RELIGION IN THE PHILIPPINES
Will I find my religion in the Philippines when I retire?
The religion in the Philippines proudly boasts it is Asia’s only Christian country. Roman Catholics make up over 86 percent of the population, 6 percent belong to different nationalized Christian communities, and another 2 percent belong to well over 100 Protestant denominations. There are a large 4% Muslim minority and the Christian majority, centered on the southern islands of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan.
The remaining 2 percent adopt non-Western, tribal values and traditions, distributed in remote mountainous areas. The Chinese minority has been culturally influential in coloring Filipino Catholicism with many of the values and practices of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, although statistically negligible.
MOST POPULAR RELIGION IN PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, religion is characterized by the majority of people who belong to the Christian faith. At least 92% of the population is Christian; about 81% belong to the Catholic Church, while about 11% belong to Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Restorationist and Secular Catholicism, and other denominations such as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist Church, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Member of the Church of God International.
OTHER RELIGION IN THE PHILIPPINES
Apart from Christianity, which is the most popular religion in the Philippines, there are some other religions in the Philippines like:
Baha’i in the Philippines
The Baha’i religion stresses monotheism and believes in an everlasting transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to foster all peoples’ solidarity to achieve justice and peace on earth. Baha’i revelation claims that the prophets of major world religions represent some reality or aspect of the divine. They believe that all were manifestations of God granted to specific cultures in specific times and that Baha’u.
Buddhism, in the Philippines
Buddhism focuses on the objective of spiritual liberation based on an interpretation of the Four Noble Truths of Gautama Buddha on the essence of suffering. On the Eightfold Road of spiritual and moral practice, it breaks the cycle of suffering that we are part of. The karmic system of rebirth is ascribed to Buddhism.
Hinduism, in the Philippines
With no single creator or religious authority, Hinduism is an extraordinarily complex set of beliefs and practices. Hinduism has many scriptures; some of the most important are the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita. Hindus, typically with prayer rituals inside their own home, may worship one or more deities.
Islam, in the Philippines
In the 7th century, Islam began with Muhammad’s teachings, the third of the monotheistic Abrahamic religions. Muslims believe Muhammad is the last of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that God revealed to him the Qu’ran, which is the Islamic scripture. Islam is derived from the word submission, and a primary theme of this religion is obedience to God.
Others include;
- Judaism
- Jainism
- Taoism
- Sikhism
- Shintoism
- Traditional belief.
ANY LAW RESTRICTING FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN THE PHILIPPINES
There is no law restricting freedom of religion or belief in the Philippines. No legislation was made honoring or prohibiting the free exercise of the establishment of religion. Open practice and enjoyment, without prejudice or inclination, of religious profession and worship shall be permitted forever.
No religious test for the exercise of civil or political rights is required in the Philippines.
In summary, the Philippines hosts a population that is 92% Christian. If your religion is Christian-based there’s no problem that you’ll be able to find churches such as Calvary chapels, Baptist Churches, and other community churches and almost any city that you visit. Therefore, we can say with certainty that you’ll be able to find your religion in the Philippines when you retire.
Philippines influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article.
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