Taiping Theology [electronic resource] : The Localization of Christianity in China, 1843-64 /
Kilcourse, Carl S.author.
This book examines the theological worldview of the Taiping Rebellion (1850-64), a Chinese revolutionary movement whose leader, Hong Xiuquan (1814-64), claimed to be the second son of God and younger brother of Jesus. Despite the profound impact of Christian books on Hong's religious thinking, previous scholarship has neglected the localized form of Christianity that he and his closest followers created. Filling that gap in the existing literature, this book analyzes the localization of Christianity in the theology, ethics, and ritual practices of the Taipings. Carl S. Kilcourse not only reveals how Confucianism and popular religion acted as instruments of localization, but also suggests that several key aspects of the Taipings' localized religion were inspired by terms and themes from translated Christian texts. Emphasizing this link between vernacularization and localization, Kilcourse demonstrates both the religious identity of the Taipings and their wider significance in the history of world Christianity.
Description based upon print version of record.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Introduction.-1. Missions and Localization in Chinese History.-2. The Taiping Vision of World Salvation.-3. The Heavenly Father and His Non-Divine Sons -- 4. A Confucianized Christian Ethic.-5. Sacrifice and Charisma in the Heavenly Kingdom -- 6. Poetry and Patriarchy in the Heavenly Palace.-Conclusion.-Glossary.-Bibliography. .
This book examines the theological worldview of the Taiping Rebellion (1850-64), a Chinese revolutionary movement whose leader, Hong Xiuquan (1814-64), claimed to be the second son of God and younger brother of Jesus. Despite the profound impact of Christian books on Hong's religious thinking, previous scholarship has neglected the localized form of Christianity that he and his closest followers created. Filling that gap in the existing literature, this book analyzes the localization of Christianity in the theology, ethics, and ritual practices of the Taipings. Carl S. Kilcourse not only reveals how Confucianism and popular religion acted as instruments of localization, but also suggests that several key aspects of the Taipings' localized religion were inspired by terms and themes from translated Christian texts. Emphasizing this link between vernacularization and localization, Kilcourse demonstrates both the religious identity of the Taipings and their wider significance in the history of world Christianity.
Christianity.
Religion and sociology.
Christianity.
Religion and Society.
Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, multidisciplinary.