Current Events
Link to Article: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/29/us-china-politics-vacuum-idUSBRE98S0GS20130929
Today, many traditional cultures like Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism are not practiced freely in many regions of China. As a communist country, followers of these traditional religions in China find it difficult to practice their religions publicly. However, recently, President Xi Jinping recognized that China was losing it's "moral compass" and wanted the ruling Communist Party to accept more of these traditional faiths which he believes, will soon lead to the growth of the country. President Xi perceives that there is a decline in the moral values in China, people are more obsessed with money than the cultures and symbols of China, and wants an alteration of this societal concept.
In November when Xi became party and military chief, he strengthened the anti-corruption campaign by attempting to allow more followers of traditional religions practice their own rituals. During this time, religious freedom was a controversial issue in China, and it was also highlighted in the constitution. Nevertheless, the atheist Communist Party still crushed those who challenged their view on religion and how it should be not practiced publicly. Even with the disagreement from the Communist Party, Xi does not give up and soon establishes a "material and spiritual civilization" for the growth of religions. In Taoism, the main goal is to “preach living harmony with nature and simplicity”, which was stated in the article. If Taoism and other traditional religions of China are practiced more often, the evidence suggests that the "crime rates" are going to decrease. However, even with several attempts to fight for the freedom of the followers of traditional religions, the most important concept or priority in China still remains the same-- Economic development as number one, and Moral development as the second most significant.
This article helps people realize how religions, especially Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are major parts of many people's lives and it also shows how these religions can affect the way people live and even the country itself. There are many opinions and perspectives on people practicing their own religions in the public, however this article emphasizes the benefits and the positive aspects of practicing these religions. It is stated that "He [President Xi] hopes China's 'traditional cultures' or faiths - Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism - will help fill a void that has allowed corruption to flourish." This shows that practicing these religions can lead to less corruption in the government and more unification among the people.
In November when Xi became party and military chief, he strengthened the anti-corruption campaign by attempting to allow more followers of traditional religions practice their own rituals. During this time, religious freedom was a controversial issue in China, and it was also highlighted in the constitution. Nevertheless, the atheist Communist Party still crushed those who challenged their view on religion and how it should be not practiced publicly. Even with the disagreement from the Communist Party, Xi does not give up and soon establishes a "material and spiritual civilization" for the growth of religions. In Taoism, the main goal is to “preach living harmony with nature and simplicity”, which was stated in the article. If Taoism and other traditional religions of China are practiced more often, the evidence suggests that the "crime rates" are going to decrease. However, even with several attempts to fight for the freedom of the followers of traditional religions, the most important concept or priority in China still remains the same-- Economic development as number one, and Moral development as the second most significant.
This article helps people realize how religions, especially Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are major parts of many people's lives and it also shows how these religions can affect the way people live and even the country itself. There are many opinions and perspectives on people practicing their own religions in the public, however this article emphasizes the benefits and the positive aspects of practicing these religions. It is stated that "He [President Xi] hopes China's 'traditional cultures' or faiths - Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism - will help fill a void that has allowed corruption to flourish." This shows that practicing these religions can lead to less corruption in the government and more unification among the people.