Page 91 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

Chapter Six

Chang Yun Fah, Chin Yee Mun and Phua Yeong Nan

Conclusion

6.1 Introduction

This research aims to understand the factors that are causing the decline of TCR. To do so,
this research investigated the TCR adherents’ perceptions towards their religions. Efforts
were also taken to examine the views of Chinese Malaysians who have converted to non-

TCR as well as those who have converted back to TCR. Views from TCR organization
leaders were also sought.

In general, findings from this research indicate TCR is facing multiple challenges. As

the Chinese negotiate social changes, their views towards TCR have changed. Increasingly,
their religious worldviews are ‘intellectualizing’. Consequently, as individuals, they seek a

religion that can match their cognitive expectations. Exposure to scientific education and
other modern values have moulded them to seek logic and rationality. They view TCR under
such lenses while at the same time compare them with the non-TCR. On the other hand, the

Chinese are also increasingly becoming more receptive to other religions. Their social
ecology, be it at the micro, meso or macro levels are increasingly opening up to non-TCR.
The social mechanism to deter the Chinese from converting to non-TCR or becoming atheists

are becoming less visible within the Chinese community. Consequently, as shown by the
statistics reported in Chapter One, the number of TCR believers in Malaysia are declining.
All these points are indicating that the social ecology of TCR in Malaysia is at an unhealthy

level.

6.2 From Believers to Non-Believers

As reported in Chapter Two, many Chinese Malaysians who claim to practice TCR do not
really believe in their religions. Their conviction is modest and at best they can be known as
adherents who merely follow rituals. Many of them do not read religious scriptures nor

understand them. Their knowledge about their religion is relatively shallow. Unlike them,
many of the non-TCR believers (as reported in Chapter Three) have higher conviction
towards their religion. They know their religion and as such their religion will play a significant

role in shaping their everyday life.

Under such circumstances, the decline of TCR is expected. The Chinese in Malaysia

as well as in other parts of the world are exposed to other religions. As the world is becoming

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