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Religious Beliefs and Spirituality in Taiwan

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Due to the diversity of cultures in Taiwan, several religions have also emerged. Different areas in the country practices different beliefs, but each religion has its own distinct faiths. Some traditional beliefs have been preserved all throughout the country. Influences of foreign practices have also existed in the country’s everyday religion. Religions in Taiwan include Buddhism, Taoism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Tien Te Chiao, Mahikarikyo, Baha’i Faith, Islam, Hsuan-yuan Chiao, Ti’enti, Tenrikyo, Li-ism, and I-Kuan Tao.

During the beginning of existence in Taiwan, the practice of worshipping nature is the start of worship in the country; mostly practiced by the native Taiwanese tribes. In the later part, the Dutch, occupying the country in the 1600’s, had introduced Protestant Christianity among the Taiwanese people. Other religions such as Catholicism by the Spanish; Shinto by the Japanese; and Buddhism and Taoism from the Chinese have greatly impacted the country’s various practices in religion.

Buddhism is the most practiced religion in Taiwan, covering about 4.9 million Taiwanese people. Introduced in the late century, Buddhism devotees are widespread in Taiwan, worshipping and meditating in temples found on the island. Seconding the popularity of Buddhism in Taiwan, the Taoism religion has around 4.5 million followers in the country. Divinity, founded by Lao Tzu, is the main belief in this religion. Emergence of other religions such as Catholicism and Protestantism had also been introduced. The Catholicism was introduced to Taiwan during the mission of Father Martinez and four Dominican priests in spreading the religion. Protestantism was introduced by Georgius Candidus of the Reformed Church of Holland. Other minor religions have been practiced across different areas of the country, and are truly accepted by each and every individual with different beliefs and practices.