International Negotiation

Jenieca D. Polancos November 25, 2017

AB Foreign Service / FS401 Mr. Jumel G.Estranero

A. The never ending saga of religion: Christianity still frightens Vietnam

B. Chapters

I. ABSTRACT
This study tackles about the effects of Christianity to the culture and beliefs of the
people in Vietnam especially the ethnic Hmong citizens. This study aims to provide a
descriptive analysis on the issue about the Vietnams problem regarding to the diffusion
of Christianity. It focuses on the ideas that can affect the beliefs of the Hmong ethnic
groups to completely convert to the world of Christianity. Due to the short period of time
that has been given to make this paper, the descriptive analysis of this issue shall only
be done through searching in the internet about the struggle of Vietnam with
Christianity. To some Hmong who chose to stick on their beliefs tends to be afraid of
what might happen to their traditions if the Christianity will continue to grow in their
country. This study will also provide the insights of both Christian and non-Christian
Hmongs about the very confidential issue of the country.

INTRODUCTION
The very essence of religion is the beliefs and practices which is agreed from
one person to another. It is an act of faith where a person shows his or her willingness
towards to what he or she believes. Religion always gets into conflict when it comes to
the culture and tradition. Some traditional acts are way more far from the deeds of the
religion. A lot of people always contest their insights about these two but no one wins
because it is indeed a complicated issue.
The well-known religion in the whole world is the Christianity which is believed
that it is a personal relationship with the creator of heaven and earth; God. Christianity
is one of major problems of Vietnam in these days. Hmong ethnic citizens and even the
youths of Vietnam are already converting to the world of Christianity. Non-believers are
afraid that their traditions might get lost to the eyes and heart of their fellowmen as well
as the upcoming generation of their nation.
Buddhism is the leading or the main religion of Vietnam and was first handled by
the Ly Dynasty (1010-1214) it is also believed that Buddhism is one of the worlds great
religions.1It is clear that Christianity is not for the Vietnamese people, it is not the belief
that their nation was known. But for the 3 decades,Hmongs and other resident of the
country had been converted to the Christianity and it is one of the huge problems that
make other Vietnamese worried about. Hmongs are enlightened with the beliefs of the
Christianity that made them influence more people but this doesnt mean that they are
already a bad and an anomalous people to their own country as well as to their own
culture and tradition.

II.
A. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1. How did the Hmong ethnic group engage to the realm of Christianity?
2. What are the effects of the Christianity to the tradition and cultures of the
Hmongs or the Vietnamese people?
3. Are there any propaganda that Vietnam proposed to prevent the growth of
Christianity and the transformation of religion?

B. METHODOLOGY

Method
This study is a descriptive research analysis about the issue of Christianity in the
country of Vietnam.
Data Gathering
The researcher used only the internet resources such as Google, Youtube and other
legitimate websites.
Data Gathering Procedure
The gathered data or information from different internet resources shall be used to
provide the claim of the study regarding the issue about the struggle of Vietnam in
the sense of religion.
Scope and Limitation
The research will only focus to the explanations and deeds of the converted
Christian Hmongs on how they were enlightened to the art of Christianity as well as

1
Te, H. D., Religion of the Vietnamese, http://www.vietspring.org/religion/religioninvn.html,
Accessed November 20, 2017
 will focus to the concerns of the Non-Christian Hmongs to the tradition and cultures
of their native land.

III.
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURES

Local Review of the Related Literatures

Christianity in the Philippines

Susan Russell
Among the Asian countries, Philippinecountry is the only nation who is practicing
Christianity as a religion but not all the people who are living in the country is a
Christian. According to the Philippines Demographic Profile, the religion rate as of this
year 2017 is that there are 82.9% of Christians (Roman catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan 2%),
5% of Muslim, 2.8% of Evangelical, 2.3% of the IglesianiKristo, 4.5% of other Christians,
1.8% of other religions, 0.6% to the unspecified and 0.1% to none. It can be seen that
the majority of the population in the country are Christians.2
The Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards and it is believed that the
Christianization and its strategies came from the Spanish. During the time of the
Spanish occupation, a lot of Filipino people,mostly the lowlands were converted to
Christianity under the Roman Catholicism. It was a successful goal for the Spanish
missionaries as they influenced the Philippines as well as its culture and traditions.
Mass baptism which most of the Filipinos were baptized as Christians, thereduccion
policies which means a forced relocation of small and scattered settlements to a larger
town, an attitude of the Spanish clergy in the early phase where the friars were forced to
learn the language and dialects of the Filipinos to fully get the attention of the people to
continue learning the teachings of Christianity and the adaptation of Christianity to the
local context are some of the successful attempts of Spanish missionaries regarding to
the spreading of Christianity to the Philippines.3
Christianity today is way more far than the Christianity during the Spanish
colonial. In these days, a lot more religions are in the Philippines. Altered faiths,
different traditions yet have one culture that makes a Filipino one. Religious beliefs are

