有情有義：清代民間秘密宗教情感史初探

Brotherhood: An Overview of the Ties in the Secret Folk Religions of the Qing Dynasty

長期以來，對清代民間秘密宗教的認識，常以功利的角度視之為：斂財與叛亂的民間起事團體，此觀點的形成，主要原因是記載民間宗教的活動資料多是以官方檔案資料為主，此類資料多以官方正統立場出發，故對民間秘密宗教活動多視之為破壞社會秩序的邪教組織，故在官方檔案資料限制下，將無法合理地解釋為何民間秘密宗教在層層律法查禁下，尚能夠不斷吸引信徒加入的正面因素，筆者認為民間秘密宗教除了透過表面上起事後利益的分享承諾外，更重視教徒日常養生送死的照顧，教徒彼此間更發展出擬父子間的情感網絡，再加上教義的宣傳，透過用心的經營，讓教徒間情感由關係建立、深化進而轉化，另外更值得注意的是：在層層政府查緝打壓下，所造成官逼民反的反效果，更有強化信徒彼此間如兄弟般的義氣，與支持信徒認同民間秘密宗教的重要因素。

Based upon two works by Fang Hung-ching's (1517-1611), an orthodox Confucian scholar in the late Ming, this paper examines his keen observation and fierce critique of the culture of his times. Born (and grew up) in Huizhou, Fang had witnessed the rapid change of the social customs in the past century: first of all, the political corruption was overwhelming that bribery had seriously undermined the official ethics. Money was involved in civil service examinat ions, and as a result it became extremely difficult for the poor students to climb the ladder of success. Many philistine literati were endeavoring to befriend high officials and eminent people in order to acquire material gain and other favors. Craving for reward, they would exaggerate or even fabricate nice things about a person on his epitaph or in his biography. The book publishing industry was flourishing since literat i were eager to become famous. They would even purchase other people's writings and assume the identity of the author. As for social customs, birthday parties were increasingly extravagant, and money became more and more important in marriage arrangements. Funerals were also squandering and overdone in many aspects. Acting troupes were always invited to perform at temple festivals in honor of local deit ies. As for the incessant search after material comforts, unrestrained drinking banquets were held everywhere, and wearing expensive clothes became a trend. Riding in sedan chairs was popular. Antiques and paintings became speculative commodities. Fighting against the current, Fang Hung-ching himself practiced simplicity and frugality and respected decency and propriety all his life. Evidently he felt nostalgic toward the 'Golden Age' – the Ming China during the 14th and 15th centuries -- when a simple and honest life was highly valued. He kept expressing his worries that Huizhou would be 'polluted' by extravagant customs and hoping the local officials and gentries would set a good example to clear up what has been confounded and set things right. However, it seems that his hopes were never realized.