Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Religion has played a vital role in our world history. It is the cause of colonization

across different countries, and the cause of the liquidation of many Jews in Poland back

in 1990's (Schindler’s List Movie). One of these religions is Christianity which is an

independent monotheistic religion derived from Jesus Christ. According to

www.worlddata.com, Christianity has the most followers worldwide with over 2.2 billion

believers. On the other hand, according to an article by Earls (2022), the places where

Christianity is growing the fastest are Africa with 2.77% growth and Asia with 1.50% growth.

Back in 2000's, 814 million Christians lived in Europe and North America, while 660 million

Christians called African and Asia home. Currently, 838 million live in the global. In addition,

it is predicted that by 2050, the expected population of Christians around the world will be

3.33 billion.

In the Philippines, Christianity is the major religion that has an approximately 90%

population. The overwhelming majority of Christian denominations are Catholic, followed

by Protestant Christians including the popular Iglesia ni Cristo, independent Christian

churches, and indigenous Catholic churches such as the Aglipayan Church

(rpl.hds.harvard.edu). Although they all originated from Christ, they have different place of

worship, place of origin, scriptures, clergy, practices, day of worship and many other. The

Roman Catholic Church has an highly sophisticated theology and an elaborate

organizational structure headed by the papacy, the oldest continuing absolute monarchy

in the world (www.britannica.com). The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on the other hand, is an

indigenous Protestant church followed by a large and highly visible 2.3% minority of
 2

Filipinos. It was founded by Felix Manalo Isugan (1886-1963), who became a member of

a variety of Protestant churches and explored indigenous belief system

(rpl.hds.harvard.edu). Church of Christ, is any of several conservative Protestant churches,

found chiefly in the United States. It is autonomous in government, with elders, deacons,

and a minister or ministers. There is no organization beyond the local church. In addition,

Baptist is also a member of a group of Protestant Christians who share the basic beliefs

of most Protestants but who insist that only believers should be baptized and that it should

be done by immersion rather than by the sprinkling or pouring of water

(www.britannica.com).

The Christian denomination is observed in Barangay Fortuna. These denomination

comprises of the Roman Catholics, Iglesia ni Cristo, Church of Christ, and Baptist.

According to Julie Palmones, a barangay health worker, the presence of roman catholics

in Fortuna can be traced back to Spanish colonization where locals where converted into

Roman catholics. On the other hand, Baptist was established in Fortuna with the help of

evangelical missionaries and Pastor Yani Suklimyum however, the evangelical members

became baptist because Pastor Yani turnovered the church to Pastor Jun Quimba who

was a baptist. Accorrding to Irish Catherine Hugo, a member of Iglesia ni Cristo, the

founder of Iglesia ni Cristo in Fortuna is Eduardo V. Manalo who founded the church in

Sitio Taguican. Furthermore, the Church of Christ is a protestant church who was built in

the times of American occupation in the Philipines according to Angel Gan, a member of

a Church of Christ.

The 1997 Philippine Constitution, Article III, Section 5 of Bill of Rights states that

no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free

exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship,
 3

without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be

required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

The purpose of this research is first, to know the christian denomination of the

selected christian individuals in Barangay Fortuna. Second is to know the factors that

affects the denomination preferences among selected Christian individuals in Barangay

Fortuna. Last is to know the opinion of selected christian individuals towards christian

denomination. This research aims to know the reason behind the christian denomination

preferences of the respondents. It also seeks to know if there are christians who shifted

to other christian denomination group because of the factors that drive them to do so. As

a humanities and social sciences student, is it important for the researcher to understand

people deeper and their real reasons on deciding on things like religion. Moreover, it can

also help the researcher to develop his knowledge and to further build a sense of respect

to every christian denomination preferences of the citizens of Barangay Fortuna,

regardless of the researcher's sect.

The intervention that the researcher recommends are social media awareness

campaign and brochures. This is for the public to know the real reason behind christian

denomination preferences among the respondents. Moreover, it will also serve an eye

opener for the curious one to unveil their curiosity when it comes to phenomenon about

religion.
 4

Statement of The Problem

Generally, this study aimed to investigate the factors that affect the Christian

denomination preferences of selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental

Mindoro. Specifically, it answered the following questions:

1. To what Christian denomination does the selected Christian individuals in Fortuna,

Socorro, Oriental Mindoro belong?

2. What are the factors that affects the Christian denomination preferences of

selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro?

3. What is the opinion of the selected Christian individuals towards Christian

denomination?

