Why are Filipinos so religious?

 

GM

 

Working Nomad

Because during the introduction of the Christianity, the Filipinos were not given a choice. Either embrace Christianity and every teaching that comes with it or refuse and face serious consequences. I just want to make it clear that many weren't converted at gunpoint but the methods used aren't sufficiently explained, and early Spanish friars preached that accepting Catholic doctrine and the sacraments ensured entry into heaven, while rejecting the faith led to hell.

And so they do.

The Spanish Catholics stayed for over three centuries, the Americans next introducing Protestantism. Their arrival brought the separation of church and state, religious freedom, and various American evangelical denominations. And from then on, it was blended imported Christian dogmas with pre-existing indigenous animist concepts of an active spirit world, making spirituality feel tangible and omnipresent. That is why despite being religious, we still believed in supernatural entities.

At present, there are over 3,000 Christian churches in Philippines. The church shapes Filipino religiosity, turning faith into a core pillar of personal and national identity, and resiliency.

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It made me think, practically speaking, what is the church ACTUALLY doing for the people? Is it improving their quality of life? Taking them out of poverty? Not even remotely from what I see. Of course, the Philippines isn’t the only country like this. Many other poor countries follow the same dynamic.

Yes, I may sound cynical, but as a Christian and a Filipino, religion is also why opportunists exist, at some part - there's money in god. You can hardly walk down the street in the Philippines without tripping over a new church, 'prophet', or pastor. Others see it as a viable and rewarding career.