Page 9 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

3.6.1.2 Positive changes after conversion
3.7 Conclusion 48

Chapter Four: Returning to Traditional Chinese Religions:
A Qualitative Analysis
4.1 Introduction 50
4.2 Religion of the family 51
4.3 Family support towards change of religion 52
4.3.1 Family’s Lack of Understanding or Approval;
Hope for Return to “Family” Religion
4.3.2 Influence of Religious Conversion on Family Members
4.3.3 Importance of Family’s Approval of Religious Conversion
4.4 Reasons why interviewees converted to TCR 55
4.4.1 Disagreeing with Church’s Approach after Conversion
4.4.2 Being Able to Find Peace within TCR
4.4.3 Familiarity Leading to Conviction
4.5 Challenges faced after the conversion 59
4.5.1 Negative Perceptions on the Intentions and
Process of ‘Conversion’
4.5.2 Language Barrier
4.6 Perspectives on ‘conversion’ into traditional Chinese religions 61
4.6.1 Religious ‘Conversion’ as a Journey of Enlightenment
4.6.2 Religious Identity of Chinese Ethnic Group
4.7 Different Modus Operandi of Different Religious Bodies 63
4.8 Conclusion 65

Chapter Five: Revitalizing Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia:
Organizational Leaders’ Perspectives
5.1 Introduction 67
5.2 Defining Traditional Chinese Religions 68
5.2.1 TCR having Long been Practiced by the Chinese
5.2.2 TCR Shaping the Chinese Way of Life
5.3 Conversion to Non-TCR Not Serious 70
5.3.1 The issue is under control
5.3.2 New Members are Joining Activities
5.4 Reasons for Converting Out 71
5.4.1 Intense Efforts to Proselytize Christianity
5.4.2 Mastery of the Chinese language
5.4.3 Chinese Families No Longer Continuing
Chinese Traditional Practices
5.4.4 Activities and Church Image as the
Main Attractions for the Youths
5.4.5 TCR Organizations Lacking Full-Time
Personnel and Specialists (daozhangs, monks, nuns, etc.).
5.4.6 TCR Organizations Lacking Financial Strength
5.5 Responding to the Issue of Converting Out – Revitalization 73
5.5.1 Conventional TCR Organization

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