Page 28 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

respondents claimed spiritual reasons as their main reason for having a religion. The other
respondents chose ‘moral guidance’ (31%) and ‘to fulfil social requirements’ (34%) while six

percent were unsure (see Figure 2.2). Based on these statistics, most of the respondents are
not embracing their religion for spiritual purposes. Many are embracing it for practical
purposes. Some were even unable to point out the reason for having a religion. Thus, it is

not surprising that only 22.5 percent of the respondents claimed that they strongly believe in
their religion. More than half (65.5%) of the respondents are situational believers. Another 11

percent believe in religions a little whilst one percent are non-believers (see Figure 2.3).

Figure 2.2. Respondents’ main reason for believing in religion.

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