Falun Gong is beginning to look a lot like China's version of Scientology. Aside from featuring "aliens" and a "spinning wheel" in their beliefs, their measures for acceptance and promotion have recently been called into question.
Falun Gong...incorporates a spiritual element and some unique beliefs, including one that followers have a spinning wheel in their bellies that pushes out evil and attracts good. In 1999, its founder, Li Hongzhi, told a Time magazine reporter that aliens from other planets were responsible for corrupting mankind by teaching modern science. [NY Times]
Most recently, they have been pushing their agenda via a show called Chinese New Year Splendor at Radio City Music Hall. While there is no mention of Falun Gong in the title or promotional pamphlets, its message and pleas for sympathy seep into the performance during the first act, causing many unsuspecting audience members to leave upon realizing the hidden agenda.
The group which has been persecuted in China and branded a cult, should be able to practice freely without this threat. Nevertheless, such deceptive tactics no doubt further their cult-like image, and bring into question why they have to be so roundabout in the first place. Simply put, you are not helping your cause.
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