Statement of the Hypothesis

There are different factors that affect Christian denomination preferences on selected

Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

Significance of the Study

The results of the study are beneficial to the following:

Church Members. The will serve as a medium of expression of the Church

members on how they feel about their Christian denomination and why they left the Church

denomination that they had belonged in the past if ever they shifted their denomination.
 5

Church Leaders. Findings of the study would cause great awareness for the

Church leaders so that they will know the factors that affect the switching of denomination

of their members and to know the factors why their other members stays on their

denomination.

Church. The results of the study would be beneficial to the church for them to be

able to unfold the practical and relative reason on the switching of denomination of their

members. Furthermore, they may also plot solutions to solve this phenomenon or respect

the decision of the former members.

Community. The findings of the study can be a tool in addressing the preferences and

opinions of the Church members who shifted denomination and the members of the

Church who stayed on their denomination no matter what. Moreover, the study would also

teach the citizens of the community which have different Christian denomination from each

other to respect others denomination and to respect the decisions of the Church members

who shifted denomination.

Future Researchers. The study can be used by the future researchers as a guide and

reference for their research. Some researchers will confirm findings in their studies by

replicating this study in other settings. As a further matter, they can also use other relevant

variables which are not utilize in this study.

 6

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focused on the the Factors that affect the Christian denomination

preferences of selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro. This

study was conducted in Barangay Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro. The respondents

of this study were the selected Christian individuals residing in Barangay Fortuna, Socorro,

Oriental Mindoro. The researcher chose to conduct the study on selected Christian

individuals since the study deals with feelings and opinions. The respondents were

composed of the Church members that shifted denomination and the members of the

Church that stayed on their denomination. The main instrument that was used in this study

are researcher-made questionnaire and interview.

Definition of Terms

For a clearer understanding of the study, the researcher hereby presents the

conceptual and operational definition of the following terms:

Christian. According to Merriam Webster, it refers to the one who professes belief in the

teachings of Jesus Christ. In this study this refers to any members of the Christ-based

Church that believes in Jesus Christ.

Denomination. Merriam Webster defines denomination as a general name for a category.

In this study it refers to the different Christian organization whose teachings and beliefs

were different from each other. Specifically, it is about the Catholics and Protestants which

composed of Iglesia ni Cristo, Church of Christ and Baptist.

 7

Factors. According to English Filipino Dictionary by Bappi, it is a circumstance, fact, or

influence that contributes to a result or outcome. In this study, it refers to the reason or

cause of switching Christian denomination or settle in one Christian denomination which

sometimes may vary from person to person.

Preferences. This refers to the power or opportunity of choosing (Merriam Webster, 2023).

On the other hand, the study defines preferences as a person’s own choice and decision.

Theoretical Framework

The study is anchored from the different learning theories and principles. One is

that of Adam Smith's Theory of Rational Choice where it is stated that every individual

uses their self-interests to make choices that will provide them with the greatest outcome

or benefit. People weigh their options and make the choice they think will serve them best

by considering the costs, risks and benefits of making that decision. How individuals

decide what will serve them best is also dependent on their personal preferences. For

example, one individual may decide that abstaining from smoking is best for them because

they want to protect their health. On the other hand, another individual will decide they

want to smoke because it relieves their stress. Although the choices are opposite, both

individuals make these choices to get the best result for themselves. In addition, Rational

choice theory in social interactions explains why people enter or end individual and group

relationships. To make it simple, Rational choice theory expresses that individuals are in

control of their decisions. They don’t make choices because of unconscious drives,

tradition or environmental influences. They use rational considerations to weigh

consequences and potential benefits.

 8

The theory was helpful to the study because it states that individuals make life

choices based on their interests or personal preferences and considers the costs, risks,

and benefits of it. Furthermore, it also states that a decision a person makes in his/her life

depends on himself/herself and was never because of influence of his/her tradition or

culture.

Meanwhile, the Church-sect theory by Max Weber explains how religious

organizations are formed. The terms sect/denomination and church existed before Weber

analyzed their interconnectedness under the church-sect theory. According to Weber, the

process of rationalization of elements is given priority in sociology. He stated that the

difference between a church and a denomination is related to membership. In his view, an

individual becomes a member of a church through birth while people could become

members of a denomination by deciding to join them.

This was related to the study because it states that there is a tendency that people

may left their church and shift to other church/denomination through their rational choice.

This means that even if a person is an Iglesia ni Cristo member from birth for example,

he/she may choose to shift to Roman Catholic Church if ever he/she wants to.