2
Philippine Demographics Profile 2017,
http://www.indexmundi.com/philippines/demographics_profile.html, Accessed November 20,
2017
3
Russell, S., Christianity in the Philippines,
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/russell/christianity.htm,
Accessed November 20, 2017
just based on the aptitude of a religion in order to provide an answer to all questions of
a person regarding to the concerns and needs in different aspect of cultural settings.

Religious practices in the Philippines

Travel to the Philippines
Before the Spaniards came into the Philippines to invade us and transform our
traditions and practices, Filipinos and our native ancestors are already practicing
animism as their form of religion where they worship the plants, animals and other
objects that they believed has spirits on it. Aside from animism, paganism was also the
form of religion of the Filipinos before, where they worship the pagan gods during the
pre-colonial period.
When Christianity was introduced in the Philippines, many things have changed.
Only in some parts of the country are still practicing the beliefs of their ancestors while
most of the Filipinos have already adapted the Catholicism which was introduced by the
Spaniards. Some practices had been adapted by the Filipinos such as the practice of
Filipino family where attending mass together every Sunday is a must as well as the
practice of praying together. Also the religious practices which all the Christians
specifically the catholic worshippers are giving honor to the saints and other pagan gods
of their native ancestors. These are just some of the practices that the Filipinos adapted
from the Spaniards.
It is indeed that the impact of Christianity to the Philippines was very aggressive.
It changes everything even the perspective of the people. As we can see, 80% of the
population in the country is engaged to the Christianity more over in Catholicism. But
the good thing is, our culture and tradition are still in our hearts and it is inclined with the
religion of Christianity although some Filipinos are not practicing Catholicism.4

Influence of Christianity to Filipino culture

Khristine Delgado
In the western part of the world, Christianity is the most popular religion and
belief. In Asia, the only one country who practices Christianity is the Philippines. The
faith of the Filipinos before was not based on the Christian faith, it only started when
Spaniards came and influenced us the art of Christianity. A lot of things have changed

4
Religious practices in the Philippines,
http://www.philippines.abouttravelingtheworld.com/philippines-culture/philippines-
religion/religious-practices-in-the-philippines/, Accessed November 21, 2017
when it became the leading religion in the country. It influences Filipinos in different
aspects.5
Literature and Drama, Architecture and Sculpture, Music and Dance and the form
of society are some of the influences of Christianity to Filipino culture. Christianity
inspired most of the Filipino people to learn how to write profoundly, it helps the Filipinos
to engage in writing about churches and religions. Christianity also influenced Filipinos
in Architecture and Sculpture. Most of the works of the Filipinos are churches of course
as well as schools and houses. The art of Music and Dance were already in the tradition
of the country Philippines but Christianity made it more meaningful. Chants, songs such
as pasyon, and dances in every feast are one of the influences of Christianity in the
world of music and dance. Lastly, is the form of society which focuses on our everyday
lives and traditions we have witnessed such as weddings, burials, house blessings,
family orientations and a lot more.
Truly it is that the Filipinos are really religious. The combination of animism and
Christianity made a great outcome in our country. The influences of the Christianity to
the Filipino culture gave a lot of transformation not only in the country itself but also In
the lives of the Filipinos.

