There are a large amount of christian churches in taiwan, and they come in all shapes and sizes. But i thought the above one is the most unique as it's a buddhist temple that has been converted into a church.
There is a surprisingly large number of christians in taiwan. many of whom i really respect, as they are people who grew up buddhist but thought about their religion, researched others, and chose the religion they felt was best for them. Often to the displeasure of their family. Interestingly enough this is the same respect I have for people back home who grew up christian but then researched religions and decided to become buddhists.
But of course with any religion anywhere, it's not all great. The longer I am here, the more Christianity in taiwan seems like a cult (granted the argument could be made that every religion is essentially a cult). The reason I say this is because nine out of ten people who are christian did so after they had some emotional blow in their life. usually a break up. and when they are feeling low, a church member reaches out to them to tell them that they will find happiness in the church. Perhaps from the church's point of view, they are being kind and helpful, but I can't help but see it as praying on people who are in an emotionally vulnerable place in their lives. Essentially pushing them to make a life changing decision when they are not emotionally stable to be making any such decision.
While that could just be a difference in point of view. one thing i do dislike about christianity in taiwan is the filtered message. While there are churches in both english, chinese, and other languages, most of them seem not to tell the darker stories of the bible, or even some of the rules on what you can or can't do as a christian. they tend to focus solely on the good things, and not the bad, difficult, or conflicting things. Perhaps again you could view this as a good thing, but i view it as cheating their followers. They deserve to know all the information so they can truly make the educated choice to be one religion or another. As it stands i think christianity in taiwan would have to be called "Christianity Lite."
I forgot to add that TV and movies play a huge role as well. There are many people who are not very religious and don't go to church or temple, however is you ask them what religion they are, they would tell you they are christian or christian and buddhist. Why? Because they have seen so many western tv shows and movies that they have come to accept some christian beliefs. Also you can't discount the power of christmas. Christmas is some genius marketing.
