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South China Morning Post

China's religious history features Christianity, Judaism and Islam … and a cult that sparked bloody civil war

Here are five pieces from Post Magazine's long-running column Reflections by Wee Kek Koon that look at the Chinese Bible's impact on Mandarin, the forgotten Kaifeng Jews, the journey of Islam in China and how one Hong Xiuquan, who thought he was Jesus Christ's brother, started the Taiping Rebellion. Read the fascinating tale of Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be Jesus Christ's younger brother, sparking the Taiping Rebellion that hastened the downfall of the Qing dynasty. His religious movement, born from failed exams and divine visions, resulted in millions of deaths in the bloodiest of civil wars. Explore the harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in China, and how it contrasts with the historical conflicts among Abrahamic faiths. The non-dogmatic nature of Chinese belief systems, which foster inclusivity and syncretism, suggests something can be learned from their approach to religious tolerance and coexistence. The Chinese Union Version of the Bible introduced biblical phrases like 'sacrificial lamb' and 'a tooth for a tooth' into the Chinese language. Christian translators consulted ancient Greek texts and English editions to create a version for Chinese readers, shaping linguistic and cultural landscapes.