Religion: Confucianism and Ancestor Worship

Question 1

Why was Confucianism and Ancestor worship seen as a threat to the CCP, particularly during the Cultural Revolution?

Answer 1

Confucianism and Ancestor worship was seen as ‘old culture’ with no relevance in the New China.

Question 2

What actions did the CCP take against Confucianism and Ancestor Worship?

Answer 2

All public ceremonies celebrating Confucius were ended in 1949.
At first temples and shrines dedicated to him were not destroyed; they simply became museum pieces. During the CR the temple of Confucius’ birthplace was attacked.
Communists condemned the traditions of ancestor worship and encouraging new practices new practices and attitudes.
Old traditions were replaced.

Question 3

How successful were these measures?

Answer 3

Although many temples, shrines and religious statues were destroyed, this did not equate to the destruction of long held beliefs.
A director of a commune health clinic had an image of the God of Wealth in his home and was making offerings to it.