Belief Systems in the Philippines

Roman Catholic Christianity

Roman Catholicism has the largest religious following in the Philippines. This religion was first
introduced to the Filipino peoples through the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the early
1500's. Magellan, whose original destination was Spice Island, arrived on Cebu Island in Philippines due
to a missed route. He then proceeded to make Roman Catholicism a state religion by first converting the
Chief of Cebu, and several hundreds of his followers. Roman Catholics believe in a supreme deity or God,
who exists in three forms. These are God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, commonly referred to
as the Holy Trinity. Catholics believe that God sent his son, Jesus to the world through a virgin to die for
the sins of the world. There are also three main sacraments of initiation kept by Roman Catholics, which
include Water Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Conversion and acceptance of the religion
precedes these three sacraments. In terms of influence, the Catholic Church historically has impacted
decision making in such areas as marriage, reproduction and family life in general. However, that
influence seems to be waning. For instance, divorce which was previously unacceptable due to the
country's predominant Catholic beliefs, is now being accepted or tolerated by many. Family planning
through the use of contraceptives or abortion which was also frowned upon by the Church seems to
have been adopted by those who consider themselves "liberal" Catholics. As expected, these have not
resonated well with the Catholic church.

Islam

Islam is the second largest religion in the Philippines after Roman Catholic Christianity. The religion
existed in the region for around a century before the spread of Christianity. Islam first spread to Simunul
Island in the Philippines through foreign trade with countries such as India. Specifically, it was the
Islamic cleric-Karim ul' Makhdum who first introduced the religion to the area. Subsequently, he
established the first mosque on the same Island, which is today, the oldest mosque in the country.
Muslims, similar to Christians, believe in a single supreme God, or Allah in Arabic, but not in Jesus as the
ultimate prophet and Messiah. They believe that Allah revealed his messages through the Prophet
Mohammed, the founding figure of Islam. There are five principles which all Muslims generally adhere
to. These principles include the Shahada or declaration of faith, Salat or prayer, Zakat or alms-
giving/charity, Ramadan or ritual fast, and the Hajj or Pilgrimage. Islam has not had that much of an
influence on the general society in the country, since it is not the dominant religion. However, one
significant impact is in the area of Islamic dietary laws. Halal provisions which previously were non-
existent or very scarce, are now gaining influence in the country. Influences are most felt in the
Southern part of the country which is home to the majority of Muslims. Wearing of religious dress which
historically was required and is still required, is however a bit flexible today. Muslims now incorporate
Western styles into dressing, while still maintaining the standard which is modesty.
Evangelical Protestant Christians (affiliated with the PCEC)

Evangelical Protestantism was introduced into the Philippines by American missionaries after the
Spanish-American War between the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. Some Protestant groups which
are affiliated with the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), however were established
locally, without any foreign influence. This religion though similar to other forms of Christianity, arose as
a counter-religion to Roman Catholicism. The main beliefs include spreading the message of Salvation
through scriptural teaching, faith in the finished work of the Cross, which is the death and resurrection
of Jesus, and, most importantly, a personal and willing conversion which is known as being "born-again."
Influence of this sect on Filipino society has been predominantly in the area of education. Protestant
Churches have established several schools at different levels, and incorporated most of these beliefs in
the curriculum, even for students or pupils who are not part of the religion.

Iglesia ni Cristo (Philippine Church of Christ)

Unlike other religions in the Philippines which spread through external influences, the Philippine Church
of Christ originated from within the country itself in the early 19th Century. The religion was founded by
Felix Manalo Ysagun, who claimed that this sect was the true religion of Christ, and all other Christian
groups were not. This Church believes in the power of scripture and a supreme God in a fashion similar
to other Christian denominations, but rejects the doctrine of Trinitarianism which is common among
other groups. The sect ascribes instead to the doctrine of Unitarianism, which holds that God is a
singular entity, and not triple as described by adherents of Trinitarianism. The religion is rigid, especially
to Protestants and Catholics, who are viewed by the Iglesias as apostates. Influence of the Philippine
Church has largely been political. To encourage solidarity and unity in the religion, followers are
required to vote only leaders endorsed by the Ministers or Church authorities. Hence, freedom of
thought and opinion pertaining to political issues is absent in this religion. Any opposition from the State
or any other group is usually met with large protest rallies. This rigidity has really made people,
especially "outsiders" to the religion to question the supposed Church and State separation which is
constitutional.

