ABSTRACT
Chen Tao (“True” or “Right Way,” pronounced “jun dao”) is a small new religious movement from Taiwan whose adherents as of this writing were in the United States awaiting salvation from the end of this world. The group provides a prime example of the way new religious movements (NRMs) in many societies are fusing elements of science, science fiction, and technology with established religious traditions to create technologically credible spiritualities. Chen Tao combines Jai-ling (“Perfect Heart”) Buddhism, apocalyptic Christianity, flying saucer ideology, and technological metaphors for the spirit. The methods of the group are also a contemporary example of how NRMs become involved with the media and how these groups attempt to publicize prophecy through the media.
