Abstract
There is a prominent phenomenon in the religious life of Vietnam, which is the emergence of “new religions”. These phenomena have not only made the religious space of the nation more complex and multi-dimensional but also challenged stability and sustainable development within the religious communities in this key economic region. Having studied the new religious phenomenon in recent years, we have noted its progress and widespread characteristics within the ethnic communities. While it may appear that "new religion" is a simple and gentle concept and practice, it is in fact, intrinsically related to and has significant implications on the social life of the community members. However, there is a growing concern, considerable suspicion and anxiety with regards to its impacts on individuals, families, social and cultural traditions, beliefs and religions; many have opined that it is radically changing the peaceful cohabitation of diverse religious traditions, revealing a potential for conflicts across groups. Based on the religious reality of the Southern region of Vietnam, the Center for Religion Studies has implemented a project regarding new religions in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and the problems faced by the religious policy in Vietnam. This article is an overview of the results of this project.
Highlights
Vietnam is a country of many ethnicities and multiple religions
There are mainstream religions practiced by some ethnic minority communities such as Brahmanism in Champa, Theravada Khmer communities in the South Vietnam and Hindu communities from India, Malaysia and Vietnamese people of Indian origin, living in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and certain western provinces in southern Vietnam
We provide an overview of the current state of the study of new religions in Vietnam as pioneered by domestic researchers
Summary
Vietnam is a country of many ethnicities and multiple religions. There are mainstream religions practiced by some ethnic minority communities such as Brahmanism in Champa, Theravada Khmer communities in the South Vietnam and Hindu communities from India, Malaysia and Vietnamese people of Indian origin, living in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and certain western provinces in southern Vietnam. New religions are a new theoretical and practical issue in Vietnam. Around the world this issue has been studied for many years, with many published works. Direct research on this issue in Vietnam is still modest, with few scholars and researchers turning their attention to it. We provide an overview of the current state of the study of new religions in Vietnam as pioneered by domestic researchers
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