China Wants to ‘Rewrite’ the Bible and Quran with ‘Socialist Values’
The English publication “Daily Mail” reports that Beijing intends to present new versions of the Quran and Bible based on “socialist values.” The leadership of the Chinese Communist Party issued an order in November for a comprehensive review of classical religious texts.
On Wednesday, December 25, the German Catholic news agency reported, citing the “Daily Mail” internet portal, about the rewriting and review of the Quran and Bible in China. The website of this English publication quotes a senior Chinese official as saying that new versions of religious texts should not contain content contrary to the beliefs and views of the Communist Party. According to this official, sections deemed undesirable by the censorship authority will be changed and rewritten.
Apparently, the issue dates back to an order that the Chinese Communist Party issued in November for a comprehensive evaluation of classical religious texts with the aim of reviewing content that conflicts with contemporary developments. This order, however, makes no mention of the Quran or Bible as the sacred texts of Muslims and Christians.
The French newspaper “Figaro” also writes on this matter, stating that religious authorities must, in compliance with directives from Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of China, explain and interpret the ideology of various religions in accordance with “fundamental socialist values” and “contemporary necessities.”
In fact, religious leaders have been asked to create “a religious system with Chinese characteristics” and, through reassessment and rewriting of religious texts, prevent “extremist ideas” and “heretical thoughts” in the country.
This report comes as China faces severe international criticism for its treatment of the Muslim Uyghur minority and the suppression of this group. United Nations experts say at least one million Muslims are being held and subjected to mind control in camps located in Xinjiang in western China.
China says these camps were built to combat terrorism and re-educate individuals, but the “International Federation of Investigative Journalists” has provided evidence showing that Uyghurs are being punished in these centers and forced to express remorse and confess against themselves.
China’s ambassador to Britain has called such reports fabricated.
Source: DW
