The influence of social context on the formation and development of Cao Dai religion in Vietnam

Abstract

Research on Cao Dai religion, whether on its history of formation, development or and transformation, cannot help but start by revealing the social contexts of Southern Vietnam. Because of that foundation, Cao Dai religion was born in a period when the country in general, and the Southern region in particular, were experiencing fundamental political, economic, cultural-social and religious changes. Cao Dai religion has made significant contributions to historical development of the country. Using the approach of religious history, this article synthesizes and analyzes the Southern social contexts that influenced the formation and development of Cao Dai through three distinct periods: 1/ The first, from 1926 to 1975. 2/ The second, from 1975 to 1992, and the third, from 1992 to present. In the three stages, each exhibited different social circumstances that influenced Cao Dai’s birth and development processes, and creating unique characteristics for each stage.