The Religion of Falun Gong
2012 book by Benjamin Penny
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The Religion of Falun Gong is a 2012 nonfiction book by Benjamin Penny, published by the University of Chicago Press, that discusses the Falun Gong's belief system.
First edition | |
| Author | Benjamin Penny |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | University of Chicago Press |
Publication date | 2012 |
| Pages | 262 |
| ISBN | 978-0-226-65501-7 |
| OCLC | 748290759 |
| 299.5'1 | |
| LC Class | BP605.F36P46 2012 |
The publisher stated that sources often did not include much analysis of Falun Gong beliefs but instead examined the group's political factors.[1]
Penny's main argument is that Falun Gong functions as a religion even if the Chinese government,[2] Li Hongzhi, and other people involved in Falun Gong do not publicly regard it as such.[3]
Reception
The book won the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Awards from Choice Magazine.[1]
David Ownby of the Université de Montréal wrote that the book "convincingly illustrates the validity of treating Falun Gong as a religion" although Ownby noted this conclusion does not address the "quality" of the Falun Gong.[2]
Paul Hedges of the University of Winchester wrote that the book "is an important contribution".[4]
Gerda Wielander of the University of Westminster described the book as "A wonderful piece of Sinological research".[5] She stated that the sourcing is "meticulous" but this sometimes results in the reading being "dry".[3]
References
- Wielander, Gerda (March 2014). "Book review: The Religion of Falun Gong. BENJAMIN PENNY. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 2012. xiii + 262 pp. $45.00; £29.00. ISBN 978-0-226-65501-7" (PDF). China Quarterly (217). Cambridge University Press: 296–298. doi:10.1017/S030574101400023X. ISSN 0305-7410. S2CID 155059258. - Profile, see Page on ProQuest