Page 56 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

8.33%
11.11%

Strongly Disagree
16.67%
Disagree
Probably
Agree
38.89%
Strongly Agree
25.00%

Figure 3.15. Religion and ethnic traditions are mutually complementing.

For example, Chinese traditional celebrations are celebrated by the Christian

Chinese. Just like Chinese of other faiths, they celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year.
Similarly, other celebrations such as the mid-Autumn are celebrated. In fact, churches are
organizing events to celebrate these occasions. Some Christian Chinese visit their ancestors’

cemeteries during ‘Ching Ming’ (a Chinese traditional occasion to pay homage to ancestors).
Many Chinese couples who have converted to Christianity also practice the tea drinking

ceremony during their wedding. In short, conversion to non-TCR does not make a Chinese,
less Chinese. Non-TCR have adapted to traditional Chinese cultural practices. As a result
of this adaptation, the Chinese are becoming receptive. They are not able to distinguish TCR

and non-TCR.

3.5.3 Feeling dissociated from TCR

Individual’s perceptions on TCR and the conversion out of them are crucial to be understood.

In the case of this survey, the individuals have converted to other religions or stop believing
in religions altogether. Based on this background, the assumption is that the respondents will

not be concerned about the implications of their conversion on TCR. Such reaction is an
indicator of disassociation from religions that have been defining the Chinese civilization for
thousands of years. On the other hand, it is also reflecting the failure of TCR institutions to

connect with the Chinese. Without this effort, some Chinese will feel disassociated and
eventually convert to other religions.

Results show that a significant percentage (42.59%) of the respondents indicated

feeling not concerned at all while another 29.63 percent indicated that they are merely slightly
concerned (see Figure 3.16). Only 3.7 percent of the respondents are really concerned while

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