Chinese communist revolution is an example of successful religious cult rebellion. Now a religious council is being disbanded and an imperial court is being installed. How long does this empire last in its current form? Xi’s empire will probably face big internal turmoil because Chinese economy is heading for a serious trouble.
“Chinese communist revolution is an example of successful religious cult rebellion.”
It may have been, but that is not so unusual with historic contests for the center of power in China. What is not so different is the nature and use of that center of power. Mao simply became the then latest emperor, imposed the imperial system on the “party” (to him the party was just a tool). Deng took it over and now Xi is returning it to its historic norm. The shuffling of personalities and players and what causes are behind the shuffling has not changed how China is a country ruled by an imperial hand from the center. And in spite of what has seemed like “changes” the last half century, it has mostly been window dressing.
I’ve been saying for years that Russian Communism was a cult of Russian Orthodoxy, while Chinese Communism was a cult of Confucianism. It’s nice to know others have noticed this.
Mao believed too much in his own theology to appoint himself Emperor; it’s doubtful that Xi is a true believer. Do you think he will actually claim the Mandate of Heaven?