Chapter 2 The Transformation of Mentuhui (Society of Disciples)
Constructing Legitimacy and Adapting to a Changing Religious Economy
In: Shades of Gray in the Changing Religious Markets of China
Author:
Hao
Hao
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Abstract
This chapter looks at mentuhui (Society of Disciples), a Christian sect that has been officially labelled a xiejiao, or evil cult. Unlike other groups to which this label has been applied, mentuhui has not adopted an antagonistic approach to the party-state, but as this analysis shows, have attempted to negotiate their position vis a vis the authorities. While mentuhui is not accepted by most mainstream Christian groups in China, their tactics have worked insofar as they are not actively persecuted by the party-state like their rival, the Church of the Almighty God.