Traversing Religious Freedom in the Philippine Setting from Pre-colonial Period to Present: A Historical Case Study

Abstract

Religion has always been a part of the Filipino identity. Given the reverence for various religious beliefs, government authorities continue to seek ways in upholding the sense of liberty portrayed by the early Filipinos through inaugurating religious freedom in the constitutions. However, the roots of the freedom of religion still remain vague. With this, the study aimed to provide a clearer perception on the history of religion as a government liability. Through archival research, thorough text analysis, and interviews with professionals in the field of religion and sociology, the main objective of traversing the roots of religious freedom was fulfilled. Given this notion, the study was able to explore the history and progress of religious freedom and diversity from the pre-colonial period to the present. The results of the research inferred that even before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, who had imposed Catholicism, there were already movements of religious diversity and liberty. When the Americans arrived, this sense of diversity was strengthened, and paved the way for the introduction of religious freedom. In acknowledging religious freedom, the role of the government in promoting inclusivity, despite diversity, through religious freedom is portrayed.