The spread of Christianity in the Philippines

Pro essay
To colonize and to Christianized were the main goals of the Spaniards when they
reached the Philippines. Spreading Christianity was through Spanish missionaries and
because of that, the Philippines now is the only Christian country among Asian
countries.
According to MellieLeandico Lopez, It is interesting to notice that in order to
Christianize the pagan Filipino, top priority was given by the Spanish missionaries to the
building of Spanish Catholic churches and the carving of sacred images of the new
religion. Pagan books and writings that are connected to paganism were forced to
destroy by the Spanish missionaries in order to continue the teachings of Christianity in
the country. Spanish priests were also living with the Filipinos during that time and they
were doing such efforts like speaking in native language of Filipinos to understand more
the teachings of Christianity. During that time, the quick transformation of beliefs and
traditions was really hard so some of the Filipino people and other indigenous group of
people were still practicing their pagan religion behind the backs of the Spaniards.
The force in spreading Christianity in the Philippines has a great impact in our
society and in our faiths. But some of the traditions and customs were changed during

5
Delgado, K., Influence of Christianity to Filipino culture,
https://www.scribd.com/doc/20517008/Influences-of-Christianity-to-Fil-Culture, Accessed
November 21, 2017
that time until now the reason why we cannot blame our fellowmen who are still
practicing their own religions.6

Philippines still top Christian country in Asia, 5th in world

Lawrence de guzman
The Philippines remains to be the bastion of Christianity in Asia with 86.8 million
Filipinosor 93 percent of a total population of 93.3 millionadhering to the teachings
of Jesus Christ, a recent study by the US-based Pew Research Center has found.
Using the 2010 population figures of over 200 countries, the nonpartisan data center
conducted its Global Christianity study produced by its Pew Forum on Religion and
Public Life unit to determine the size and breadth of the worlds Christian population.
The study released Monday put the total number of Christians worldwide at 2.18
billionalmost a thirdof the estimated global population of 6.9 billion.Apart from being
number one in Asia, the Philippines ranks fifth in the world, hosting four percent of those
2.18-billion Christians, the report said.Of the Filipino Christians, 81 percent are Catholic,
11 percent Protestant and one percent belongs to other Christian groups. The
remaining seven percent of the Philippine population are non-Christian, Pew noted.
The largest number of Christians that are residing in the United States is 246.8
million or 11.3 percent of the total Christian population of the world. It is followed by
Brazil (175.8 million), Mexico (107.8 million) and Russia (105.2 million).Following the
Philippines are Nigeria (80.5 million), China (67 million), Democratic Republic of Congo
(63.2 million), Germany (58.2 million) and Ethiopia (52.6 million). According to Pew,
The number of Christians around the world has nearly quadrupled in the last 100 years,
from 600 million in 1910,, But the worlds overall population also has risen rapidly from
an estimated 1.8 billion in 1910 to 6.9 billion in 2010. As a result, Christians make up
about the same proportion of the world population today (32 percent) as they did a
century ago (35 percent),
In Asia, following the Philippines are China (67.1 million), India (31.9 million),
Indonesia (21.2 million) and Australia (16 million).
By region, the bulk of Christians reside in the Americas (36.8 percent), followed by
Europe (25.9 percent), sub-Saharan Africa (23.6 percent), Asia Pacific (13.1 percent)
and Middle East-North Africa (0.6 percent).
Highlighting a momentous shift in the worlds Christian population, Pew noted that
although Europe and the Americas still held a majority of the worlds Christians (63
percent), the 1910 figure was much higher (93 percent).

6
The spread of Christianity in the Philippines, Pro Essay, professional writing service,
http://www.proessay.com/buy-essay-on-the-spread-of-christianity-in-the-philippines/, Accessed
November 21, 2017
Pew noted that Christianity had grown enormously in sub-Saharan Africa and the
Asia-Pacific region, as their Christian populations climbed from nine percent in 1910 to
63 percent in 2010 in the former, and from three percent to seven percent in the latter.
Christianity today, unlike a century ago, is truly a global faith, Pew said.7

Foreign Review of the Related Literatures

The rise of Christianity to Asia

Masako Fukui
Aside from political and economic growth that is happening within the boundary
of Asia, Christianity is also gaining its development. The evolution of Christianity
became the asset and idea of other countries in Asia such as South Korea in order to
have a better outcome in their nation and for its people. South Korea according to
Professor Sebastian Kim, in Seoul alone, there are 20 such churches. This is how big
Christianity these days. It is now spreading along the Asia but there is nothing wrong
about this.
The country China that is well-known as one of the Buddhist countries is seen to
be the largest Christian nation by 2030. Is it really possible to happen? Based on the
status of the china when it comes to market economy is very alarming because of the
high percentage of corruption that is happening in making up a business since there is
an absence of rules and regulations and sometimes systems are very rigid to enforce so
the idea of protestant work ethic might help. But Beijing is having sanctions to all the
churches inside the city and country yet other Christians are still on their dedication to
the religion that they are having so they continue doing their beliefs by means of
underground or house churches like bible studies group that gather in fast food chains
in the country. And because of the disapproval of the said atheist country, according to
Professor Fenggang Yang, the rise of the chinese entrepreneurial class has created a
demand for internal rulesmorality, ethics and spiritual certaintyall the elements that
make up the religions job description. For Koreans, Christianity is form of modernization
for there is a strong connection between accepting Christianity and recreation of political
independence.8

