In U.S. research center,Pew Research Center, Taiwan was ranked number 2 of Religion Diversity Index published in Religion and Public Life Project, which indicating Taiwan's diversified beliefs ranging from Christianity, Taoism, Buddhism, Muslim and more. In this growing complex world, religion is not limited to the traditional sense of worshipping, it also evolves to take holistic care of people in term of education, charity and international interaction.
Christianity can be traced back when the Dutch priest came to Taiwan with the East India Company in early 17th century. Even after the Dutch company withdrew from Taiwan, more and more priests from Europe came to Taiwan for their missions.
They reach the remote mountains, and care for aboriginals, which improve the living standard of that time. Different branches of Christinatity help contribute to the development of Christ spirit.
The established churches include Pintong Wanchin Basilica,Taichung Luce Chapel by L.M Pei., and Tamsui Macay's Church.
Taoism originates from China and this religion evolve as history unfolds adding the heroic figures into deity level.
Originally, in ancient Chinese classics already mention the spirit of Tao, the growing number of deities such as Ma-zu or Mother Goddess exemplifies the open minded nature of Taoism.
It also combines folklore activities such as burning paper ship, firing firework, climbing mud ladders are among the fascinating festivals,
Buddhism in Taiwan sometimes is mixed with Taoism temple. For example, in Shingshan Chi-Yo temple, there is Mazu, mother goddess at the first floor and
Budda at the second floor.These two religions' deity are said to be the same spirit in different incarnation.
Some of the major Budda centres include Dharma Drum Mountain, Ling Jiou Mountain, Chun Tai Chun Mona,Fo Guang Shan and more.Each prestigious monk set up the monastery from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
These Buddhist centres offer meditation class, preach Buddhist classics, promote morality of living in this secular world.
Muslim though only accounts for a small portion of population In Taiwan.It also enriches Taiwan religious diversity. Most of them arrived in Taiwan with KMT party in1949. Nowadays, immigrants from southeastern Asia such as Indonesia add to new current of Muslim followers.
As more and more Malaysian and other Muslim tourist coming to Taiwan, recognised Muslim Halal restaurants also spring up around Taiwan.