Page 33 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

2.4.3 Religion provides spiritual and mental support

Though spirituality is not the main reason for most respondents to embrace TCR, many are
claiming their current religion has helped them by providing spiritual and mental support. Half

of the respondents in this study agree that religions help them spiritually while only 14 percent
of the respondents do not think so (see Figure 2.9). Additionally, more than half of the
respondents think that religions make them mentally stronger as religion is a fundamental

core characteristic of an individual’s identity by providing a guide for behaviour at home, in
the workplace and in society. Although this finding reveals that TCR are capable of

performing the function of providing spiritual and mental support, it cannot ascertain whether
the respondents really show religious conviction. Thus, further examination is needed to
ascertain this.

Figure 2.9. Religion provides spiritual support.

2.5 Limited Conviction, Modest Commitment

Based on the findings revealed so far, most of the respondents are showing modest
commitment rather than conviction to TCR. They are embracing TCR to fulfil their
commitment to their family and Chinese traditions. Further revelation of the research findings

indicate that such characteristics are common among the respondents. To test their
conviction to their religion, the respondents were asked to respond to questions that were

created to analyse their evaluation of:

1. their own understanding and participation in their religious rituals.

2. their own knowledge concerning the origin, philosophy and scriptures of their religion.

3. negative perceptions that have been thrown towards their religion.

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