7
De Guzman, L., Philippines still top Christian country in Asia, 5th in world,
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/21233/philippines-still-top-christian-country-in-asia-5th-in-world,
Accessed November 23, 2017
8
Fukui, M., The rise of Christianity in Asia,
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/encounter/the-rise-of-christianity-in-asia/5934564,
Accessed November 22, 2017
 The continuous rise of Christianity in Asia is booming and many Asians have
already converted as Christians but it is really difficult to distinguish the total number or
percentage of converted Christians in Asia because most of the churches are still hiding
and practice the religion in different places just to be safe. But Christianity can be seen
as the key role in Asian countries to become economically and politically assured and it
might be better described as the Asian Christian Century.

Muslim Nations Bans Christians from using 19 Religious Words

Kate Tracy
Allah, AlQuran, Baitullah, hadith. These are some of the words that people
usually hear from the Muslims. These words and 15 more are already banned to the
Christians who are still living in the country of Brunei and who are practicing Christianity.
Brunei which is an independent country which is bordered by Malaysia and located on
the northwest edge of Borneo island in the South China Sea, implemented a law, the
Shariah Law which is the banning of 19 words of Muslims to non-Muslim citizen of the
country. The banned words in Brunei, with their English meanings, are: Azan: the call
to prayer five times a day; baitullah: "mosque"; AlQuran: "the Koran"; fatwa: legal
opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar; FirmanAllah: "the Word of God"; hadith:
"tradition," and Muslim holy writings; Haji: "pilgrimage"; hukumsyara': "Shariah law";
ilahi: "divine"; Ka'bah: Muslim shrine in Mecca; kalimah al syahadah: "word of
testimony"; kiblat: "Direction of the Prayers"; masjid: "mosque"; imam: "priest"; mufti:
Muslim legal official; mu'min: "believer"; solat: "prayer"; and wali: "guardian", according
to the report. Aside from this law, they also created a punishment for crimes as well as
the death by stoning for mistakenly doing adultery and a deletion of limbs for theft. This
law was strictly applied in the country of Brunei year 2014.
The small percentage of Christians in Brunei during the law was applied
increased the pressure but the faith and the fortitude to the Christianity remained. But
the government of Brunei became strict to the punishment, they considered the pastors
as enemies and they even monitored the Christians through the police to prevent the
growth of Christianity in the country. Bibles and other materials were also confiscated
from the organization of Christians. It might be cruel but as you can see, Bruneis
religion and tradition is based on the Islam, they are just protecting the native customs
they are having.9

9
Tracy, K., Muslim Nation Bans Christians from Using 19 Religious Words,
http://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/february/muslim-nation-bans-christians-words-
brunei-malaysia-allah.html, Accessed November 22, 2017
Vietnams minority groups are hungry for the gospel
Open doors
Christians in Vietnam are being subjected to increased persecution. Historical
Christian communities experience arrests and land-grabbing by the authorities.
Converts to Christianity from Buddhist or ethnic-animist backgrounds face the strongest
persecution, which comes not only from the authorities, but also from families, friends
and neighbors.
Protestant Christian believers tend to gather in house-churches, and their
members face discrimination at various levels of society. The Catholic Church is by far
the largest Christian community in the country, but the government sees it as being tied
to foreign powers, and as a remnant from French colonial days. On November 18, 2016,
the communist government adopted a new Law on Belief and Religion, which limits
freedom of religion considerably. To stand with persecuted believers in Vietnam, Open
Doors provides them with trainings for ministry workers, discipleship programs, Bible
and literature distribution, literacy trainings, advocacy and more.10

Christianity At Risk In Vietnam Amid Restrictions On Religious Freedom

Carey Lodge
Religious freedom in Vietnam is at serious risk following the passing of the
country's first ever Law on Belief and Religion last week. On the 18th of November, the
law has been passed and despite concerns that it does not conform to international
standards on freedom of religion or belief, Christian Solidarity Worldwide has warned.
According to the charity, "Although the final text has not yet been made public, it is not
expected to have altered significantly from previous drafts,", "The text of the law has
been revised numerous times. Some improvements to the draft were made during the
revision process, possibly in response to the feedback offered by religious communities.
However, these improvements, and the inclusion of basic guarantees of the right to
freedom of religion or belief, were undermined by onerous registration requirements and
excessive State interference in the internal affairs of religious organisations."Vietnam's
constitution guarantees freedom of religion in principle, but, like China, the Communist
government tightly controls independent religious practice. According to the US
Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), it represses "individuals and
religious groups it views as challenging its authority", including independent Buddhists,
HoaHao, Cao Dai, and Christians.

10
Vietnams minority groups are hungry for the gospel, Open doors,
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/vietnam/, Accessed
November 23, 2017
 Religious groups have to formally register with the government, but are routinely
denied. The Hmong Protestants have experienced particular persecution in the last few
years, and Vietnam has been named a 'country of particular concern' every year by the
USCIRF since 2001.CSW has urged the Vietnamese government to ensure that
registration is not a pre-requisite for the exercise of freedom of religion or belief.The UN
special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief previously made a similar
request.Chief executive of CSW Mervyn Thomas said: "When the possibility of a law on
religion was first mentioned, some were hopeful that it would address the obstacles to
freedom of religion or belief in the existing regulations. Unfortunately, throughout the
drafting process the law continued to focus on the control and management of religious
activities, rather than the protection of religious freedom."Basic guarantees of the right
to freedom of religion or belief must not be undermined by onerous registration
requirements, and groups which cannot or choose not to register must not be excluded
from the enjoyment of this right. We urge the Vietnamese government to guarantee in
law and in practice the right to freedom of religion or belief for all people in Vietnam in
line with Article 18 of the ICCPR."

Of the 93.4 million Vietnamese, more than half identifies with Buddhism. Roman
Catholics make up seven per cent, Cao Dai between 2.5 and four per cent; HoaHao, 1.5
to three percent; and Protestants, one to two percent.11

Crackdown on Christians in Vietnam

Bill Bumpas

Despite U.S. efforts to warm relations with Vietnam, there have been some
incidents of concern over the last couple of months, according to International Christian
Concern. Will Stark, ICC's regional manager for South Asia, tells OneNewsNow
the incidents include the arrest and torture of an imprisoned pastor's wife; and the
assault and arrest of a 14-year-old Christian following an attack on a church in northern
Vietnam."Unfortunately it shows that Vietnam is very concerned and very aggressive
towards Christians," he shares. "And unfortunately, so far the U.S. steps in Vietnam
have not had positive results for the Christians there."12

11
Lodge, C.,Christianity At Risk In Vietnam Amid Restrictions On Religious Freedom,
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/christianity-at-risk-in-vietnam-amid-restrictions-on-
religious-freedom/102095.htm,Accessed November 23, 2017

12
Bumpas, B.,Crackdown on Christians in Vietnam,
https://www.onenewsnow.com/persecution/2016/06/24/crackdown-on-christians-in-vietnam,
Accessed November 23, 2017
 Stark explains the U.S. probably thought if it reached out to Vietnam, the country
would work to improve its human rights record."The arms embargo is lifted at this point,
so we've lost a significant bargaining chip," he laments. "And what Vietnam is actually
doing now is flexing its muscles and persecuting even more the Christians who are
there in Vietnam."Stark says the recent attacks show the true colors of Vietnam's
leadership.

IV. PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION & ANALYSIS OR PAID (PRESENTATION,

ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION OF THE DATA)
The continuous growth of Christianity in the country of Vietnam makes the nation
trembles. For the past 3 decades, 30 years to be exact, the development of Christianity
was thrivingquietly and that makes the non-believers started to doubt that their traditions
as well as their culture might get lost and the future generations wont be able to
recognize the genuine significance of their beliefs. Out of 1 million populations of ethnic
Hmongs in the country, 300,000 of them are already Christians by faith. In this
year 2017, there are 4 million ethnic Hmongs who are spreading through the borderlines
of different countries in Asia such as China, Laos and Thailand as well as in the western
part of the world that are currently speaking for Christianity. 13 In the years, 2009, 2010
and 2014, the rate of Christianity in Vietnam was the third highest in percentage.14

