Summary of PhD thesis of public Management: State management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

The thesis studies and supplements the scientific basis for the state management over religious activities. On that basis, analyzing the phnomenon of religious activities and state management on religious activities in Mekong Delta and giving some predictions about the movement of religion; set new views, orientations and solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta.

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

TRAN VAN TINH

STATE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES IN

THE MEKONG DELTA

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Scientific Supervisors:

1 Assoc Prof Dr.Pham Dung

2 Dr Hoang Quang Đat

This dissertation can be found at: Vietnam National Library, National

Academy of Public Administration Library

PREFACE

1 The reason for choosing the topic

Religion is both a form of social consciousness and a complex social entity that has a direct, powerful impact on many aspects of human social life throughout history Since the beginning of religion, different classes have had

a close relationship with religion, including the prohibition, the promotion of religion and the use of religion for other purposes not religion, especially political goals, profiteers Historically, religion has been closely linked with classes, especially the ruling class The right of gods in harmony with the right ruling class has a great influence on the entire social life The underdeveloped medieval European "dark ages" is a typical example of the influence of the theocracy Today, reactionaries and extremists always use religion as an effective tool to incite violence, war, ethnic conflict, etc., to seriously harm the peace and security of the region and the world

Beside negative aspects, religion also contains positive values, encouraging the belief in beauty, goodness, the great humanity That explains the existence of religion to date, when the religious worldview gradually gave way to the scientific worldview The positive values of religion are universally acknowledged, and asserting that freedom of religion is one of the basic human rights In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, Article 18 states

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” [129, P.11] Therefore, in order to ensure the religious freedom of citizens and limit the negative aspects of religious activities, especially taking advantage of religion,

at the same time, countries in the world need to manage religious activities Because of different political institutions, governments apply different management theories into to religious activity Particularly in Vietnam, the controlling issues of government on religious activities have been interested to lead, to direct and to organize implementation for many achievements by the Party and the State Along with the renovation process, international integration, the Party's system of viewpoints and lines, the State's policies and laws on management of religious activities are adjusted and supplemented However, due to political sensitivity, state management of religious activities has not been studied by many scholars; up to now, the definition of subjects, contents and methods of management have many problems, arguments, should focus on

clarification, especially for each region bearing religious characteristics

Located at the cultural exchange of the region and the world, Mekong River Delta has a large ethnic minority population and a large number of compatriots are followers of religions with many active religions Religion and ethnicity are closely related, the parallel resolution of two problems mentioned above is difficult, complex Besides, the Mekong Delta has low living standard, and the life is still poor This is the basis for hostile forces to use religious and ethnic issues to undermine the socio-economic development and construction

In the past, religious activities in the area have contributed significantly

to the progress and development of the area with many charitable and humanitarian activities Some religious festivals have become common festivals and are well received by the community, meeting the needs of the people's cultural life However, religious activities still have many complicated developments, especially the activities of spreading the words, building worship places illegally; using religious activities to propagate superstition, incite religious-ethnic conflicts; some monks show signs of dignity In addition, hostile forces continue to exploit religious freedom that affects political security, social order and safety Because of the above issues, the thesis "State management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta" is significantly urgent in both theory and practice

2 The goals and tasks of the research

2.1 The goals of the research

The thesis studies and supplements the scientific basis for the State management over religious activities On that basis, analyzing the phnomenon of religious activities and state management on religious activities in Mekong Delta and giving some predictions about the movement

of religion; set new views, orientations and solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

2.2 The tasks of the research

Firstly, the research aims to inherit the concluded success and values, avoid the limitations of the previous research Then, analyze and point out the issues that need to be investigated

Secondly, the thesis clarifies, adds some theoretical and practical issues

in order to determine the basis of state management of religious activities Thirdly, the research analyzes the phenominon of religious activities and state management on these activities in the Mekong Delta today; base on that, clarify the achievements, limitations, causes and issues raised in state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

Fourthly, the thesis analyzes and forecasts the tendency of religious movements and proposes a number of views, orientations and solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

