Abstract A paper which discusses Jonathan Spence's book "God's Chinese Son: The Chinese Heavenly Kingdom of Hong Xiuquan" about Chinese Christian missionary Hong Xiuquan who led the Taiping "Great Peace" Rebellion in a bid to gain power over China's major cities and succeeded in seizing Nanjing in 1853. By examining Spence's book, the paper delves into questions such as: What is the nature of Christianity and how should the missionary movement conduct itself in foreign lands? How did the Taiping Rebellion affect geopolitical forces, in China and abroad? Did the Taiping Rebellion carve the way for the Communist revolution in the following century? What does it mean to have a religious conviction and apply it with military force?
From the Paper "Christianity already had its claws in Asia by the 1840s, as did Western trade interests. China's Qing dynasty faced serious challenges to its integrity as it pondered the course of the nation's future. Protestant missionaries that had flourished in the 19th century began to distribute, on a large scale, religious tracts and Chinese-language Bibles. The impact of these missionaries and their publications might not have been foreseen by the Qing dynasty, which already had begun to splinter. It is within this chaotic and semi-stable environment, coupled with the personal stress of continuously failing his Confucian exams, that Hong Xiuquan had his spiritual visions."
Tags:ConfucianHeavenlyFather, Mother, and Elder Brother demon-devils Emperor Sir George Bonham
Abstract This paper examines Confucianism by explaining its rituals that show people how to live their lives and interact with others. The paper discusses in detail some of the cults, for example, Cult of Heaven, state cults, ancestor cults, and family rituals.
From the Paper "Ritual played an integral role in Confucianism, and was important in the teachings of Confucius himself. This importance was also shown by his disciples, who taught these rituals themselves after the time of Confucius. Because of this, Confucianism became known as a "ritual religion", emphasizing both doctrinal and ritual rites within family and society. Confucius made sure that people understood the proper way to go about viewing and practicing rituals, as well as how a leader should act. Some of the rituals are the Cult of Heaven, various State Cults, the Ancestor Cult, and Family Rituals; they include ideas relating to how to act properly and how to relate to each other."
Abstract The paper examines the Confucian view of the family and considers what aspects of it are appropriate for modern (American) life and what aspects are not appropriate for Western society. The writer argues that it appears most likely that the rigidly patriarchal nature of the Confucian family cannot stand up to modern sensibilities. The paper concludes that even though the societies have conflicting ideologies, the Confucian emphasis on respect is a healthy addition to any household.
From the Paper "The Confucian view of the family is one that has been increasingly challenged in recent years as the East and West draw closer together. The following brief paper will examine Confucian philosophy as it pertains to the family and suggest certain aspects of it that might hold promise for American families as well as certain aspects of it that American families should not seek to emulate. As will soon become apparent, Confucianism is a complicated matter when it is applied to the most important social unit of all. To begin with, Confucianism believes very strongly that the relationship between children and their parents is a rigidly hierarchical one: parents are to give the orders and children are expected to unquestioningly obey."
Abstract This paper examines Japan's remarkable economic success during the post World War II period, tying this in with the influence of Confucianism. The writer discusses that the basis of every company is the morale of the employees and that Confucianism in Japan promotes ideals such as industriousness and a strong work ethic, because of its emphasis on harmony and obligations. By examining work ethics at a micro-level the writer describes that one can perceive a clearer picture of why Japan succeeded to transform its economy.
From the Paper "As Japan arose like a phoenix from the ashes after the destruction of World War II, great strides were taken to transform its economy. In contemporary society, it is a given that Japan is a global economic power. This was not always so. The remarkable transformation of the Japanese economy after World War II, was largely influenced by Confucianism an ideology that has had a long history in Japanese society and culture. This paper argues ... "
Tags:confucianism, japan's post wwi economy, east asian ideologies
Abstract This seven page paper examines whether Confucian ethics are applicable in the modern world. The paper describes Confucian ethics in terms of moral philosophy and moral education and suggests that it can still be inspiring today. The paper describes the teaching of Confucius as simple moral and political principles, such as love for others, honoring one's parents, doing what is right instead of what is personally advantageous, practicing ethical reciprocity, and ruling by moral example instead of through force or violence.
From the Paper "Confucian Ethics: An Analysis of Modern Relevance In terms of moral philosophy and moral education, Confucian ethics of virtue can still be inspiring today, for Confucius identified timeless principles that are as relevant now as they have ever been. Confucius taught simple moral and political principles, such as love for others, honoring one's parents, doing what is right instead of what is personally advantageous, practicing ethical reciprocity, and ruling by moral example instead of through force or violence. Confucius identified Six Relationships which he considered to be the proper basis of all social connections between people. "
Abstract This paper presents a study of Confucian influence on Korean history, especially during the Choson period. The paper pays especial reference to the tributary relationship between Korea and China from the earliest period through the modern era. The study examines the Choson Kingdom's claim to be the "purest" Confucian state versus the reality of the application of the religion to the Korean body politic.