Religious Population Population Population

group % 2009 % 2010 % 2014

Vietnamese folk religion, 45.3%

81.6% 73.2%
and non-religion/atheism 29.6%

Buddhism 7.9% 16.4% 12.2%

Christianity 7.5% 8.2% 8.3%

Catholicism 6.6% n/a 6.8%

Protestantism 0.9% n/a 1.5%

Caodaism 1.0% n/a 4.8%

14
Rumsby, S.,Vietnam Wrestles With Christianity, https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/vietnam-
wrestles-with-christianity/, Accessed November 19, 2017
Religious Population Population Population
group % 2009 % 2010 % 2014

Hoahaoism 1.6% n/a 1.4%

Other religions 0.2% 0.5% 0.1%

(Government released chronological statistics of registered religious groups)

From 7.3% to 8.2% up to 8.3% of the total rates, the Christianity was indeed growing
moderately. Even before the ratio of Christians in Vietnam was already high in numbers
the reason why the government until now are afraid of what might happen if Christianity
will continue to grow.15
In the year of 1980s, Christianity started to blowout in the country of Vietnam but
the unexpected part is that there were no Christian foreigners who made an introduction
about Christianity, meaning, ethnic Hmongs were just only influenced by the other
countries and platforms that is related to the religion such as the evangelistic radio
program that had been broadcasting all the way from Manila Philippines. Ethnic
Hmongs were fascinated by the program of the said radio station because they were
hearing their own language on air about the teachings of Christianity, so they voiced out
to their other ethnic Hmong neighbors about the good news. And because of that
incidentHmongs were totally influenced until now. In todays situation, young Hmong
students are studying not only for the necessity of education as well as they are
studying more theology in order for them to be more assured in dealing to an urban
environment together with the new ways and ideas on how to live by their own and work
for their own. The transition of religion in Vietnam in the ethnic group of Hmongs
became very tragic to the eyes and minds of Non-Christians. They think and fear that
Christianity might damage their culture because there are rules that Christians are
implementing that can affect the culture of country such as drinking alcohol and
smoking cigarettes. These two acts are strongly advised to the converted Christians to
quit doing these completely. But drinking liquors or alcohols is one of their traditions
which symbolize an important form of male bonding so if the converted Christian
Hmongs will refuse drinking and smoking there will be a huge gap between Christians
and Non-Christians that can cause misunderstanding with each other also issues in
religions might get worse. Traditional rituals and ceremonies are being rejected by the
Hmong Christians as well as the usage of traditional musical instruments are prohibited
in the teachings of the new generation who are going to convert with the Christianity.
These are some of the problems and fears that Vietnam is facing, as we can see,
Vietnam is giving importance to what things they have as a country which are the
customs, culture and traditions.

15
Religion in Vietnam, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Vietnam, Accessed November
22, 2017
 Frightened is the exact word for the Vietnams situation. The authorities of the
country published an anti-Christian propaganda for the Christians that restrict a religious
freedom in their state. Cruelty among the citizen and authorities of Vietnam to the
believers of Christianity like making them intimidated, beaten, fined, property
confiscation, etc led to the Christian Hmongs fly away from their own country to other
places and states in order to have better life. A lot more negative things and
punishments are being given to the people who are accused of being a Christian. But
Christianity also had a great impact to the lives of the believers especially to the
Hmongs. ethnic group of Hmong is in the highest level of poverty and in the lowest level
of education in the country of Vietnam, meaning to say, they cant get a chance or
privileges to the country as well as they cant get enough benefits from the economic
growth of the country. So when the Christianity was introduced to them, it became an
open helping hand to their group. Because of Christianity and converting to the
Christian world, thru this, they are now able to learn how to grow funds, access new
sources and information in a very easy ways. Even the education of the young Hmongs
had a chance to level-up by offering small fees in order for the students to continue their
study despite of poverty. In spite of the struggles that Hmong Christians and their
churches are facing they are still developing and in progress on how they will spread the
good news regarding the faith in their religion. The contradictions between the Vietnam
governments against Christianity gave more the issue to grow more than it is expected
because as long as the Christianity will stay in the said country the more the Vietnam
will be frightened.

