This article is based upon participant-observation of a Falun Gong group in Columbus, Ohio and includes a descriptive account of the exercises and local organizational structure. The totalistic rhetoric of Falun Gong founder, Li Hongzhi, is undermined by the non-hierarchical organizational structure of the movement. The privileging of orthopraxy over orthodoxy at the local level further undermines Li's totalism. However, the persecution of Falun Gong and the vilification of Li Hongzhi by the government of the People's Republic of China have resulted in an escalation of Li's totalistic and apocalyptic rhetoric. The ongoing persecution is currently the greatest threat to the structural stability of the Falun Gong movement. Nonetheless, barring external pressure, Falun Gong organizational structure and orthopraxy sufficiently counterbalance Li's totalistic tendencies.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
April 2003
Other|
April 01 2003
How Falun Gong Practice Undermines Li Hongzhi's Totalistic Rhetoric
Nova Religio (2003) 6 (2): 332–347.
Citation
Craig A. Burgdoff; How Falun Gong Practice Undermines Li Hongzhi's Totalistic Rhetoric. Nova Religio 1 April 2003; 6 (2): 332–347. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/nr.2003.6.2.332
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.