The publisher stated that sources often did not include much analysis of Falun Gong beliefs but instead examined the group's political factors.

[1] Penny's main argument is that Falun Gong functions as a religion even if the Chinese government,[2] Li Hongzhi, and other people involved in Falun Gong do not publicly regard it as such.

[1] David Ownby of the Université de Montréal wrote that the book "convincingly illustrates the validity of treating Falun Gong as a religion" although Ownby noted this conclusion does not address the "quality" of the Falun Gong.

[2] Paul Hedges of the University of Winchester wrote that the book "is an important contribution".

[4] Gerda Wielander of the University of Westminster described the book as "A wonderful piece of Sinological research".