3 The objects and the scope of the research

3.1 The objects of the research

The study subjects of the thesis are state management of religious activities (six religions with the number of over 50,000 members are Buddhism, Hoa Hao Buddhism, Catholicism, Caodaism, the Vietnamese Pure Land Buddhism Association and Protestantism) in the Mekong Delta

3.2 The scope of the research

In terms of space, the thesis on state management of religious activities

in 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, namely Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Can Tho, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Hau Giang, Vinh Long

In term of time, the research study on state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta in the period from 2003 to 2016

4 Approach and research methodologies

4.1 Approach

The thesis is based on the system of thought of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh’s thought; the views of the Party, the laws of the State on religion and religious activities

The research approaches religious issues in the Mekong Delta from the perspective of management science and use the methodology of related sciences such as religion, law, ethnology, etc

4.2 Research methodologies


To achieve the objectives and tasks of the thesis, the author uses a combination of different research methods: analysis, synthesis; sociological investigation; practical summation; Statistics, comparison and use of some information technology software

5 Research’s questions and scientific hypotheses

of religious activities will be the basic foundation for state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

Hypothesis 2: Religious activities in the Mekong Delta are extremely complex and there are some limitations and weaknesses for many reasons Among them, there are reasons for the state management of religious activities Hypothesis 3: The system of views, directions and solutions that have been suggested is feasible, scientific and serious implementation will improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

6 The new contributions of the thesis

6.1 Scientific contribution

Firstly, the thesis has reviewed some domestic and foreign studies related to the topic; reviewing the research results and identifying the topic gap should be further clarified

Secondly, the research analysis clarifies and adds to the theoretical and practical basis, contributing to building and perfecting the scientific basis for state management of religious activities

6.2 Practical contribution

Firstly, the thesis inherits, adds theoretical basis for state management of religious activities, particularly definitions about beliefs, religions, religious activities, state management of religious activities; interprets the necessity of state management over religious activities, especially the state management function performance in order to ensure freedom of religious beliefs and socio-political stability; analyzes the basic contents and the factors affecting management of religious activities These are also fundamental, consistent contents all through with serving as a basis for analyzing the situation, proposing solutions to complete state management for religious activities Secondly, the thesis clearly analyzed the specific factors affecting religious activities and state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta In there, it analyzed specific geographical factors on affecting the formation and development of religion; on history of solidarity among ethnic groups (Kinh, Khmer, Hoa, Cham); on the relationship between the nation-religion (Khmer ethnic people – Theravada Buddhism) and the relationship between religion in the region and religion in foreign countries (mainly Theravada Buddhism in the region with Theravada Buddhism in the Kingdom of Cambodia); on taking religious advantage of hostile forces

Thirdly, the thesis analyzed and evaluated state management for religious activities in the Mekong Delta region, showed achievements, limitations and causes under the perspective of management science; at the same time, shed light on the issues that need to be resolved thoroughly to

perfect the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta Fourthly, the dissertation analyzed and forecasted about religious movement trends and proposes a number of views and solutions to perfect the state management of religious activities in the Mekong River Delta; in which, focusing on solutions to complete institutions, organizing apparatus, training

- fostering civil servants, organizing the implementation of policies and propaganda - mobilization, international cooperation, inspection – test

7 The theoretical and reality meaning of the thesis

7.1 The theoretical meaning

The thesis analyzes, clarifies, adds theoretical basis and reality, contributes to build and complete scientific basis for state management of religious activities

7.2 The reality meaning

The finding of this thesis can be used as reference materials in improving the state management of religious activities in teaching, studying and researching on state management of religious activities

8 The thesis’s structure

Apart from the introduction, conclusion and reference list, the thesis consists of four chapters:

Chapter 1: Overview of researches related to state management of religious activities

Chapter 2: Scientific basis for state management of religious activities Chapter 3: The phenomenon of state management of religious activities

in the Mekong delta

Chapter 4: Directions and solutions to perfect state management of religious activities in the Mekong delta

CHAPTER 1
 THE OVERVIEW OF RESEARCHS RELATED TO STATE

MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES 1.1 Study the theory of religion

In this way, the research focuses on: (1) the viewpoints of Leninism and some religious scientists, (2) the ideas of President Ho Chi Minh on religious management, (3) the tendency of religious movements, new religious issues arising in the development of science and technology and international integration The researches in this direction have generalized analysis of the modern world socio-economic conditions and the movement of religion in the world in general In which, it analyzes the effects of the process of industrialization, modernization and international

