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Well, it has some admirable aspects, namely that it functions in some sense as Scientology- in that it arguably improves bodily and mental health. The qigong exercises practiced by its members are similar to that practiced by other groups.
Another admirable aspect from another end is that its existence bespeaks the development of a type of civil society in China, in that the group organized.
However,
While I am not a FG expert, here is my understanding:
The danger of Falun Gong is that it also possesses many of the aspects of cults-
1.) Its members don't brook dissent among the ranks from their holy book. (which is similar in some ways to major religions- yes) [Interestingly, their "founder" who wrote the "holy book" wasn't even in the country when the religion started morphing and developing.]
2.) When criticised, its members tend to gather in large groups and stand in protests. Not just against news stations, but against other people. Arguably when they protested against the government that was a good thing becuase it demonstrated desire for pluralism of power and respect for practice of religion. However, any criticism of FG, even unofficial, resulted in large mobilizations that shut down TV stations, newspapers, and demanded not that the news stories be neutral but that all news be positive about their group. They resorted to coercion and threats. Perhaps this is understandable in light of China's tendency to crack down on said religions groups- but FG also tends to act in such an insular manner in other countries in a search for legitimacy.
3.) Generally it acted as a political and mobilization group rather than as a religion. What began as merely a method to practice qigong exercises morphed into a place to meet and discuss things, and including ostracism of other members who did not conform, and demands for money to be donated to "the cause."
4.) They promise that through magical means that people's lives can be extended and they can do magical things. (Shades of the militant turn of the century boxers)
5.) Basically, they are a step below militant religious groups, but more politically active than say the scientologists- they have a daily paper that's available in DC for free- The Epoch Times, I believe, if you'd like to see their news reporting style.
The chinese government statement is here.
It's pretty weak.
Here's a fair (possible fairer than my) analysis by TIME:
http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...165166,00.html I tend, however to disagree with the assertions that they exert pressure to join- from my knowledge they do. As for "required to donate" I understand it's "heavily encouraged" even moreso than the Catholic tithing.
and here's a realtively anti FG site:
Perhaps my vitriol is a bit over-the-top, but Falun Gong's overly-positive press coverage leaves a nasty taste in my mouth- while it may not be "evil", I'm pretty convinced that it is a cult.
Well, it has some admirable aspects, namely that it functions in some sense as Scientology- in that it arguably improves bodily and mental health. The qigong exercises practiced by its members are similar to that practiced by other groups.
Another admirable aspect from another end is that its existence bespeaks the development of a type of civil society in China, in that the group organized.
However,
While I am not a FG expert, here is my understanding:
The danger of Falun Gong is that it also possesses many of the aspects of cults-
1.) Its members don't brook dissent among the ranks from their holy book. (which is similar in some ways to major religions- yes) [Interestingly, their "founder" who wrote the "holy book" wasn't even in the country when the religion started morphing and developing.]
2.) When criticised, its members tend to gather in large groups and stand in protests. Not just against news stations, but against other people. Arguably when they protested against the government that was a good thing becuase it demonstrated desire for pluralism of power and respect for practice of religion. However, any criticism of FG, even unofficial, resulted in large mobilizations that shut down TV stations, newspapers, and demanded not that the news stories be neutral but that all news be positive about their group. They resorted to coercion and threats. Perhaps this is understandable in light of China's tendency to crack down on said religions groups- but FG also tends to act in such an insular manner in other countries in a search for legitimacy.
3.) Generally it acted as a political and mobilization group rather than as a religion. What began as merely a method to practice qigong exercises morphed into a place to meet and discuss things, and including ostracism of other members who did not conform, and demands for money to be donated to "the cause."
4.) They promise that through magical means that people's lives can be extended and they can do magical things. (Shades of the militant turn of the century boxers)
5.) Basically, they are a step below militant religious groups, but more politically active than say the scientologists- they have a daily paper that's available in DC for free- The Epoch Times, I believe, if you'd like to see their news reporting style.
The chinese government statement is here.
It's pretty weak.
Here's a fair (possible fairer than my) analysis by TIME:
http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...165166,00.html I tend, however to disagree with the assertions that they exert pressure to join- from my knowledge they do. As for "required to donate" I understand it's "heavily encouraged" even moreso than the Catholic tithing.
and here's a realtively anti FG site:
Perhaps my vitriol is a bit over-the-top, but Falun Gong's overly-positive press coverage leaves a nasty taste in my mouth- while it may not be "evil", I'm pretty convinced that it is a cult.
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