wfn.org | In Taiwan, Christian Faith and Folk Religion Meet Ceremonially

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Taiwan Church News 2625, June 23, 2002
Reported by Li Shin-ren,
Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

     On which side should the bride stand at a wedding?  Upon
the death of a relative or friend who was not a Christian, may a
Christian attending the funeral hold a stick of incense?  These
kinds of questions often perplex Christians in Taiwan.  When it
comes to weddings and funerals, which are important affairs of
life, Christian faith and folk religion practice are often at
odds.
     The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan's Pingtung Presbytery,
a group of 38 congregations, held a seminar on Taiwan Folk
Religion Wedding and Funeral practices at Wan-tan Church
on June 16th.  Through presentation and discussion the
participants were led to understand the folk religion practices
and some suggested Christian approaches to them.  The main
speaker was Rev. Weng Chun-ho
    Traditional Taiwan marriage practices include four steps
leading from the introduction of a couple through engagement,
betrothal and finally the wedding. Much emphasis is placed on
getting the ceremonial aspects of each step right. This may
include
having the date and timing of the wedding determined by
astrology.
Christians have some conflict because instead of looking to the
stars and other signs, we attempt to arrange our lives and
practices through dependence on God alone.
    Funerals present similar culture clashes.   Rev. Weng first
delved deeply into folk funeral understandings, and introduced
several ceremonial aspects. He asserted the long history and
complexity of these practices.  He contrasted these with current
church practice in Taiwan. Most important, he said, was that we
respect the Lord God in our actions and attitudes. He gave many
examples.
    One pastor attending the seminar told how in his church he
had preached on the topic of weddings and funerals, setting forth

some clear attitudes which believers might take when faced with
religious differences.
    Rev. Wu Chia-lin, a first generation Christian, said that the
church must be more clear about its attitudes when facing the
questions of believers about folk religion.  The church has taken

too many attitudes from Western practice and has not
understood deeply the background of the many ceremonies
from Taiwan's folk traditions.  The result has often been
rejection
of local culture. He urged participants to study their Bibles to
understand how to confess faith in this modern world.
    Questions remaining unanswered, but leaving potential for
future seminars, include dealing with pregnant brides and
remarriage of divorced people.

For More Information:
Pingtung Presbytery: FAX +886 8 723 3719
Wu Chia-lin:  revwu@ms15.hinet.net

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