Xu Yongli, Yang Jingjun. On the Difference Between Religion and Falun Gong (Falun Dafa)

(Beijing Union University)

Abstract ◊ The article raises the question of the correlation of such social phenomena as religion in a general sense and the discipline of Falun Gong, which was introduced in the 1990s by the “teacher” Li Hongzhi. The problem of the correlation between these concepts is of interest at this time for the citizens of China, because in the People's Republic of China it is officially forbidden to profess Falun Gong. Nevertheless, there are many adepts of it. The authors of the article describe in detail various aspects that characterize these both phenomena, closely consider their inherent traits and make a comparative analysis. A large quantity of references from theological sources is presented in the article as well as the facts that concern the sect of Li Hongzhi’s disciples. Relying on the data resulting from the investigation, the authors conclude that the discipline of Falun Gong cannot be considered as a religion.

Keywords: religion, Falun Gong, China, religion in China.

Xu Yongli, professor, the Chairman of the University Council of Beijing Union University, China. The official website of the university: www.buu.edu.cn

Yan Jingjun, professor at Beijing Union University, China. The official website of the university: www.buu.edu.cn

Citation: Xu Yongli, Yang Jingjun. On the Difference Between Religion and Falun Gong (Falun Dafa) // Znanie. Ponimanie. Umenie [Knowledge. Understanding. Skill]. 2012. № 2. P. 132–137.

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