Marxism-integration on religious activities; trends of change, new problems arising, expression, issues to be addressed in the relationship between the state and the church; attitudes and views of some scientists and politicians in Vietnam

on religious issues

1.2 Study on the status of religious activities

1.2.1 Study on the status of world religious activities

In this way, the research projects have approached and generalized the status of world religious activities in many angles; in which, focusing on analyzing the influence of religion on socio-economic life, especially ethnic-religious conflicts in some countries

1.2.2 Study on the status of Vietnamese religious activities

In this way, the researches analyzes and presents overview of birth history, development, doctrine, canon law, rituals, practice religion, church organization structure of some religions in Vietnam, South, Southwest In particular, in the Southwest region, the works focus on the study and analysis

of the philosophy, religious culture, role, position and importance of religion

in people's lives, especially the role of Theravada Buddhism in the cultural life - spirit of the Khmer people

1.3 Study on the state management of religious activities

1.3.1 Study on the state management of religious activities in some countries around the world

In this way, the researches deep analyzes the relationship between religions and political and social life; analyzes and clarifies the relationship between religions and culture, ethnicity especially analyzing religious policy

of government and its impacts to political stability and social security in each country and regions

1.3.2 Study on the state management of religious activities in Vietnam 1.3.2.1 The policy of some Nguyen dynasty’s Kings on religion

In this direction, the researches focused on analyzing the national historic context, religious policy in general and for each religionparticularly

in each period of feudal state history; in which, it goes deep in the stoolcauses, factors affecting recent religious policy These works have common achievements that have analyzed, drawn lessons experience in developing and implementing current religious policies, especially affirm the principle of "resolute to the core issuesbut must be flexible and soft "

1.3.2.2 State management of religious activities in Vietnam today

These works analyze views, lines and religious policy in Vietnam based

on the Vietnamese religious picture inrelationship with world religious situation Meanwhile, some research process on state management of

religious activities such asprinciples and methods of social management of religion; analyzing problems of management structure organization and outline some contents of social management aboutreligion; pointing out some achievements and limitations in the management of religious activities today 1.3.2.3 Study on the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

There were some works focused on studying, analyzing and evaluating religious affairs in the Mekong Delta, mainly the process of formation and development of religious policy in Khmer ethnic areas, drawing experiential lessons, solutions, and suggestion that contribute to improve the religious work of the Party, government

1.4 Some general comments about the works related to state management of religious activities and direction for next researches of thesis 1.4.1 Achievements of the works related to state management of religious activities

The above works analyzed religious issues and state management of religious activities on many angles of access and reach many achievements Firstly, in-depth study of theory related to religion in terms of philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc contributes to providing rationale for management science Secondly, study fundamental, consistent thoughts all through the era of President Ho Chi Minh in solve problems related to religion Thirdly, research and analysis about religious situation in the country and abroad, about the appearance of new religion, political security issues related to religion Particularly in the Mekong River Delta region, the research focused on philosophy, religious culture, role, position, importance

of religion in people's life, especially Theravada Buddhism for cultural life - the spirit of Khmer ethnic people Fourthly, research on state management for religious activities in the country and abroad has been gotten many achievements, containing rich theoretical and practical values

1.4.2 Limitations of the works related to state management of religious activities

Firstly, although there are some theoretical research works on state management of religious activities, they have not gone into the narrow topics; especially the theory of religious activities, interpreting the necessity and completeness of the content and requirements of management activities, factors affecting the state management of religious activities

Secondly, due to lack of scientific management approach, some research projects on state management for religious activities have not deeply analyzed the reality and state management solutions for religious activities,

but only a general analysis according to the limit of the approach angle

Thirdly, the research works on religious issues in the Mekong Delta region mainly analyze the culture, human philosophy and the influence of religion on people's spiritual life

In summary, the research on state management for religious activities in the Mekong Delta has not much research in terms of management science, especially without monographs or doctor’s thesis on this issue

1.4.3 Direction for next researches of thesis

On the basis of analyzing the research works related to the thesis, the PhD student approaches the thesis topic in the following perspective:

