CHANGES IN BELIEFS AND RELIGION OF BRU – VAN KIEU COMMUNITY AT PRESENT (CASE OF EA HIU COMMUNE, KRONG PAC DISTRICT, DAK LAK PROVINCE)

Abstract

In recent years, due to the impact of many different factors, the traditional beliefs of the Bru – Van Kieu community in Dak Lak have changed. By the research method of Anthropology/Ethnography, the article shows that from 1975 to now, more than 60% of the Bru – Van Kieu population in Ea Hiu commune, Krong Pac district, Dak Lak province have converted from traditional beliefs to new religions (Catholicism and Protestantism). The argument of this article is that the above changes are inevitable in the process of social movement and development. However, this change takes place in two positive and negative directions, leading to a conflict of values between the old and the new. In which, the new is taking the lead in helping the Bru – Van Kieu community improve their economic life, implement a new, civilized, and progressive lifestyle, but on the contrary, it is the new religion that is fading traditional beliefs, losing the unique cultural identity of the Bru – Van Kieu people today.