長期以来，對清代民間秘密宗教的認識，常以功利的角度視之為：斂財與叛亂的民間起事團體，此觀點的形成，主要原因是記載民間宗教的活動資料多是以官方檔案資料為主，此類資料多以官方正統立場出發，故對民間秘密宗教活動多視之為破壞社會秩序的邪教組織，故在官方檔案資料限制下，將無法合理地解釋為何民間秘密宗教在層層律法查禁下，尚能夠不斷吸引信徒加人的正面因素，筆者認為民間秘密宗教除了透過表面上起事後利益的分享承諾外，更重視教徒日常養生送死的照顧，教徒彼此間更發展出擬父子間的情感網絡，再加上教義的宣傳，透過用心的經營，讓教徒間情感由關係建立、深化進而轉化，另外更值得注意的是：在層層政府查緝打壓下，所造成官逼民反的反效果，更有強化信徒彼此間如兄弟般的義氣，與支持信徒認同民間秘密宗教的重要因素。

For a long time, scholars used to analyze secret folk religions of the Qing Dynasty with utilitarian viewpoints, regarding these secret folk religions as rebellious groups and accumulating wealth illegally. The reason for scholars to adopt such a viewpoint is that most of their studies were based on official documents and archives, which used to illustrate these secret folk religions as cult organizations and aiming to disrupt social order. Obviously, the traditional viewpoints failed to explain why more and more followers joined the secret folk religions regardless of government’s ban and oppression. This article argues that the strong family ties, such as the willingness to take care of each members and to share profits were the major reason. These secret folk religions were carefully managed by spreading and internalization of their doctrines, therefore, they were able to develop close ties among followers. Besides, government’s oppression definitely strengthened brotherhood within the group members.