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Jonathan Spence discusses his book "God's Chinese Son: The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom of Hong Xiuquan"

BROADCAST: Feb. 1, 1996 | DURATION: 00:50:43

Synopsis

Jonathan Spence, author and Yale University history professor, talks about his book "God's Chinese Son: The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom of Hong Xiuquan." He discusses Hong Xiuquan who believed himself to be the son of God. Spence begins his interview explores how Christianity came to China and how Hong came into contact with its teachings. He explains Hong's belief that the Qing dynasty was an enemy government that needed to be overthrown which led to the Taiping Rebellion. Jonathan Spence also talks about his studies and modern day issues with China and religion. Spence reads several passages from his book.