The first wave of globalization in the Philippines can be traced during the Precolonial period as Religion uses globalization as an instrument to characterize the beliefsystem of our indigenous people. As early as the 14th century, Islam took over the
religion in the southernmost islands
of the country. This faith was taken
through the Arab and Malay traders
who originally came from Malaysia
and Indonesia. In fact, it was not only
the religion that the Filipinos Muslims
adapted but also the political system
Photo source: https://www.townandcountry.ph/people/heritage/mindanaoroyalty-history-a2087-20180827-lfrm3
and architecture that is clearly seen up to this day through mosques - a place of worship
for Muslims. With the spread of Islam in Mindanao, the society became firmly established
and well centralized that leads to the failure of the Spaniards to dominate them during the
16th century. It was March 1521 when the Spaniards arrive in the Philippines led by a
Portuguese explorer named
Ferdinand Magellan. Due to
decentralized communities
and an isolated culture, the
Spaniards have successfully
conquered the rest of the
country
Photo source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/25802865@N08/29610187471
spreading
the
Hispanic Culture especially
the Roman Catholicism. The Filipinos then easily embraced these cultural ideals such as
the sanctity of life, celebration of "fiesta", baptism and respect for the hierarchy. The
authority of the priests became more powerful compared to public officials as they were
believed to be righteous. Protestantism also became prominent in the country during the
American colonization through the Protestant teachers who established and control the
public education system during those time. Protestant attitudes and beliefs spread all over
the Philippines but more effectively on the upland tribes who have not yet reached by the
Catholic priests.
As of now, religions continuously shaped the culture and belief of the society
leading to some implications such as Religion Pluralism and Religion Syncretism.
Religion Pluralism is defined by Berger (2016) as the peaceful coexistence of different
Religions in the Philippines
religions within the same society.
He also stated that this Pluralism
influences religious community
and every believer to find the
core-essence of their faith and
set aside those that are not
Evangelical
Iglesia Ni Cristo
Aglipayan
Other Christian
Muslim
Other Religions
Unspecified
None
essential in order to understand
faith deeper with other believers.
On the other hand, Beyer (2018)
defines Religion Syncretism as a formation of a religion from two or more sources of
religious ideals. An example of this are the Igorot Christians in Cordillera and the Folk
Catholicism in Malitbog, Central Panay. The Philippines, being the only Christian nation
in Asia, now comprises of 80.9% Roman Catholic, 2.8% Evangelical, 2.3% Iglesia ni
Cristo, 2% Aglipyan, 4.5% Other Christian religions, Islam 5%, 1.8% other religions 0.6%
are unspecified and 0.1% have none.
Despite of having religion as an instrument in building the morals of the people and
creating a stable and charitable community, Religion are sometimes linked with societal
conflicts such as politics and threat of terrorism. This can be seen on the case of a recent
terrorist attack of a local terrorist
group known as the Maute Group.
The attack was said to be done to
pledge allegiance to the Islamic State
of Iraq and Syria or most commonly
known as ISIS. This militant group is
recognized with killing people and
carrying out public executions and
other scandalous acts. Their primary
goal is to implement the Sharia Law,
Photo source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/04/03
/18/ an-aerial-view-of-marawi
a law rooted from the 8th century Islam in order to create a society that reflects their
regions’ ancient past. The Maute Group attack lead to the destruction of homes,
infrastructures and lost of lives. Another case is the so called “Unity Vote” of the Iglesia
ni Cristo members during the senatorial vote last May 13, 2019 wherein the INC
administration through its Executive Bro., Eduardo Manalo releases the decision on who
to vote from people running for national positions down to local and barangay positions.
The said indorsement became a very
controversial issue criticizing the
religious sector from controlling its
devotees
and
by
abusing
their
influence and power. However, some
of the INC member speak up saying
that it was their way of showing unity
Photo source: https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/28884-iglesia-cristopicks-candidates
as what said on their biblical doctrine.
Religion plays a big part of Globalization even up to now as it still thrives to flourish
and influence people from marginalized areas. In the modern days, Religion makes use
of the technology and trends to make their connection between members easily available.
Various religious sectors are also now open to changes and ideas as the community
continuously evolves for them to remain as the idea of “home” on most people. As stated
by Golebiewski (2014), the relationship of Globalization and Religion always came up
with boundless possibilities and furthering challenges.
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Peter
L.
(2016).
The
good
of
religous
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https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-syncretism-p2-95858
Bueza, Michael. (2017). Timeline: the ‘liberation’ of Marawi. Retrieved from:
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Filipino
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PLAGIARIM CHECKER:
Retrieved
from: