Religions in Vietnam

The major religious traditions in Vietnam are Buddhism (which fuses forms of Taoism and Confucianism), Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect.

Buddhism

Buddhism was first introduced to Viet Nam in the 2nd century, and reached its peak in the Ly dynasty (11th century). It was then regarded as the official religion dominating court affairs. Buddhism was preached broadly among the population and it enjoyed a profound influence on people's daily life. Its influence also left marks in various areas of traditional literature and architecture. As such, many pagodas and temples were built during this time.

Buddhism has a strong influence on Vietnamese people

At the end of the 14th century, Buddhism began to show signs of decline. The ideological influence of Buddhism, however, remained very strong in social and cultural life. Presenty, over 70 percent of the population of Viet Nam are either Buddhist or strongly influenced by Buddhist practices.

Catholicism

Catholicism, one of the largest branches of Christianity, encompasses a diverse global community united by shared beliefs, traditions, and practices centered around the teachings of Jesus Christ. Catholicism was introduced to Vietnam in the 17th century. 

At present the most densely-populated Catholic areas are Bui Chu-Phat Diem in the northern province of Ninh Binh and Ho Nai-Bien Hoa in Dong Nai Province to the South. About 10 percent of the population are considered Catholic.

Catholicism's teachings focus on principles of love, compassion, charity, and social justice, shaping its followers' lives in both spiritual and practical dimensions. The faith's influence extends beyond religious practice, often playing a significant role in education, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

There are many Vietnamese who follow Catholicism

Protestantism

Protestantism emerged during the Reformation in the 16th century as a branch of Christianity distinct from Catholicism. It encompasses various denominations, each with unique beliefs and practices but sharing core principles. Protestantism emphasizes the authority of the Bible as the primary source of spiritual guidance and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Protestantism, however, remains an obscure religion. At present most Protestants live in the Central Highlands. There still remains a Protestant church on Hang Da Street in Ha Noi. The number of Protestants living in Vietnam is estimated at 400,000.

Protestantism is also the same as Catholicism

Hoa Hao Sect

The Hoa Hao Sect was first introduced to Vietnam in 1939. More than 1 million Vietnamese are followers of this sect. Most of them live in the south-west of Viet Nam. It's a branch of Buddhism that emphasizes personal devotion, simplicity, and community involvement. The movement gained significant popularity, particularly in the Mekong Delta region, among peasants and rural communities seeking spiritual guidance and social reform.

Caodaism

Caodaism is a unique religious movement that originated in Vietnam in the early 20th century. Caodaism was first introduced to the country in 1926. Settlements of the Cao Dai followers in South Vietnam are located near the Church in Tay Ninh. The number of followers of this sect is estimated at 2 million.

The religion's teachings center around the idea of a supreme deity called Cao Đài, who is believed to govern the universe. Caodaism emphasizes the importance of moral values, religious tolerance, and spiritual development. Followers believe in reincarnation, karma, and the existence of a spiritual hierarchy that includes divine beings, saints, and ancestors.

Caodaism belief

Mother Worship (Tho Mau)

Researchers describe the Vietnamese mother-worship cult as a primitive religion. Mother, Me in the Vietnamese language, is pronounced Mau in Sino-­script. The mother worship cult might have originated from the cult of the Goddess in ancient ages. In the Middle Ages, the Mother was worshiped in temples and palaces. Due to the fact that it is a worshiping custom and not a religion, the Mother worshiping cult has not been organized as Buddhism and Catholicism have. As a result, the different affiliations of the cult have yet to be consistent and different places still have different customs.

The custom of Mother worship originated from the north. In the south, the religion has integrated the local goddesses such as Thien Y A Na (Hue) and Linh Son (Tay Ninh). In fact, the Mother worship cult was influenced by other religions, mainly Taoism.

Islam

Islamic followers in Viet Nam are primarily from the Cham ethnic minority group living in the central part of the central coast. The number of Islamic followers in Viet Nam totals about 50,000.

Today, Islam in Vietnam is primarily practiced by the Cham community, concentrated mainly in the central and southern parts of the country. The Cham Muslims have preserved their distinct cultural and religious practices, maintaining mosques, observing Islamic rituals, and preserving their unique architectural heritage.

Islam belief

Conclusion

Religious tolerance is ingrained in Vietnamese society, with the government upholding religious freedom, allowing individuals to practice their faiths freely. While Buddhism holds a significant presence, Catholicism and other Christian denominations have a substantial following, especially in urban areas. Islam, primarily practiced by the Cham community, and other minority religions like Caodaism and the Hoa Hao Sect, contribute to the country's religious diversity.

The multitude of beliefs in Vietnam represents not only a spiritual aspect but also serves as a testament to the country's cultural heritage, promoting mutual respect, understanding, and unity among its diverse populace. This rich tapestry of beliefs weaves together the social fabric of Vietnam, creating a colorful mosaic that reflects its historical, cultural, and spiritual identity.