Max Weber's Theory of Religion, on the other hand, states that Christianity was a

salvation religion that claims people can be “saved” when they convert to certain beliefs

and moral codes. In Christianity, the idea of “sin” and the forgiveness of it by God's grace

plays a fundamental role. Unlike the Eastern religions' passive approach, salvation

religions like Christianity are active, demanding continuous struggles against sin and the

negative aspects of society.

 9

The theory supported the study because it implies that individuals convert into a

Christian religion or denomination because of the idea that they will be saved from eternal

death on hell. Thus, individuals are encouraged to follow certain beliefs and practices that

was taught to them for the sake of their salvation.

Furthermore, Troeltsch Church-sect Theory explains how religious values could

affect the behavior of an individual in society. He noted that denomination differ in terms

of values and principles. He also stated that there are types of behaviors, which are related

to various religious typologies which differ from denomination to denomination. Moreover,

it was stated that Churches aim at spreading their rules and values to all people in the

world through evangelization.

The theory was related to the study because it implies that denomination differ in

terms of values, principles and behaviors which may serve as a factor on choosing

denomination among Christians. Furthermore, Christian members may also tend to shift

denomination because they are encouraged by the other Church members from another

denomination who introduced their values and beliefs to them.

 10

Conceptual Framework

Based on the main purpose of this study which is to identify the relationship between

the English Proficiency and Academic Performance, the conceptual model is drawn below:

Input Process Output

Factors Affecting the Distribution of Social media awareness

Christian Denomination questionnaires to the campaign
Preferences of Selected respondents and
Christian Individuals interview

The researcher adopted the Input Process Output (IPO) model. It includes all the

materials and the information that are required in the process, the specific details of the

process itself and the guide on the evaluation of the factors that affect the Christian

denomination preferences of selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental

Mindoro.

For input, it consists of the factors affecting the Christian denomination preferences

of the respondents.

For process, it includes the action taken after interpreting the results of the study,

action plan or intervention and recommendation are taken for considerations. From this,

the researcher proposed social media awareness campaign about the factors that affect

the Christian denomination preferences of selected Christian individuals in Fortuna,

Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

 11

Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

This chapter outlines some relevant literature that contain essential ideas,

concepts, previous studies, and findings which were able to support on the development

of the entire study.

Foreign Literature

According to www.csmonitor.com, in their article entitled "Why so many Americans

switch denomination" states that the reason why church members switch denomination is

due to their preference of doctrine, others don't accept certain practices on their former

church that's why they chose to leave. Another reason is the preference for worship

because other church members prefer to worship God differently than what the church

sets them to do. Lastly, the reason for switching denomination is the sense of being

spiritually unfulfilled which felt by the church members that's why they shift into other

denomination.

This was helpful to the study because it states that switching church denomination

is due to certain factors. One is the doctrine, second is the worship style and last is spiritual

enlightenment.

According to an article by Stephanie Hertzenberg, shifting denomination is not a

flash in the pan, it takes time to make this decision in life. She stated that people may shift

denomination because they are no longer happy or satisfied with their religion at the
 12

present. This in turn may cause the church member to seek other denomination which can

fulfill that need.

This supported the study because it states that the reason for switching

denomination is that the church members are no longer satisfied with their life on the

church that they had joined in the past.

Asma (2019) states that that religious commitment, beliefs, practices, rituals, and

many others help protect and manage the emotional life of a person with unparalleled and

probably irreplaceable success. Religion also serves as a management system for the

emotional lives of human that helps them to stay healthy and well.

This was related to the study because it implies that church members remain on

their denomination because they feel secured through the power of God that protects them

and help them from their challenges in life.

Local Literature

According to 2frenchinmanila.com (2022) in their article entitled "The Influence of

Catholicism in the Philippines | Filipino Religion Guide, until now, Catholicism in the

Philippines determines many cultural values and norms that Filipino households uphold

and live through their daily lives. Undeniably, Catholicism has impacted the country a

whole lot from practices to celebrations.

This was beneficial to the study because it states that one factor of staying into a

church is the cultural influence that was contained from generation to generation. Church
 13

members stay on their denomination because it became their denomination since they

were born.

Garcia et al. (2019) states in their article entitled "Praying at PCF: What It Means

to be Born Again for The Filipino" that members of church who converted to other

denomination was persuaded because of the way of worship of the denomination that they

had switch to. Church members testimonial was that they are become attracted to the

lively music of worship that the vocalist and instrumentalist played during worship that's

why they convert to other denomination. Moreover, it was also stated that church members

convert to other denomination because they are persuaded by the church leaders.

