Unit 4: Why did the communists seek to destroy the practice of religion? Flashcards
What did article five of the PRC’s common programme promise?
Freedom of religious beliefs. It was later re-affirmed in Article 88 in the 1954 constitution.
What was religion like in 1949?
Important parts of peoples lives.
Ceremonies how to honour Confucius.
How influential was Islam in Xinjiang?
The defining characteristics of society and culture.
Controlled schools.
What was the communist attitudes towards religion?
Religion is a feudal superstition, rivals to communist rule.
Confucianism upheld the old imperial system.
Christianity was Western thought and a myth.
Why was Buddhism targeted?
The contemplative nature of Buddhism made its adherents more difficult to mobilise in mass activity.
Its pacifist outlook clashed with the priorities of the leadership.
Tibet- where most of China’s buddhist lived - Potential buffer zone, that the communist could not afford to not have control over.
What actions did the CCP take against Buddhism?
Lamaism (Tibet form of Buddhism) practice banned in public.
PLA sent to Tibet to suppress demonstrations, arrest protesters and execute leaders.
Monasteries turned into army barracks and came under the control of the Chinese Buddhist Association.
How successful was the CCP in destroying Buddhism?
Successful as Tibet was preserved as a security buffer zone and they deliberately extended the famine to Tibet.
Limitations = continued need for periodic clampdowns, Buddhism still China’s most practised religion.
Why was Confucianism targeted?
It was blamed for Chinas weakness.
It upheld traditional authority.
Clashed with communist values.
What actions did the CCP in destroying Confucianism?
Communist propaganda denounced Confucian attitudes.
Monuments in Confucian homes was ransacked
“Confucius and Co” used to label undesirable elements of Chinese culture = Jiang Qing portrayed Lin Biao as a version of Confucius.
How successful was the CCP in destroying Confucianism?
Successful as its core value was widely criticised since 1911.
Limitations = Confucius values surrounding the family was too engrained to be completely eradicated.
Why was Christianity targeted?
Christian values were incompatible with Marxism.
What actions did the CCP take against Christianity?
Arrest for espionage drove most Protestant missionaries out of the country.
Propaganda attacked the behaviour of the church.
Instead of completely eradicating Christianity, patriotic churches were allowed to continue to function but lost all independence.
How successful was the CCP in destroying Christianity?
Successful as Protestant and Catholic churches weakened.
Limitations = Christianity existed at a reduced capacity.
Why was Islam targeted?
Islamic values were incompatible with Marxism.
What actions did the CCP take against Islam?
Mosques were closed and vandalised.
Muslim leaders were subjected to struggle sessions.
By the PLA in the reunification campaigns in 1950.
