Cao Dai is a religion that was founded in Vietnam in 1926. It attempts to unite Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, with elements of Christianity and a wide variety of saints, including Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc,Victor Hugo and Sun Yat Sen, Muhammed, Louis Pasteur, and Lenin. Adherents believe this is "the Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty" when all religions can unite. Women are viewed as equal to men, but cannot hold either of the 2 highest positions in the church (don’t get me started).
We visited a Caodaist temple in Sa Dec.Their churches are famous for their eclectic architecture, colorful ornamentation, and use of neon. We also learned hat the Caodaists offer free burials, including pick up of the body, within 2 hours of being called, in a wildly decorated "dragon car" (the vehicle behind the gate in the picture) So families who are too poor to pay for a funeral can see their loved ones taken care of it.
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"I vow that from now on I will know only one Cao-Dai Religion (God-Way Religion), I will never change my mind, I will live in harmony and be a close member of the believer's community, I will observe Cao-Dai Laws and Regulations. Should si change my mind shall be exterminated by Haven and EarthRegulations. Should I change my mind,"
Wild stuff