V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Asia isnt known to be one of the Christian continents in the world but as the
years goes by the growth of Christianity in the land of Asia is rising quietly. Countries
like China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam are some of the
countries that Christianity isnt the major religion yet they are increasing in number of
Christians. In the case of Vietnam, they are too afraid to let the evolution of Christianity
in their country continue for many ethnic group such as Hmong might completely
convert their religion. Adults, children and young ones are already influenced by
Christianity. It makes no harm to the lives and faith of the people who believes in this
but according to the authorities and native citizen of Vietnam, this so called Christianity
has the potential to make an influence to destroy their countrys culture and tradition so
the government of Vietnam proposed and implemented punishments for the Christian
believers but despite of these actions Christianity remained in the not just in the country
but also in the heart of the people who believes in this religion. In some point,
Christianity gave a great shot to the ethnic group ofhmong for it help the group to
develop the way they live, the way the young hmongs get a better education as well as
the way how they can adapt in different kind of environment. Through Christianity,
Hmongs became more powerful in their hearts and minds it also made them determined
in many ways such as Hmong women uses the thought of Christianity to fight for their
rights and even their ways to encourage their husbands to stop doing such things as
bad vice or addiction.
 There is nothing wrong about believing on what others dont believe. Just like
how ethnic group of Hmong believe in the power of Christianity over the major religion
of their country. The country of Vietnam is just afraid of losing its people especially its
own tradition that new generation might never recognize. For the sake of good
relationship and continued beliefs between Christians and Non-Christians of the
country, a good negotiation will do in order to stop the cruelty of the punishments as
well as to fill the gap for the Christian Hmongs.

RECOMMENDATION
1. Unity. There should be unity in the country of Vietnam when it comes to the
religion even though they have different beliefs.
2. Cruelty must stop. Christianity or being converted to other religion is not a crime.
Beating ethnic Hmongs or Christian converted person, confiscating their
properties and other more punishments are not a good example of treating a
person just because they have different beliefs.
3. Empower the native tradition. Vietnam is being really frightened by the existence
of Christianity because this religion might damage their culture and tradition. The
country should think of ideas that can help them to preserve their culture and
traditions without mocking the other religion.
4. Limitations for Christians. Christians especially the ethnic group of Hmong who
are still living in the land of Vietnam should make limits in their action. Like the
thought of putting away some of the important traditions in the minds of the new
generations.
5. Filling the gap. The relationship between Christians and Non-Christians should
remain in peace and there must no gap in it in order to prevent the
misunderstandings within each other and the misinterpretation in each others
beliefs.

VI. REFERENCE
Russell, S., Christianity in the Philippines,
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/russell/christianity.htm,
Accessed November 20, 2017
Philippine Demographics Profile 2017,
http://www.indexmundi.com/philippines/demographics_profile.html, Accessed
November 20, 2017

Religious practices in the Philippines,

http://www.philippines.abouttravelingtheworld.com/philippines-culture/philippines-
religion/religious-practices-in-the-philippines/, Accessed November 21, 2017
Delgado, K., Influence of Christianity to Filipino culture,
https://www.scribd.com/doc/20517008/Influences-of-Christianity-to-Fil-Culture,
Accessed November 21, 2017

The spread of Christianity in the Philippines, Pro Essay, professional writing service,
http://www.proessay.com/buy-essay-on-the-spread-of-christianity-in-the-philippines/,
Accessed November 21, 2017

Fukui, M., The rise of Christianity in Asia,

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/encounter/the-rise-of-christianity-in-
asia/5934564, Accessed November 22, 2017

Tracy, K.,Muslim Nation Bans Christians from Using 19 Religious Words,

http://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/february/muslim-nation-bans-christians-
words-brunei-malaysia-allah.html, Accessed November 22, 2017

Religion in Vietnam, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Vietnam, Accessed

November 22, 2017

Vietnams minority groups are hungry for the gospel, Open doors,
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/vietnam/,
Accessed November 23, 2017

Lodge, C.,Christianity At Risk In Vietnam Amid Restrictions On Religious Freedom,

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/christianity-at-risk-in-vietnam-amid-restrictions-
on-religious-freedom/102095.htm,Accessed November 23, 2017

Bumpas, B.,Crackdown on Christians in Vietnam,

https://www.onenewsnow.com/persecution/2016/06/24/crackdown-on-christians-in-
vietnam, Accessed November 23, 2017

De Guzman, L.,Philippines still top Christian country in Asia, 5th in world,

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/21233/philippines-still-top-christian-country-in-asia-5th-in-
world, Accessed November 23, 2017