Invisible tie between Caesar and God: Creation and development of traditional Taiwanese religious governance networks

Abstract

This study aims to understand how the Taiwanese traditional religious policy creates a local religious governance network in which a religious organization (Hui-Ji Temple), residents, and government officials are connected by holding religious rites and services in Taipei City. Through direct observation and interviews with critical network participants, the author found that such a governance network does help Hui-Ji Temple preserve traditional Taiwanese culture and respond well to the challenges brought by urbanization and modernization. However, this research suggests that more transparency should be brought into the recruitment process of the temple management committee to have more new ideas and modern management skills in organizational management and responding to social needs.