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Religion in Taiwan is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices, due to its multicultural history and religious freedom written in its constitution.
The most widely practiced include Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Catholicism, making it a religious-friendly nation for Westerners.
Buddhism, Taoism and folk religion
According to governmental data, about 93% of the people in Taiwan identify themselves as Buddhists, Taoists or practitioners of Chinese folk religion. However, as with the majority of East Asian religious traditions in general, identification with these faiths does not necessarily mean actual affiliation. It is common for people to practice a blend of these religions. While there are people who practice Buddhism exclusively, most Taiwanese blend Taoist religious practices with elements from Buddhism and folk traditions. It also is not uncommon to find a Buddhist temple adjacent to a Taoist temple, or even under the same roof. One example of this is Longshan Temple in Taipei City.
Famous temples in Taiwan:
Foguangshan Monastery - Kaohsiung
Chung Tai Chan Monastery - Nantou County
San-Ching Temple - Yilan County
Confucianism
Although Confucianism is not considered a religion, based on Western conceptions of religion, there can be no doubt that Confucianism has been a powerful cultural influence throughout Taiwan and other East Asia countries. Holding the philosophy of “educating all without discrimination, and teaching students according to their talent,” Confucius is respected as the great teacher of all times. The core of Confucianism is humanism and focuses on the practical, especially the importance of the family. Confucianism rests on the belief that human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor especially self-cultivation and self-creation.
To commemorate the birth of Confucius, each year on September 28, festival celebrations known as the Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius are held across the island nation. Taiwan uses this day to honor teachers’ virtues, struggles and contributions not only to their own students but also to society in general.
Christianity and Catholicism
Christianity was imported into Taiwan in the early 17th century by Spanish and the Dutch Missionaries. Today, Christians make up about 4.5% of Taiwan's population, with roughly half Catholic and half Protestant, according to governmental data. Despite its minority status, Christianity has had a disproportionate influence on the island's culture and development..
To find a church in Taiwan, check out the following websites:
https://www.facebook.com/torchfans - Taipei Train Station
http://www.bannerch.org/ - Taichung
https://www.facebook.com/tnhclove - Tainan
https://www.facebook.com/wuchangchurch - Kaohsiung
http://www.catholic.org.tw/en/
Others
Other religions, including Islam, I-Kuan Tao, Li-ism, Hsuan-yuan Chiao, Tenrikyo, Baha'i, T'ienti Teachings, Tien Te Chiao, Mahikarikyo, etc., also are practiced in Taiwan. For more information, check out the Web.
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Religion in Taiwan is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices, due to its multicultural history and religious freedom written in its constitution.
The most widely practiced include Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Catholicism, making it a religious-friendly nation for Westerners.
Buddhism, Taoism and folk religion
According to governmental data, about 93% of the people in Taiwan identify themselves as Buddhists, Taoists or practitioners of Chinese folk religion. However, as with the majority of East Asian religious traditions in general, identification with these faiths does not necessarily mean actual affiliation. It is common for people to practice a blend of these religions. While there are people who practice Buddhism exclusively, most Taiwanese blend Taoist religious practices with elements from Buddhism and folk traditions. It also is not uncommon to find a Buddhist temple adjacent to a Taoist temple, or even under the same roof. One example of this is Longshan Temple in Taipei City.
Famous temples in Taiwan:
Foguangshan Monastery - Kaohsiung
Chung Tai Chan Monastery - Nantou County
San-Ching Temple - Yilan County
Confucianism
Although Confucianism is not considered a religion, based on Western conceptions of religion, there can be no doubt that Confucianism has been a powerful cultural influence throughout Taiwan and other East Asia countries. Holding the philosophy of “educating all without discrimination, and teaching students according to their talent,” Confucius is respected as the great teacher of all times. The core of Confucianism is humanism and focuses on the practical, especially the importance of the family. Confucianism rests on the belief that human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor especially self-cultivation and self-creation.
To commemorate the birth of Confucius, each year on September 28, festival celebrations known as the Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius are held across the island nation. Taiwan uses this day to honor teachers’ virtues, struggles and contributions not only to their own students but also to society in general.
Christianity and Catholicism
Christianity was imported into Taiwan in the early 17th century by Spanish and the Dutch Missionaries. Today, Christians make up about 4.5% of Taiwan's population, with roughly half Catholic and half Protestant, according to governmental data. Despite its minority status, Christianity has had a disproportionate influence on the island's culture and development..
To find a church in Taiwan, check out the following websites:
https://www.facebook.com/torchfans - Taipei Train Station
http://www.bannerch.org/ - Taichung
https://www.facebook.com/tnhclove - Tainan
https://www.facebook.com/wuchangchurch - Kaohsiung
http://www.catholic.org.tw/en/
Others
Other religions, including Islam, I-Kuan Tao, Li-ism, Hsuan-yuan Chiao, Tenrikyo, Baha'i, T'ienti Teachings, Tien Te Chiao, Mahikarikyo, etc., also are practiced in Taiwan. For more information, check out the Web.
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