RELIGIOUS LITERACY - Cao Dai

Cao Dai is a religion that originated in Vietnam in the early 20th century. It is a relatively new religion that combines elements of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity. The religion is based on the belief that all religions have the same root and that the ultimate goal of human life is to attain union with the Divine.

History of Cao Dai:

Cao Dai was founded in 1926 by a Vietnamese man named Ngo Van Chieu. Chieu had a vision in which he received a divine message that instructed him to create a new religion that would unite all of the world's religions. Chieu believed that the world was in a state of spiritual crisis and that a new religion was needed to bring people together and promote peace and harmony.

Beliefs of Cao Dai:

Cao Dai is a monotheistic religion that believes in a single, supreme being known as the "Cao Dai" or "Highest Power." The religion also recognizes other divine beings, including the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Confucius, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad. These figures are considered to be messengers of the Cao Dai and are venerated as saints.

Cao Dai also believes in the concept of reincarnation, and followers of the religion believe that the soul is reborn after death. The ultimate goal of human life is to attain union with the Divine and to escape the cycle of rebirth.

Cao Dai has a unique set of practices and rituals that are derived from its diverse religious influences. The religion's holy book, the "Nguoi Cao Dai," is a compilation of teachings from various religious traditions. Cao Dai's spiritual practices include prayer, meditation, and the use of mediums, who are believed to be able to communicate with the divine realm.

Cao Dai's symbol is the "Divine Eye," a symbol that represents the all-seeing eye of God. The religion also has a hierarchy of spiritual beings, including the "Pope," the "Cardinals," and the "Archbishops," who are responsible for the administration of the religion.

Cao Dai Today:

Cao Dai has over 6 million followers worldwide, with the majority of its followers located in Vietnam. The religion has faced persecution at various times throughout its history, including during the Vietnam War, when the communist government of North Vietnam viewed the religion as a threat to its authority and banned it.

Today, Cao Dai continues to be a vibrant and growing religion, with followers in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The religion has a strong emphasis on social justice and community service, and its followers are actively involved in charitable work and disaster relief efforts.