Can't find debunk for Falun Gong?

[NullPointerException]

I was wondering if there is anywhere I can find a formal refutation of Falun Gong idealogies. I see a lot of criticism of their idealogical standpoint but from the cursory inspection I did it seems that scientific rebuttals are lacking0. As far as I can tell their only major negative is that they advocate giving up all common-day attachments. Which does not mean they are anti-technology. Maybe I havn't gotten to that point yet, but I can't seem to a single piece of their idealogy that would inhibit the effective government of any nation. Also, can anyone link me to scientific refutation of their claims or just a description of their radical claims. For instance I know that a lot of cults save their wierdest stuff for the indoctrinated and don't post it in public.

I already toke a look at the supposed self-immolation cases but from what I can tell it was a staged event. It seems to me that they are just like any other religious group, and a decentralized one at that. Given the amount of bru-haha around this group though I suspect I'm missing something. Links anyone?

[kedo1981]

When you find one send it to the Chinese government, they’d like one too

[NullPointerException]

If it's not there it's not there. I'm just wondering if anyone has made the effort to investigate it's claims. I mean, Scientology is a less popular group and it has been debunked consistently.

[Kek]

Try the Skeptic's Dictionary (http://www.skepdic.com/falungong.html). They should have the information you need.

Kek

[Tony]

Originally posted by NullPointerException
If it's not there it's not there. I'm just wondering if anyone has made the effort to investigate it's claims. I mean, Scientology is a less popular group and it has been debunked consistently.

speaking of scientology here is an anti-scientology web-site. http://www.xenu.com




Sorry if this is off topic.

[NullPointerException]

Besides the mention(although not confirmed) fact that they discourage seeking western medical techniques, there is no negative mentioned anywhere. In fact, I think if you read the books it seemed to imply to me that if you get sick while practicing Falun Gong or Falun Dafa that you should seek medical help in addition to meditation as you may not be at the level of skill that results in benefits to one's health. Also, unlike scientologists they do not seem to advocate special powers as something that's very important.

I was wondering more about his scientific claims he makes, if they were all valid because I haven't heard some of them before reading their online books. Also, I was interested because I think Randi was putting them down and I didn't see any supporting evidence that is usually present.


*edit*
Yes I know about www.xenu.com and that is why I was wondering if a similair site existed for the Falun Gong. Although it appears to me that the only negative information about Falun Gong is printed by the Chinese government and Randi.

[corplinx]

People are sympathetic to the Falun Gong since they are so heavily oppressed by the Chinese. If it weren't for oppression they would just be another woo-woo meditation/chi kung cult.

[arcticpenguin]

Falun Gong has been mentioned a couple times in Randi's Swift. A search turned up these links:

http://www.randi.org/jr/11-30-1999.html

"Though only active for a few years, Li has attracted these fanatical followers through claims that he can move objects, become invisible, walk through walls, and levitate among other miracles."

"A book titled, "Li Hongzhi & His Falun Gong Deceiving the Public and Ruining Lives," outlines simply atrocious acts carried out by members of the cult, on themselves and on their families."

http://www.randi.org/jr/08-03-01.html

[NullPointerException]

Whodini, performed a disappearing act so this isn't relevant.

[NullPointerException]

Thanks arctic penguin, thats what I was looking for. Although I'd already seen those and they didn't really count as a rebuttal.


Randi is linking to a book that is described as:
This book provides the official PRC response to Falun Gong and is essential reading for those who want to comprehend why the Chinese government has reacted the way it has.
from :
From This Site (http://www.chinabooks.com.au/generalcatalogue/philosgen_2.htm)

The book is written by an author I can find no other books from. It probably contains the same propaganda concerned with self-immolation. Also, it's basic statements are against the basic tenents of Falun Gong. If it was true, they would have printed a second book, which I cannot find, or used this information as overseas propaganda. They gave this book to Bill Clinton, and he still refused to repatriate Li Hongzhi, if he even read it, it wasn't convincing enough to turn Li Hongzhi.

Comon, where are the woo-woo crazy stories like Scientology. Someone getting hurt as a result of Falun Gong?

Also, I can't make out the face of the person in that picture very well, maybe it's the shadows... maybe Li Hongzhi has a more rounded face now...

His picture on www.falundafa.com (http://www.falundafa.com/eng/teacher.htm)

His picture in the commentary (http://www.randi.org/jr/08-03-01.html)


Finally, could I get a source on the "wierd" woo-woo stuff hes accused of? In his own book he says that the difference between his form and others is that they practice it within the confines of society and in harmony with that society. He also says that there should be no public display of levitation. I would like to know where the picture was taken and where I could get a clearer one. I'll try and find a practitioner to see if that is indeed him on the lotus throne, if it is it would debunk a few of his claims.

[NullPointerException]

OK I found what I was looking for, if the rest of you are interested:

The Rick Ross Institute (http://www.rickross.com/groups/falun.html)

This website has enough varied information on enough events to be credible. Now I'm going to email the Falun Dafa webmaster about it to see if they have already made comment on it.