How did Cao Dai start?

A Cao Dai army was established in 1943 during the Japanese occupation of Indochina. After the war the Cao Dai was an effective force in national politics; it first supported, then opposed, Premier Ngo Dinh Diem. In 1955–56 Diem disbanded the Cao Dai army and forced the sect’s pope, Pham Cong Tac, into exile.

Is Cao Dai a religion?

Cao Đài is a syncretic, monotheistic religion officially established in the city of Tây Ninh, southern Vietnam in 1926. The religion combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam.

When was the Cao Dai temple built?

1933
As the main cathedral of the religion, the Cao Dai Great Temple stands vividly today in Hoa Thanh District, 5km southeast of Tay Ninh City. The construction of the temple started in 1933, but it was not completed until 1955. The temple spreads over an area of 5600 m2 with a length of 140m and a width of 40m.

Is Cao Dai ethnic?

Cao Dai is monotheistic and an ethnic religion. Cao Dai (also Caodaism or Caodaiism) is a new religious movement founded in Vietnam.

Who was the founder of the Cao Dai religion?

In 1919 Ngo Van Chieu ( q.v. ), an administrator for the French in Indochina, received a communication from the supreme deity during a table-moving séance. Chieu became the prophet of the new religion, which was formally established in 1926. A Cao Dai army was established in 1943 during the Japanese occupation of Indochina.

What did Cao Dai do after the war?

After the war the Cao Dai was an effective force in national politics; it first supported, then opposed, Premier Ngo Dinh Diem. In 1955–56 Diem disbanded the Cao Dai army and forced the sect’s pope, Pham Cong Tac, into exile.

When was the Cao Dai Holy See built?

Several years later, an official religion was founded, with construction of its main temple, the Cao Dai Holy See, beginning in 1935. Nowadays, the Cao Dai Holy See is a popular day trip from Saigon, with the temple allowing tourists to witness their midday service.

Who are the two highest positions in Cao Dai?

Cao Dai’s hierarchy includes a Pope, cardinals, bishops, priest, etc. Cao Dai teaches equality between men and women, but women are not allowed to be Legislative Cardinal and Pope, the two highest positions in Cao Dai. The religion and church claims that God ordered this because Yang represents Male while Yin represents Female.