This was relevant to the study because it states that church members shift

denomination because they are not satisfied with the practices of their former church and

the fact that they had persuaded by church leaders from other denomination.

On the other hand, according to Bukuras (2022) the reason why church members

convert to other denomination is because of the passion to find the truth about what we

should believe in. It is dependent on the persons doctrine preferences and what they

perceive as right.

This contribute well to the study because it implies that individuals convert to other

denomination because of their curiosity and the passion to find about what’s the truth.

Foreign Studies

Thang (2019) states that church members shift denomination because their former

church did not support new way of worshipping or experiencing God presence that they
 14

discovered and stayed on the old church doctrine with conservative ways of worship. On

the other hand, spiritual freedom which related to God is which urged the members of

Church to leave their former church. Some issues also deal with a family tie which is all

relatives want to live in the same church regardless of faith. They persuade their relatives

who did not belong to their church because of their love and concern for them. Moreover,

some shifter leaves the church because of the different doctrine of the church such as the

doctrine of God and the practices of the church.

This was related to the study because it states that individuals were persuaded by

their relatives to switch denomination. They are not influenced by their beliefs but their

social connection with the goal of being together at one denomination.

Jean-Charles (2020) states that members stay on their denomination because

church serves as an atmosphere for fellowship, thus creating good relations among

members. He also stated that the church leaders inspired their members by teaching them

practices and beliefs from heart that's why the members remained loyal to their

denomination.

This was helpful to the study because it states that church members remain on

their denomination because they benefit from it in terms of social development. Through

their denomination they were able to make good relationship among their other church

members.

Sulkowski and Ignatowski (2020) states that church members remain on their

denomination because they had a solid foundation of their faith. These members see their

denomination as part of their life that it can never be remove from them.
 15

This supported the study because it states that the reason why church members

stays on their denomination was because they strongly believe in the teachings of the

denomination. It is based on their personal preferences that's why they remained on their

denomination.

Local Studies

Castillo et al. (2020) states that religious and spiritual interventions played a crucial

role in the public health. They guide people to find meaning and acceptance during

suffering while engaging in the deepest questions of life. Church provide counsel, refuge,

hope and rejuvenation for those who need it.

This was relevant to the study because it implies that church members chose to

remain to their church denomination because they find peace of mind, healing and spiritual

growth on the church that they are currently belonged in.

Rebuya et al. (2020) states that individuals are motivated due to their intrinsic

spiritual desire such as satisfaction of religious convictions and fulfillment of religious

curiosity in discovering other denomination. They search for truth, enlightenment, or an

authentic experience with the divine or holy which leads people to switch denomination.

This was helpful to the study because it states that individuals have the desire to

find satisfaction and truth that's why they tend to switch to other denomination.

Baring (2018) states that church members stays on their denomination because of

their belief towards the denomination. They had built a strong foundation that can never
 16

fall apart. Moreover, it can be said that the preference of denomination can varied from

person to person because of different views of beliefs.

This supported the study because it points out that if an individual has a strong

belief on his/her denomination, he/she will never decide to switch to other denomination

because he/she is already contented to the denomination and spiritually strong.

 17

Chapter III

Methodology

This chapter covers the methodology the researcher employed in analyzing and

interpreting the data about the variables in the study.

Research Design

This study employed the descriptive analytical method of research. Descriptive

research involves the description, analysis, and interpretation of factors affecting the

Christian denomination preferences of selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro,

Oriental Mindoro. It is used to search and summarize historical data in order to identify

patterns or meaning (www.valamis.com, 2019). According to online.hbs.com, it’s

sometimes called the simplest form of data analysis because it describes trends and

relationships but doesn’t dig deeper.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of this study were the 16 selected Christian individuals in Fortuna,

Socorro, Oriental Mindoro through house-to-house survey. The 4 denominations (Roman

Catholic, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Iglesia ni Cristo had 4 respondents each to equally

gathered the needed data. They are either the one who shifted denomination or remained

on their denomination. The respondents are illustrated below:

 18

Roman Catholic Baptist Church of Iglesia Total

Christ

4 4 4 4 16

Sampling Procedure

The researcher utilized the purposive sampling technique which is a judgmental,

selective, or subjective sampling where researchers rely on their own judgement when

choosing members of the population to participate in the study (alchemer.com).

Research Instrument

The main instruments were used in this study are the questionnaire made by the

researcher and interview.

