THE national census was cited in describing the popularity or
decline of a religion in Monday's report ('Taoist authority to
count devotees in 2011').
However, one must exercise caution in inferring religious
developments from the census.
First, the census presents religion only from a Western
framework.
Based on Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam),
where faith is central, religions defined under this paradigm are
exclusive, with devotees subscribing to one, but not more,
religions.
However, in Asian religions (Taoism, Buddhism and Hinduism)
where greater emphasis is placed upon practices and deeds,
religions need not be exclusive.
In China for instance, people have historically drawn
philosophies and practices collectively from Confucianism, Buddhism
and Taoism, which are also known as 'the Three Teachings'.
Such syncretism is not regarded as contradictory as the three
religions are perceived as complementary, rather than competing.
Inferring from the census misses such linkages and mutual influence
among religions.
Second, the census may encourage a view of religions as
competing systems.
In India, for instance, where communities of Hindus, Muslims and
Sikhs had largely lived in harmony, the census conducted by the
British colonial authorities had led to a hardening of religious
identities, eventually breeding suspicion and animosity that
created religious tensions which still exist today.
In Singapore, where races and religions co-exist, such
competition among religions is unhealthy and can harm the social
fabric.
While the census is useful for detailing changes within the
population, care must be taken to avoid oversimplification or
misrepresentation of its results.
-- ST Forum (16/12/2010)