religions like Taoism and Buddhism.
Ethical Values
One of the principles of this doctrine was belief in social equality. It emphasized on sex equality and women were given rights in possession of wealth, examinations etc. the idea was based upon a caring world where there is no injustice or evil. It emphasized upon the equal distribution of land and on the rights of soldiers. As it was said, the soldiers of the camps must be taken care of. We should remember that all of us are born of the same father of souls and we are like bone and flesh (The Taiping Heavenly Chronicle, 1848). This shows that equality was the basis of this ideology and every one, be it a servant or a property owner, and should be given equal respect and rights.
Political Motives
The intention of Hung Hsiu-chuan was to create a Heavenly kingdom were there was no evil and only ever-lasting peace and justice for every one. One of the intentions was to overthrow the Manzhus dynasty, which was in direct conflict with the teachings of Christianity. His aim was to eliminate all the misery caused by the Manzhus to the Chinese people. Since he focused upon the wrong doings of Manzhus and claimed that by following his teachings, the people of China will live in harmony forever. This was the main reason of the revolution, which began in 1850, led by the Heavenly army and ended in 1856.
The Taiping Heavenly Chronicles in a well-written volume which provided a basis for the civil warrevolution. It gave a new understanding of religion to the people of China and provided ethical cleansing against the corrupt and harsh Chinese way of life.
Religion
As mentioned previously, the key focus of the Taiping Chronicle was on religion. Hung Hsiu-chuan converted to Christianity and impressed by its teachings, decided to promote them. According to the document, God regarded as the Father of humanity, the creator of the world, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. God was portrayed as kind and compassionate someone who cannot see his people in misery and pain. Since the audience was the working class of China, they were impressed by the doctrine and thus the revolution started. Despite the good and humble qualities of God, he was portrayed as an evil looking human being who wears a hat with a brim, dressed in black dragon robe and a golden beard down to his belly. Since he believed to be Gods son, he portrayed himself as the sustainer and provider of peoples needs. The taipings believed in one God and in the existence of heaven and hell. It was compulsory for every Taipian to follow the Ten Commendents and there was harsh punishment in case of violation of religious obligations. Due to their belief in mono-Deity, the doctrine is in conflict with other religions like Taoism and Buddhism.
Ethical Values
One of the principles of this doctrine was belief in social equality. It emphasized on sex equality and women were given rights in possession of wealth, examinations etc. the idea was based upon a caring world where there is no injustice or evil. It emphasized upon the equal distribution of land and on the rights of soldiers. As it was said, the soldiers of the camps must be taken care of. We should remember that all of us are born of the same father of souls and we are like bone and flesh (The Taiping Heavenly Chronicle, 1848). This shows that equality was the basis of this ideology and every one, be it a servant or a property owner, and should be given equal respect and rights.
Political Motives
The intention of Hung Hsiu-chuan was to create a Heavenly kingdom were there was no evil and only ever-lasting peace and justice for every one. One of the intentions was to overthrow the Manzhus dynasty, which was in direct conflict with the teachings of Christianity. His aim was to eliminate all the misery caused by the Manzhus to the Chinese people. Since he focused upon the wrong doings of Manzhus and claimed that by following his teachings, the people of China will live in harmony forever. This was the main reason of the revolution, which began in 1850, led by the Heavenly army and ended in 1856.
The Taiping Heavenly Chronicles in a well-written volume which provided a basis for the civil warrevolution. It gave a new understanding of religion to the people of China and provided ethical cleansing against the corrupt and harsh Chinese way of life.
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