RELIGION IN SINGAPORE

Singapore or Republic of Singapore is a sovereign country and island placed in Southeast Asia. Due to its diversity, many religions are practiced in this country. The five major religions that coexist in Singapore are: Buddhism, Islam, followed by Christianity, Taoism and Hinduism. Although these are the most practiced religions, there are also others but they are practiced by a lower percentage of the population.

   Buddhism is practiced by more than three-fifths of Singapore's population in its three main strands: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The teachings practiced by Buddhists are: Morality, Wisdom and Concentration. The art of Fengshui, which consists of evoking positive energy, is a great point of this religion.

Kong Meng San Phor Kar See Monastery
(Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple in Singapore)

   The followers of Islam in Singapore avow the teachings of Allah from the Quran and transmitted by Prophet Muhammad. Quran contains wisdom of the past as well as some pointers of the future. The Malays are the great part of the population in Singapore who practice this religion. The third religion most practiced in Singapore is Christianity. Christians follow the teachings of God’s son, Jesus, to whom they consider their Messiah. In the Bible are recorded his life, message, crucifixion and resurrection.

The Armenian Church
(the oldest Christian church in Singapore)

   Taoism is the fourth religion in Singapore. Taoists follow the teachings of Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese religious philosophy. This philosophy believes in respecting heaven as well as worshipping ancestors and they feel sympathy for those who are under heaven. Taoists usually make offerings in memory of those who have passed away. These offerings consist of food or burning joss stick or paper.

Thian Hock Keng
(one of the oldest Taoists temples in Singapore)

   Finally, Hinduism is the fifth religion most practiced, although it’s practiced by a 4% of the population in Singapore. This is the oldest religion in the world and believes that the great God has different forms: ‘Brahma' the Creator, ‘Vishnu' the Preserver and ‘Shiva' the destroyer.

   To conclude, Singapore is a country mainly characterized for its tolerance. There are governmental and educational institutions which promote the teaching and coexistence of these religions. In fact, there are religious centers where different religions pray together. One of these centers is the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple.

Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple

Sources:
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapur#Religi.C3.B3n
http://worksingapore.com/articles/live_7.php
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/about-singapore/culture-and-language.htm