What should Christians make of Falun Gong and Shen Yun?

Falun Gong (sometimes Falun Dafa) was founded by Li Hongzhi in 1992 and quickly gained adherents, particularly via a number of books; for example, China Falun Gong in April 1993, and Zhuan Falun, first published in Chinese in January 1995. In terms of meaning, Fǎ is a Chinese translation of the Sanskrit word dharma, which is essentially Buddhist teaching, while lún is Chinese for a turning wheel. Gōng is a shortened version of Qìgōng, meaning the skill of mastering spiritual energy. Falun Gong, then, is “a method of Qigong that turns the dharma wheel [Buddhist teaching].” Thus, it implies the mystical study, spiritual practice, and propagation of Buddhist teaching, although one blended with aspects of Taoism. 

Followers now number in the tens of millions. Hongzhi teaches against the errors of modern thinking, and controversially introduces followers to belief in aliens, suggesting that they have introduced humankind to modern science and technology. The movement is also one that strongly urges faithful obedience to the centralised leadership, and some former members have accused the organisation of encouraging followers to work long hours without pay, and reject Western medicine, even for life-threatening conditions. The more traditional Eastern religious practices, on which Falun Gong is based, include a commitment to follow the Tao (meaning ‘the Way’), which is adapted from Taoism. 

Perfection towards the divine comes through seeking moral virtue, meditation, and exercises that channel various spiritual aspects. The three main virtues are truthfulness (Zhēn), compassion (Shàn), and forbearance (Rěn). By mastering the virtues, they say it is possible to overcome bad karma, which has consequences for reincarnation. Thus, Falun Gong is a works-based, eastern mystical religion. In stark contrast, Christians believe people are saved and transformed by divine grace, which comes through Christ’s atoning work upon the cross, and sanctified by the power of the indwelling divine Holy Spirit. This grace enables believers to do good works, not the other way around. For Christians, Jesus is the only true way to the Father (John:14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
See All...): “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Falun Gong also runs the Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty TV media outlets. These news agencies tend towards supporting right-wing politics, and so have some attraction for conservative Christians. However, they also promote the wider religious organisation, which even highlights cases of religious conversion to Falun Gong. Evangelical Christians may be following these media organisations without knowing their background and religious agenda.

So, what are Christian creationists to think? Of course, we also oppose both atheism and belief in molecules-to-man evolution. But there is a wide gulf between the beliefs of this revived Eastern religion, and Christianity, which we should be aware of. If you have the opportunity and desire to see [their staged show] Shen Yun, then be cautious and mindful that you will be exposed to the carefully-organised promotion of a non-Christian Eastern mystical religion.

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