New-found religious movements in Europe and Asia
07012659 Lee Pui Tak07014430 Kwong Sze Wai Janice
POLS3620 Contemporary Europe and Asia
Characteristics
Scientology
• A spiritual rehabilitation (auditing), self-help system
• Study materials and auditing courses depending on “donations”
Fa-lun Gong
• A system of mind-body cultivation practice [修煉 ]
• Aim at morality, low-cost and health benefits
• Truthfulness/Compassion/ Forbearance
Lee Pui Tak 07012659Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
Differences and Criticisms
Scientology
• Fraud• Commercial-oriented• Brainwashing, and even
denoted as “Cult”
Lee Pui Tak 07012659
…and this here is where we pray to the blessed
We can brainwash faster than the Russians
Lee Pui Tak 07012659
E-Meter: USD 4,650.00
Fa-lun Gong
Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
Differences and Criticisms
Fa-lun Gong
• Change in attitude of the Chinese government
Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
Differences and Criticisms
Fa-lun Gong
• Denoted as anti-Communist• Threat to order/ progress
Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
Arrest of the people practicing Fa-lun Gong
Penalty
Similarities
• Relative short history (Scientology: since 1952; Fa-lun Gong: since 1992)
• Non-idol worshipping practice
• Publications and Media
• Hidden message
Lee Pui Tak 07012659 Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
Religious recognition - Scientology
Lee Pui Tak 07012659
Scientology is a religion
Religious recognition - Scientology
Lee Pui Tak 07012659
Scientology is NOT a
religion
Religious recognition – Fa-lun Gong
Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
Religious recognition – Fa-lun GongKwong Sze Wai 07014430
Conclusion
Lee Pui Tak 07012659 Kwong Sze Wai 07014430
• Drastic difference to traditional religions
• Purposes not solely religious
• Stronger opposition
Lee Pui Tak 07012659 Kwong Sze Wai 07014430