|
Book Description:
Caodaism, a Vietnamese religious movement, is characterized by a solid and well-organized priesthood; peasants were attracted to the movement for reasons of security, economic motivations, interest in Cao Dai rites, and formation of social links with elites. It has been among the least studied phenomena in the modern religious history of Southeast Asia. Moreover, the field of millenarian activity has proven unusually resistant to the efforts of scientists. This book's aim is twofold: to analyze the movement, sometimes perceived as a thing-in-itself, in its own terms when ideology is concerned, and to provide the fullest possible background concerning the political and economical history of the Caodaist movement. |
