A sweeping initiative aimed at educating primary and middle school students on the perils of “xie jiao” and illegal religious activities has ignited controversy.
The campaign raised concerns about potential indoctrination and its impact on religious freedom and education in China.
Home to around 700,000 residents, Rongxian County in Guangxi province witnessed an extensive drive to familiarize young learners with the concept of “xie jiao” – a term referring to movements deemed by authorities as propagating “heterodox teachings.”
However, the campaign’s scope expanded to encompass critiques of “illegal religion” and broader denunciations of religious practices as “anti-scientific.”
Allegations have surfaced that children as young as six years old were engaged in various activities designed to effectively convey the campaign’s messages.
These activities ranged from chanting slogans praising “science” while condemning “feudal superstition,” to using diverse educational tools such as games, exercises, lectures, and even nursery rhymes, all tailored to resonate with the young students.
Parents interviewed by Bitter Winter, a publication specializing in religious freedom and human rights issues in China, claimed that the campaign’s initial focus was on addressing concerns related to “xie jiao.”
However, as the campaign evolved, teachers reportedly began to criticize both religious beliefs and scientific concepts.
Students were allegedly told that significant figures within the scientific community historically distanced themselves from religious faith – a statement that has been challenged for its accuracy.
A mother expressed her worry about her child being taught to prioritize Xi Jinping’s ideology over what was referred to as “feudal superstitions,” supposedly obstructing China’s national rejuvenation.
The absence of clarity regarding terms like “feudal superstition” left students and parents uncertain about whether belief in a higher power, such as God, fell within this classification.
This ambiguity has spurred debates about the campaign’s objectives and the extent of religious freedom within the educational system.
As international observers continue to voice apprehensions about the potential ramifications of such campaigns on independent thought and expression, debates escalate about the wider implications for the education framework and the future of religious tolerance in China.
The interplay between political ideologies, educational content, and religious beliefs has prompted discussions on the boundaries of human rights and freedom of expression within China and across the globe.
The situation unfolding in Rongxian County underscores the ongoing challenges associated with religious freedom in China and raises complex questions about the Chinese government’s approach to managing specific religious practices and beliefs.
