Macau’s Religious Tolerance

Ian Shelley Alabanza - MA in Theology, Lecturer, School of Christian Studies, USJ.

The latest International Religious Freedom Report released in October 2009 by the US Department of State gives a positive diagnosis of the state of health of Macau’s socio-religious status. The document states that “there were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. Relations among the various religious communities were good, and citizens generally were tolerant of the religious views and practices of others.”
Any absence of religious tension is always welcome in this conflict-ridden world. The history of religion is replete with violence and intolerance. At its worst, religious allegiance, especially that of the fanatic or fundamentalist kind, has the potential for encouraging bigotry, harbouring hatred, and fomenting violence. Religious tension and strife has plagued a huge number of countries and some of the major wars that have taken place in different parts of the world over the last two decades or so have had religious overtones. Current day “terrorist” activities have very strong religious roots as well. Closer to home, looking just across the border, we see that much is still desired in terms of religious freedom in the Mainland.
So it is not only refreshing but also a relief to know that Macau’s inhabitants are a tolerant people when it comes to religion. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that Macau society is not polarized when it comes to religious matters. One of the factors that contributes to this is the reality that much of Macau’s population is actually secular. Another factor is that although many of Macau’s people adhere to and practice some kind of religion, such practices are normally observed at a very individualistic level. For example, traditional Chinese religious practices like paying respects to ancestors or praying to the gods for blessings and favours, are essentially very private activities.
Yet another factor is that followers of the world’s two largest religions, Christianity and Islam, make up just a tiny minority of Macau’s population. Since there is no presence of a critical mass from these gigantic religious institutions, Macau is spared the historical baggage (sometimes violent) attached to these religions. The absence of any real big imposing organized religion that can be a threat to or an influence on the political and social status quo makes Macau’s inhabitants feel safe enough that religion, along with its political and social influence, does not become a cause for concern or alarm.
Religion is still a force to reckon with and it is very likely that in some parts of the world it will continue to and even increase its influence on politics and society on a much broader scale. Religious beliefs and convictions touch the deepest sensibilities of human beings. Intolerance begets hatred and hatred leads to a vicious cycle of escalating suspicion, paranoia, distrust, and violence. Macau is fortunate that religious sentiments are not deeply entangled within its social and political matrix. As for Macau’s people, it will always be beneficial to maintain an attitude of tolerance—one of the most admirable values that the human spirit is capable of nurturing.

©MDTimes/ University of Saint Joseph