“Asia’s Only Christian Nation” On Trial

IS THE PHILIPPINES A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY? LET THE JURY DECIDE

THE CASE

Among the 48 nations in Asia, the Philippines boasts that it is the only Christian country in the region. By all outward appearances, this may seem to be true. The contrast is especially notable when the archipelago is nestled between primarily Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim nations.

What is the evidence behind the Philippines’ claim to fame? Does the evidence agree with the biblical description of Christianity? Religious practices and church traditions should not be the basis of the verdict. Rather, Christianity’s sacred text, the Bible, must be the foundation upon which the court case is built. Shall the trial commence?

DEFENSE

In defense of the Philippines, one can present the following evidence (this list is not exhaustive):

Population

As of the 2010 Census, 86.8 million Filipinos (93% of a total population of 93.3 million) associate as “Christian” in their beliefs. Of those, 81% are followers of the Roman Catholic Church.¹ Not all faithfully practice their beliefs.

Traditions

Christian holidays including Holy Week and Christmas (some denominations) are nationally observed. Paintings, decorations, and statues showing Christian images are commonly displayed in both private and public establishments. A 2020 survey found that 46% of adults attend a weekly religious service. Only 1% said they never attend religious services.²

Morals

Generally, Filipinos have conservative views on various social issues. According to a 2013 survey by Pew Research Center, 67% say that getting a divorce is morally unacceptable and 93% view having an abortion as immoral.³ 71% said premarital sex was morally unacceptable and 61% agreed that gambling was immoral.⁴

Jesus said we must be “born again.” That’s not a religion. It’s essential to be a Christian.

PLAINTIFF

Originally, those who adhered to Jesus’ teachings were called “followers of the Way”⁵ since Jesus claimed to be the only way to God.⁶ Later in Acts 11:26, they were called “Christians,” meaning “follower of Christ.” In essence, to be a Christian is to be a “little Christ.”

Individual Faith

The Bible teaches that each and every person must come to faith in Jesus on their own. It is not an inherited faith, nor does one become a Christian as part of a group. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, “if anyone would desire to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (ESV).

Change of Heart

Jesus condemned the religious leaders for following traditions on the outside but living “full of greed and self-indulgence”⁷ on the inside. He said, “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”⁸ No matter how many outward religious actions a person does, it doesn’t matter unless it comes from a pure heart, which can only be received by faith in Jesus.

New Identity

Each of us is born once, but Jesus said we must be “born again.”⁹ That’s not a religion. It’s essential to be a Christian. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come” (ESV). It is God, through the Holy Spirit, who causes this new birth to all who respond to Jesus’ call to “follow me.”

ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE

Although many people are devoted to weekly religious attendance, the other six days of the week are often lived contrary to the Bible. Consider the systemic issues that are found throughout the Philippines. High levels of corruption and idolatry plague the nation. Over half the population lives in poverty. Drug and alcohol addictions tear families apart. Human souls are desensitized by human trafficking, pornography, prostitution, and child abuse. It’s no secret that pride, selfish ambition, and materialism are what drive many people into overwork, exhaustion, anxiety, and depression.

THE VERDICT

Is the Philippines a Christian nation? Let the jury (reader) decide. Examine the evidence and think for yourself. Will you form your verdict on ever-changing religious practices or the unchanging word of God as written in the Bible? A nation is made up of people, and people are what matter most to Jesus. If individual lives are generally not reflecting the life and teachings of Christ, then how can they possibly be “Christian?” Don’t be deceived. A morally religious nation does not equate to a biblically Christian one. 

¹bit.ly/3Lyj98c ²cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/3/31/Filipinos-go-religious-services-weekly-SWS-.html ³pewrsr.ch/3pFydrG ⁴pewrsr.ch/3Jr3Vjw ⁵Acts 9:1-2 ⁶John 14:6 ⁷Matthew 23:25 ⁸Matthew 15:16 ⁹John 3:3