Buddhists

The time Buddhism first spread into the Philippines is unknown for the most part, although
archaeological records point towards the 6th or 7th Century. Through sea trade with the Srivijaya
Empire of India which was predominantly Buddhist, Vajrayana, a form of Buddhism became introduced
in the Philippines. The adherents of this religion are primarily Chinese, Filipino-Chinese, Japanese, and
other Asian or Middle-East groups residing in the country. Buddhists do not believe in a creator God in
the same fashion Christians do. The main beliefs include suffering which is inherent in human existence,
impermanence of everything in the world, and the absence of a permanent soul. Buddhism has had
linguistic influences on Filipino culture as the origin of some words can be traced to Sanskrit and Pali
which are Buddhist languages.

Indigenous Beliefs

Indigenous traditions predate the colonial religions of Islam and Christianity in the Philippines. The most
predominant views are that of animism, which is the belief that even non-living entities such trees and
plants have spirits. Indigenous religions are characterized by worship of various deities, as opposed to
the monotheistic religions. With regards to influence, other religions, even the predominant Roman
Catholic, have adopted animism in combination with their own beliefs. This blending is known as
religious syncretism.

Other Christians

Other Christian groups in the country include Jehovah's witnesses, Latter Day Saints, Assemblies of God,
Seventh-day Adventists, and numerous others. These groups were started either locally, or introduced
by international Missionaries. Some beliefs are common to mainstream Christianity, but there are also a
host of differences. For instance, Jehovah's witnesses also reject Trinitarianism, and the Latter day Saints
believe in Salvation for the dead. Influences of these religions are mainly not on the wider society, but
adherents of these religions. For instance, Jehovah's witnesses do not receive blood transfusions no
matter how critical their health is.

Atheism

Atheists do not follow any form of religion, and therefore disbelieve the existence of God or gods of any
sort. They are constantly involved in humanitarian activities, although not following any religion, as well
as scientific advocacy.

Other minor religions in the country include Hinduism, Judaism, and the Baha'i Faith.

Religious Beliefs In The Philippines

Rank Belief System Share of Filipino Population

1 Roman Catholic Christianity 80.6%

2 Islam 5.6%

3 Evangelical Protestant Christians affiliated with the PCEC 2.7%

4 Iglesia ni Cristo (Philippine Church of Christ) 2.5%

Buddhists, Indigenous Beliefs, Other Christians, Atheists, and Others 8.6%

Iglesia Filipina Independiente

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Independent Philippine Church), founded by Gregorio Aglipay (1860-
1940), received the support of revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo during the revolt against Spain and
subsequent conflicts with American forces. It rode the tide of antifriar nationalism in absorbing Filipino
Roman Catholic clergy and forcibly seizing church property at the beginning of the twentieth century.
One out of every sixteen diocesan priests and one out of four Philippine Catholics followed Aglipay into
the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in those years of violent national and religious catharsis. The Iglesia
Filipina Independiente, formally organized in 1902, thus enjoyed approximately five years of rapid
growth, before a temporary decline in Philippine nationalism sent its fortunes into precipitous decline.

Many followers returned to Catholicism, especially after Americans and then Filipinos replaced Spanish
priests. Among those who remained in the new church, a crippling schism emerged over doctrinal
interpretation, especially after 1919 when members were suddenly instructed to discard earlier church
statements concerning the divinity of Christ. To some extent, the schism was caused by Aglipay himself,
who shifted his theological views between 1902 and 1919. At first, he deemphasized doctrinal
differences between his church and Roman Catholicism, and most of the independent church's priests
followed Roman Catholic ritual-- saying Mass, hearing confession, and presiding over folk religious-
Catholic ceremonies just as always. Later, Aglipay moved closer to Unitarianism.

In 1938 the church formally split. The faction opposing Aglipay later won a court decision giving it the
right to both the name and property of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Followers of Aglipay, however,
continued to argue that they represented true Aglipayanism. In the early l990s, those Aglipayans who
rejected the Unitarian stance and adhered to the concept of the Trinity were associated with the
Protestant Episcopal church of the United States.

esus Miracle Crusade International Ministry[edit]

Main article: Jesus Miracle Crusade

The Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (JMCIM) is an apostolic Pentecostal religious group
from the Philippines which believes particularly in the promotion of miracles and faith in God for
healing. JMCIM was founded by evangelist Wilde E. Almeda on February 14, 1975.
Members Church of God International[edit]

The main headquarters of Members Church of God International in Apalit, Pampanga

Main article: Members Church of God International

Members Church of God International (Filipino: Mga Kasapi Iglesia ng Dios Internasyonal) is a religious
organization popularly known through its television program, Ang Dating Daan (Tagalog for "The Old
Path").

