Congregations deliberately foster a sense of community and belonging among followers, providing social support and encouragement for mutual spiritual growth. At one such religious service attended by Religioscope, there was even a “birthday celebration” to commemorate one member’s first year as part of the congregation, complete with a birthday cake and song (© 2024 Joanna Eva / Religioscope).
This article analyzes this unique movement in a bid to gain insight into Sinitic culture, spirituality and religious diversity. Over the course of several months between late 2023 and early 2024, Religioscope met with Yiguandao leaders and believers in Taiwan’s coastal province of Taitung. The following is the result of in-depth conversations with members quietly dedicated to self-mastery, serving their communities, and better understanding their place in both their society and the cosmic order they recognize.
Today, Yiguandao is as proactive as ever in its attempts to bring new believers into the fold. Perhaps most notable are its efforts to support and grow its base in China. From its stronghold in Taiwan, viewed by many as a regional bastion of democracy and religious pluralism, the group persistently sends missionaries across the Strait in spite of increasing religious persecution by the Communist Party of China.
For reading the full article by Joanna Eva (37 pages), click here for downloading the PDF file (10,6 Mo).
