Myth or Reality? Evaluating the Claims of Cao Dai’s Covert Association with the Anti-Christ in the Vietnamese Context

Abstract

Cao Dai is a syncretistic religion that originated in Vietnam in the early 20th century. The term “Cao Dai” translates to “High Tower” or “High Palace” and refers to the supreme deity of the religion. Cao Dai combines elements of various religious traditions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, and Spiritism. The religion was founded in 1926 in Tay Ninh province, Vietnam, by Ngo Van Chieu, a Vietnamese civil servant. This research paper examines the claims of Cao Dai’s covert association with the anti-Christ within the Vietnamese context. The topic has garnered attention in recent years, with emerging criticism suggesting a hidden relationship between the Cao Dai faith and forces associated with the anti-Christ. This study aims to critically evaluate the allegations, exploring whether they hold any factual basis or if they are merely unsubstantiated claims rooted in myth and speculation. Thus, the study deals with the research questions;

• What are the origins and nature of the allegations regarding Cao Dai’s covert association with the anti-Christ?
• What is the historical and cultural context surrounding Cao Dai and its development within Vietnam?
• What are the key arguments put forth by those making the claims, and what evidence, if any, do they provide to support their assertions?
• How has the Vietnamese public, religious scholars, and experts responded to these allegations, and what is the general perception of the claims within the Vietnamese context?
• What scholarly research, academic literature, and primary sources are available to shed light on the authenticity or lack thereof of the alleged secret relation between Cao Dai and the anti-Christ?
• Through a thorough analysis of available information and evidence, can any concrete conclusions be drawn regarding the alleged covert association between Cao Dai and the anti-Christ?
• What potential motives or factors might be contributing to the propagation of these allegations, and what impact, if any, do they have on the perception and practice of Cao Dai within Vietnam?

By exploring these research questions, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the claims surrounding Cao Dai’s covert association with the anti-Christ. Through a critical analysis of the available evidence and scholarly perspectives, it seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the topic and clarify the myth or reality of these allegations within the Vietnamese religious landscape.