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

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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