Vocabulary
The belief that the gods have chosen the current ruler
How were the rulers of China determined?
The Mandate of Heaven, or believing that the gods chose that person.
If there was illness...
The ruler would be overthrown for a new one
Was a ruler determined by royal blood? Why or why not?
No. It was determined by the Mandate of Heaven
Why was it "okay" if the ruler was overthrown?
Mandate of Heaven
If the ruler made the gods unhappy...
He was cooked
The belief that the gods determined who should rule China
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
What was a ruler's responsibility?
To please the gods
If there was a flood...
The ruler would be overthrown
What was the Dynastic Cycle?
The pattern of a dynasty rising to power, declining, and eventually being overthrown
What did the belief of the Mandate of Heaven obligate rulers to do?
To keep their people happy, keep the gods content, perform rites to ensure fertile soil, and control rivers
If there was a lot of food...
The rulers would be considered to still have the Mandate of Heaven.
What's a modern-day or Christian perspective example of the Mandate of Heaven and the Dynastic Cycle? Any Bible stories you might think of?
Molly or JoJo or Charlotte will vote on whether your answer is good enough ( :
What was the last dynasty where the dynastic cycle was in place?
The Zouh Dynasty
If a ruler stops doing "good things"
The Mandate of Heaven has been considered revoked from that ruler