Firstly, approaching the thesis topic under the perspective of public management science to study, supplement and complete the state management scientific basis for religious activities

Secondly, research on state management of religious activities in particular socio-economic conditions of the Mekong River Delta Especially, its analysis and evaluation of state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta region, showing achievements, limitations and causes based

on the results of theoretical studies

Thirdly, researches, propose new and feasible solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta region

CHAPTER 2
 SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR STATE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

2.1 Basic definitions

2.1.1 Belief

Belief is a spiritual phenomenon that expresses faith, admiration, worship of the human to the gods, this is the origin of all religions Nowadays, beliefs can be divided into two basic types, folk beliefs and religious beliefs

Folk beliefs are: "sacred beliefs, praising the symbols, positive cultural values, beautiful morals, especially the gratitude of the people who go after

to their predecessors, people for heroes"

Religious beliefs are: "the sacred belief of humanity towards the specific cult object, expressed through rituals associated with religion, religious symbols"

2.1.2 Religion

Religion is a form of social awareness, reflecting in a virtual way, surrealistic objective world, expressing beliefs and beliefs of people for one

or more gods with a ritual system of performing that cult; in which, religion

is the core and spirit of religion; At the same time, this form of social awareness expresses its existence with social entities including church, doctrine, clergy and lay people Therefore, religion is a product of man, a historical category, also a spiritual need of a large part of the people

2.1.3 Religious activity

Religious activity is a form of religious existence; there are many different approaches to religious activities, from the perspective of management science, religious activities are "the whole of specific religious activities, including missionary activities, churches building organizations, organized religious activities - festivals, facilities management, training - fostering dignitaries, social activities of religion” In addition, related to religious activities, there are also concepts: followers, monks, religious workers, dignitaries, worship facilities, Buddhism and religious facilities, etc…

2.1.4 State management of religious activities

From the perspective of public management science, state management

of religious activities is the state management issue of the state, is the process

of execution and administration of the system of state management agencies for religious activities and state management agencies related to religious activities from central to grassroots level for religious activities to take place

in accordance with the law, while contributing to satisfying the legitimate needs of beliefs and religions of a part of the people have ensured social order and safety

2.2 The necessary of state management of religious activities

Freedom of religious belief is one of the basic human rights recognized

in many important international documents with the participation of many countries In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, Article 18 defines

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, freedom of belief and religion This includes freedom to change your religion or beliefs” [129, p.11] In Vietnam, the right to freedom of belief and religion is one of the basic human rights, respected by the Party and the State However, religion and freedom

of religious beliefs are a complex issue derived from the nature and function

of religion for social life: (1) religion involved in the policy (2) religion brings blind faith to the divine world, God, (3) religion is conservative and great inertia that impede the development of human society Besides, religion has certain positive values, reflecting the aspirations of human beings before the realization of harsh life, towards the common values of humanity, the spirit of solidarity, love and fairness, etc Therefore, the state needs to

manage religious activities in order to promote the positive aspects, limit the negative aspects of religion, and ensure the security and stability of the country and provide the belief and religious of a part of the people, towards the common values of humanity for human rights In particular, the state has flexibly applied many methods in each context to orient, support and adjust religious activities such as mobilization, persuasion, administration, coercion, organization, economy, etc

2.3 Contents of state management over religious activities

To build, complete and organize the implementation of institutional and state management policies for religious activities in accordance with the actual situation, according to the guidelines of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Constitution and national treaties that Vietnam participates, creates a solid legal basis for the activities of all subjects in society, including activities of religions

To build a managerial apparatus for religious activities with a clear understanding of the functions, tasks, powers and close coordination mechanisms among different levels, branches, agencies, units and activities smoothly, effectively according to the law

To train and retrain of cadres and civil servants to response the requirements of political bravery, professional knowledge of management activities, knowledge of religion, sense of responsibility and necessary skills

To propagate and mobilize dignitaries, religious workers and followers

to understand and implement the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies and laws; thereby, encouraging, encouraging dignitaries, religious workers, followers and all people to unite and participate in the movements

of action for the development and progress of the locality and the country International cooperation in state management of religious activities; in which, focusing on scientific research on state management of religious activities, training and retraining of human resources in the field of state management for religious activities and information exchange on issues managing religious activities

