Ritual-based religious dissemination in Taiwan: The connection between the religious and non-religious

Abstract

This article delves into the evolution of Taiwanese popular religion amid the backdrop of social modernization. The emphasis on orthopraxy in Taiwanese popular religion offers a unique perspective on how religion adapts to modernization. It argues that the significance attributed to rituals in Taiwanese religions not only underscores a long-standing tradition but also serves as a fundamental aspect of popular religion. The materiality of rituals establishes heterogenous connections between the religious and non-religious, enabling popular religion to thrive and evolve in contemporary society. The study focuses on the ritual practice of ‘incense-offering pilgrimages’ by a local lay group, highlighting how the public visibility of deities is rooted in ritual observance rather than faith alone. Through detailed case studies, this article underscores the multifaceted ‘diversion connections’ between religious and non-religious domains.