From the Paper "The Choson Kingdom (AD 1392-1910) once considered itself the last 'true Confucian' state, even though the kingdom embodied several traits that would indicate otherwise. Confucianism, after all, had been developed in China--not Korea--by the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples. Since Confucianism's rise during the Han Dynasty (206 BC- AD 220), the Chinese state has always practiced it to some degree, whether in peace or wartime, and even when conquered and ruled by the non-Chinese Mongol Empire during the Age of Disunion."
Abstract This paper presents a reflection on CS Lewis' position on heaven, hell and other religious issues in Peter Kreeft's book "Between Heaven & Hel"l. It describes Lewis' point of view as an eminently psychological one, relying on the truth or falsity of the world, embodied by the soul's feeling of "rightness" that is its way of sensing God's love.
Abstract This essay discusses Confucianism and how it is a philosophical system that is based on the teachings of Confucius. It has been practiced throughout China for nearly 2,000 years.
Abstract This paper analyzes the plot of the film "Ticket to Heaven" and looks at how the film portrays the cult environment and power of cults on individuals.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to analyze the film "Ticket to Heaven" from the point of view of how religious cults psychologically influence individuals who are emotionally vulnerable and the impact cults can have on their lives. The research will present a plot synopsis and then discuss how the film portrays the cult environment, the social influence of cults..."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed scene analysis of the sequence immediately after the scene "The Break Up" in Todd Haynes' 2002 film, Far From Heaven. The paper discusses the characters in the film, the film's use of music and its cinematography.
From the Paper "Immediately after the scene "The Break Up", we see Cathy walk from the warmly lit living room occupied by her husband to the unlit parlor where a window is opened onto the night sky. The music illustrating this transition foreshadows the momentous change occurring in Cathy's life by the use of a single instrument -- the piano interlude. The orchestral piece fades to highlight the piano solo, which signifies Cathy's new single status."
This paper discusses the Taiping Rebellion in the mid-1800s, using Franz Michael's article "The Land System of the Heavenly Dynasty - The Taiping Rebellion: History and Documents".
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, 2005, $ 62.95
Abstract This paper critiques Franz Michael's article titled "The Land System of the Heavenly Dynasty - The Taiping Rebellion: History and Documents, Volume 2: Documents and Comments" published in 1971 in Seattle and London by the University of Washington Press. In this article, the writer examines the causes for and development of the Taiping Rebellion in the mid 1800s.
From the Paper "On the heels of the Opium War and Unequal Treaties that weakened China from the outside in, the Taiping rebellion erupted (see Appendix A). According to some researchers, this revolt was one of the bloodiest civil wars in human history killing between twenty and forty million people (Roberts, para. 1963). Due to increased foreign trade, the displacement of traditional economy decreased income due to opium importation. The Qing dynasty was unsuccessful in curbing foreign influence on China, especially with the rising influence of Westernization."
Abstract This paper examines Ernest J. Gaines' novel "In My Father's House", the tale of Philip Martin, a minister and civil rights leader, a responsible husband and father and a pillar of the black community in a small, rural Louisiana town. Martin is forced to confront the sins of his past when the son he abandoned long before shows up in the town to seek revenge against the father he hates. This paper discusses how the story is not only about the reckoning of an individual human being with the wreckage of his past but also the story of the division between black fathers and black sons, a theme which is crucial to an understanding of this and other works by Gaines. It explores these aspects of the novel in the context of the painful beginning of the self-discovery of Martin in the novel.
From the Paper "Gaines portrays Martin not as an evil man, but as a man who is trying, both consciously and subconsciously, to redeem himself for his abandonment of his son, but what he has done has not healed his heart, or his son, or their relationship. The sins of his past were the sins of a young man, but clearly this rationale does not excuse him for those sins or exempt him from having to deal directly with those sins and the son against whom he committed them. Again, the essence of the story is the alienation of black father from black son, and only a direct confrontation can alter that alienation, although not necessarily for the better. After all, the son kills himself in the end of the book, so if there is any redemption it will come in the character of Martin. Despite the fact that Reverend Martin's last words to his wife are, "I'm lost, Alma. I'm lost," Alma restores hope for the future with the words, "We just go'n have to start again" (Gaines 214). "
Abstract This paper examines Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," comparing the relationships of the protagonists with the father figures. The paper discusses the symbolic meaning of the father figures and the contrasts between the two stories involving either support or opposition to the father figure.
From the Paper "The relationships of the protagonists with their father figures in Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" are rich with symbolic meaning and pose an interesting contrast to one another. Whereas Kafka's protagonist labors to support and sustain his father, Hawthorne's protagonist is vehemently opposed to the father figure in the story, the devil and attempts to resist him."
Tags: Kafka, Hawthorne, The Metamorphosis , Young Goodman Brown , Bible, father, sin, hypocrisy
Abstract This essay discusses the impact that John Locke's second treatise had on our founding fathers of government. His emphasis on private property, liberty and the checks and balances of different branches of government were fundamental in shaping the views of the founding fathers.