The church is known for their "Bible Expositions", where guests and members are given a chance to ask
any biblical question to the Overall Servant of the church, Eliseo Soriano directly from the Bible. He and
his co-servants expose teachings of asked religions which are not biblical and expands more knowledge
about some misunderstood verses by using old manuscripts and reliable bible translations. Besides
general preaching, they also established charity works. Among these humanitarian services are the
charity homes for the senior citizens and orphaned children and teenagers; transient homes; medical
missions; full college scholarship; start-up capital for livelihood projects; vocational trainings for the
differently-abled; free legal assistance; free bus, jeepney, and train rides for commuters and senior
citizens, and; free Bible for everyone. In its effort to save lives, MCGI is now one of the major blood
donor in the Philippines, as acknowledged by the Philippine National Red Cross.[45]

Philippine Independent Church[edit]

Iglesia Filipina Independiente Parish of the Virgin of the Assumption in Maragondon, Cavite.

Main article: Philippine Independent Church

The Philippine Independent Church (officially Spanish: Iglesia Filipina Independiente, IFI; colloquially
known as the Aglipayan Church) is an independent Christian denomination in the form of a national
church in the Philippines. Its schism from the Catholic Church was proclaimed in 1902 by the members
of the Unión Obrera Democrática Filipina due to the alleged mistreatment of Filipinos by Spanish priests
and the execution of nationalist José Rizal under Spanish colonial rule.
Isabelo de los Reyes was one of the initiators of the separation, and suggested that former Catholic
priest Gregorio Aglipay be the head of the church. It is also known as the Aglipayan Church after its first
Obispo Maximo, Gregorio Aglipay.

Commonly shared beliefs in the Aglipayan Church are the rejection of the Apostolic Succession solely to
the Petrine Papacy, the acceptance of priestly ordination of women, the free option of clerical celibacy,
the tolerance to join Freemasonry groups, non-committal in belief regarding transubstantiation and Real
Presence of the Eucharist, and the advocacy of contraception and same-sex civil rights among its
members. Many saints canonised by Rome after the schism are also not officially recognised by the
Aglipayan church and its members.

As of 2010, Aglipayans in the Philippines numbered about a million members, with most from the
northern part of Luzon, especially in the Ilocos Region. Congregations are also found throughout the
Philippine diaspora in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. The church is the second-largest
single Christian denomination in the country after the Roman Catholic Church (some 80.2% of the
population), comprising about 2.6% of the total population of the Philippines

Other Christians[edit]

The Bible Student movement, from which Jehovah's Witnesses later developed, was introduced to the
Philippines in 1912, when the president of the Watch Tower Society, Charles Taze Russell, gave a talk at
the former Manila Grand Opera House.[54] In 1993, a Supreme Court case involving the Witnesses
resulted in the reversal of an earlier 1959 Supreme Court decision and in upholding "the right of children
of Jehovah’s Witnesses to refrain from saluting the flag, reciting the pledge of allegiance, and singing the
national anthem."[55][56] As of 2015, there were 201,001 active members in the Philippines in 3,156
congregations nationwide. Their 2013 observance of the annual Memorial of Christ's death attracted an
attendance of 543,282 in the country.[57]

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name was founded by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy on
1 September 1985. Pastor Quiboloy claims to be the "Appointed" Son of God, that salvation is through
him, that he is the residence of the God the Father and that he restores the Kingdom of God in the
gentile settings.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was founded by Ellen G. White, which is best known for its teaching
that Saturday, the seventh day of the week, is the Sabbath, and that the second advent of Christ is
imminent. Colloquially called Sabadístas by outsiders, Filipino Adventists numbered 571,653 in 88,706
congregations as of 2007, and with an annual membership growth rate of 5.6%.[58]
United Pentecostal Church International (Oneness) originated in the United States as an offshoot of the
Pentecostal movements in the 1920s. The church is a proponent of the belief of modalism to describe
God, and is non-trinitarian in its conception of God.

Jesus Christ To God be the Glory (Friends Again) was founded by Luis Ruíz Santos in 1988.

Churches of Christ (Churches of Christ 33 AD/the Stone-Campbellites) is a restorationist movement that

distinctly believes in a set of steps or ways to attain salvation, among of which is prerequisite immersion
baptism.