Inspecting and examining the state management of religious activities in order to proactively detect and promote positive factors, promptly limit mistakes, weaknesses in religious activities, manage activities religion

2.4 Factors affecting the state management of religious activities 2.4.1 Proper leadership of the ruling party

The proper leadership of the ruling party plays a decisive role in the success and effectiveness of religious work because of the ruling party's position on state building in the relationship between the state and religion

decide the form of the state, the organization of the state apparatus and the legal system, etc Currently in the world, in relation to religion, there are three basic models that are united with religion The religion and state have the state religion and the secular state In each state model, there are different forms of management organization for religious activities In Vietnam, the Party respects people's freedom of religious beliefs Under the leadership of the Party, the State institutionalizes the Party's policy of religious freedom and implements the state management function Thereby, guide, adjust and create conditions for religious organizations to operate according to cultural traditions, charter, regulations and laws

2.4.2 The process of socio-economic development and international integration

In the view of Marxism-Leninism, social existence determines social consciousness Once the living conditions of the religious followers have been changed, the socio-economic basis for the existence of religion no longer has its effect, and the negativity in religious activity is also gradually lost.Instead, religion affairs only for pure religious purposes At that time, religion will be no longer an organization easily exploited for purposes other than religion.In addition, the cultural identity, the history of the formation and development of the human community, including the issue of national or religious unity or conflict, or political issues related to religion in history have, also, certain effects on the relationship between religion and the government;

on the other hand, together with the market economy, exchanges and integration in the economy, culture and management among nations in the world also have great impacts on state management over religious activities 2.4.3 The development of education, science and technology

In the light of modern science, man has bravely denied blind faith, ignorant religious activity, irrational At the same time, some religions recognize the need to adapt and use scientific achievements as an important instrument of religious activity In addition, the development of science and technology has had a positive impact on the state management of religious activities, especially in the methodology, effect of management However, the development of science and technology along with the development of the market economy has made the competition process of economic, environment more and more intense, the polarization of the rich and the poor, the inequality deepening This leads to insecurity, loss of faith in the present life of a part of people, continues to maintain the foundation for the existence

of religion In addition, through modern media, social-entertainment services, there have been big negative impacts on religious life

2.4.4 The relationship between religion and ethnicity

There is an intimate relationship between religion and ethnicity, in which the nation contains religious elements and religion contains ethnicity

In particular, in some ethnic groups, ethnic culture is also at the same time a religious culture, worshiping facilities play a role of national cultural activities center, this is a particularly sensitive issue In theory, the issue of ethnicity and religion has different management objects, different content and management methods, but in fact, between them there is an interrelated, intimate interaction with each other, in order to effectively solve religious issues, at the same time, solve ethnic issues well and vice versa

2.4.5 Activities of taking beliefs and religions advantage

Derived from the historical - social characteristics and the role of religion in social life, religious activities are easily exploited on non-religious purposes, which is a serious issue on over the world and has a great impact

on the security, order and autonomy of the nation Some extremist individuals, organizations focus on using religion to incite violence, divide national unity, religion, even riots overturn government with increasingly complex nature

2.5 Experience in state management of religious activities

2.5.1 Experience in state management of religious activities in some countries

Through research on state management of religious activities in Japan, Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand, some lessons can be drawn as follows: Firstly, clearly identify the subject and management object in accordance with the characteristics of each religion At the same time, constantly improving the content, the key management method is decentralization, strong decentralization to the locality and promoting the autonomous role of religious organizations and people's supervision

Secondly, respect the people's right to freedom of belief; in which, ensuring equality and equality among religions and maintaining harmony and solidarity among religions In particular, pay attention to issues of particular ethnicity and ethnic culture related to religion

Thirdly, flexible and soft in implementing religious policies, ensuring socio-political stability on the basis of harmony and unity among religions and ethnic groups but also resolutely before bearing problems calculating principles such as independence, sovereignty, unification

Fourthly, gather and promote the role of spiritual leaders, prestigious people

of religions in contributing to building the religious policy of the state and at the