RELIGION IN THE PHILIPPINES – Here are some important facts about the history, culture and background of various religious belief in the country.
Religion plays a major role in Filipino life, deeply influencing the nation’s culture, politics, and daily activities. The Philippines is a diverse religious landscape where the majority of the population identifies as Christian, but other faiths also hold significant importance.
The Philippines is a nation where religion touches nearly every aspect of life. With a history marked by various foreign influences, the country has developed a rich blend of beliefs and practices that reflect its cultural and historical journey.
History
Before foreign influences arrived, the indigenous people of the Philippines practiced animism and worshiped nature deities. The religious landscape changed when Islam arrived in the 14th century through trade, particularly in the southern islands.
A major shift occurred in the 16th century when Spanish colonizers introduced Roman Catholicism, which eventually became the dominant religion.
Origin
The introduction of Catholicism is deeply tied to the Spanish conquest. Catholicism spread throughout the archipelago, reshaping local customs and traditions. However, Islam had already established itself in the southern regions, particularly in Mindanao.
Later, Protestantism and other Christian denominations arrived during the American period in the early 20th century.
Nowadays, the Philippines is predominantly Christian, with over 90% of the population identifying as such. Catholicism is the largest denomination, followed by various Protestant groups and independent Christian churches.
Despite this Christian majority, Islam, indigenous beliefs, and other religions also play an important role, especially in the southern regions.
List of Religions in the Philippines
· Roman Catholic: 85,645,362 (78.8%)
· Islam: 6,981,710 (6.4%)
· Iglesia ni Cristo: 2,806,524 (2.6%)
· Philippine Independent Church: 1,458,992 (1.4%)
· Seventh-day Adventist: 1,448,875 (1.3%)
· The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 819,916 (0.8%)
· Bible Baptist Church: 540,364 (0.5%)
· United Church of Christ in the Philippines: 470,792 (0.4%)
· Jehovah’s Witnesses: 457,245 (0.4%)
· Church of Christ: 429,921 (0.4%)
· Other religious affiliations: 8,954,291 (8.2%)
· None: 43,931 (0%)
· Not reported: 15,186 (0%)
· Total: 108,667,043 (100%)