Episode 256 - The Taiping Rebellion Part 1: Jesus Christ's Little Brother
Apr 17, 2023
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A failed civil service exam leads to the deadliest civil war in China, exploring the syncretism of Taiping Christianity, the rise and fall of the Manchu Dynasty, the divine visionary Hong Zhuquan, and the violent origins of the Taiping Rebellion.
Hong Zhuquan's mental breakdown led to divine visions and a belief in fighting demons with Jesus Christ.
Repeated civil service exam failures caused immense pressure and mental health issues for Hong Zhuquan.
Hong Zhuquan's discovery of Bible passages transformed his beliefs, leading to a radical movement against Confucianism and the Manchus.
Deep dives
Hong Zhuquan's Mental Breakdown and Divine Visions
After failing the Imperial civil service exams multiple times, Hong Zhuquan experienced a mental breakdown and had divine visions. He believed he was washed by an old woman to remove sins, had his organs replaced, and was visited by a deity in black robes with a golden beard. This deity presented him with a sword to fight demons alongside Jesus Christ, warning him not to harm family members. Hong shared these revelations with his family and the community, leading to concerns for his well-being.
Challenges Faced on the Path to Imperial Service
Despite his initial academic promise, Hong Zhuquan faced repeated failures in the civil service exams, causing immense pressure due to the financial sacrifices made by his family for his education. After multiple failed attempts, Hong struggled with despair, culminating in severe mental health issues and intense hallucinations. The burden of expectations and societal judgment added to his challenges.
Discovery of Christian Texts and Radical Transformation
Following his mental breakdown and prolonged struggles with exam failures, Hong Zhuquan discovered a Chinese translation of Bible passages in his possession. Upon reading and interpreting the texts, he experienced a radical transformation in his beliefs, linking his divine visions to Christian teachings. Hong viewed idols such as Confucian and Buddhist temples as demonic and felt compelled to destroy them with a newfound sense of purpose from his interpretation of the scriptures.
The Formation of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom
Hong, disillusioned by his failures in Confucianism, starts a religious movement converting his cousin and neighbors. The movement grows rapidly, with followers destroying idols associated with Confucianism. Hong's teachings take a radical turn against the Manchus, leading to clashes with the government. As the Society of God Worshipers, they gather thousands of followers, emphasizing equality and anti-Manchu sentiment.
The Taiping Rebellion's Violent Expansion
Hong's rebellion gains momentum through military victories and converts drawn to his anti-establishment rhetoric and promises of social change. The rebels display extreme violence in capturing Yongan, employing creative tactics like misleading basket-tied horses and coffin shields. Hong establishes a theocratic monarchy with elaborate titles and rituals, driving towards a brutal conflict with the Imperial army.
A man fails a civil service exam, loses his goddamn mind, and leads China into the deadliest civil war in human history. Part 1/4
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Sources:
Johnathan Spence. God's Chinese Son: The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom of Hong Xiuquan.
Stephen Platt. Autumn in the heavenly kingdom
Jian Youwen. The Taiping Revolutionary Movement
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