Validation of the Research Instrument

To ensure the validity of the questionnaire and interview questions, the researcher

went to Ma’am Gina Mendoza, his research adviser, to be able to check if it was ready for

validation, after being approved, the researcher was consulted by Mr. Nino M. Llave, the

guidance counselor of Fortuna National High School, Ms. Minerva G. Delen, a Social

Science teacher and Mr. John-John C. Dimaano, a teacher specialized in English. Their

comments and suggestions were very helpful for the improvement of the questionnaire

and Interview questions.

 19

Data Collection and Procedure

A letter duly signed by the researcher and his research adviser requesting to

conduct the study was sent to the Barangay Chairman of Fortuna. After having the

approval, the researcher conducted the study and went house-to-house to gather the

needed data from the respondents. In conducting the research, the researcher already

prepared the questionnaire and interview sheet for the fastest way of gathering data.

Treatment of Data

The researcher utilized the pie chart showing the percentage of answers from the

respondents and used thematic analysis on the answers of the respondents from the

interview which showed the major theme and unifying ideas from the respondents.
 20

Chapter IV

Presentation and Analysis of Data

This chapter presents the results of analysis and discussion of the findings from

the study.

1. The Christian denomination that the selected Christian individuals in

Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro belonged

Figure 1. Selected Christian Individuals’ Denomination

Respondents' Christian Denomination

Iglesia ni Cristo Roman Catholic

25% 25%
Roman Catholic
Baptist
Church of Christ
Church of Christ Baptist
25% 25% Iglesia ni Cristo

Figure 1. shows that the respondents’ Christian denomination were divided into 4

groups as the researcher gathered the data through door-to-door survey, these are the;

Roman Catholic, Baptist, Church of Christ and Iglesia ni Cristo. Each of the denomination

had 4 respondents which implies that the different denomination had a fair distribution that

led to the equal gathering of data from each denomination.

 21

2. Factors that affects the Christian denomination preferences of selected

Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

Figure 2. Factors that affects the Christian denomination preferences

of the respondents

Number of respondents who agree per item

Family and culture influence since

birth
11% The doctrine that Church follows
26%
11%
How the denomination worships
God
11%
Happiness and satisfaction that the
4% denomination brings
37%
Health and wellness from the
denomination's environment
Persuasion from Church leaders

Figure 2. shows the factors that affects the Christian denomination preferences of

selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro. The respondents

were asked to check mark the factors that affect how they choose a particular Christian

denomination to stay to and that also affects how they left their former denomination if

they did which they think that the denomination lacks it that’s why they find for better ones.

The results vary from respondents’ answer, other respondents checked marked only one

factor however, others checked multiple factors which is inclined with their own experience

and opinion. The figure shows that the factor which is the doctrine that the Church follows

got the highest percentage which is 37%, this implies that the respondents mainly looked
 22

up to the teachings of the Church rather than other factors like family and culture influence

because the respondents were adults and they have their own decisions and preferences

for themselves to make. In addition, it just shows that the most important matter to every

Christian denomination is their doctrine that they follow. The second to the highest factor

is the influence of family and culture with a percentage of 26%. This imply that a large part

of their lives was influenced by family and culture because as a kid they tend to follow their

parents path and adopted it when they get older. Meanwhile, the factor which is the

happiness and satisfaction that the denomination brings, health and wellness from the

Church’s environment, and persuasion from the Church leaders all got 11% which implies

that these factors were not that significant when it comes to Christian denomination

preferences of the respondents. Last is the factor which is how the denomination worships

God which got the lowest percentage of 4%, this imply that no matter how good the

worship style of the Christian denomination, it doesn’t affect the retention of the members

on their denomination nor affect their tendency to leave.

3. The opinion of the selected Christian individuals towards Christian

denomination

The respondents were asked about their opinion towards Christian denomination

through an interview which asks “Do you think we should respect others” beliefs and

live in harmony despite having different preferences? The answers of the respondents

had a significant similarities with each other. All of the respondent answered that we

need to respect each other’s beliefs and live in a harmony within a community.

“Syempre, tayo ay may kanya-kanyang kinagisnang relihiyon, may karapatan din

tayong pumili kung saan tayo dapat maglingkod. Para sa akin, parang…kailangan

mong igalang at irespeto para magkaroon ng kapayapaan ang bawat isa”

 23

“Of course, we have different religion since birth, we also have the right to choose

where we will serve. For me, it’s like… you need to respect and consider for us to

have unity to each other” - Respondent B

Twelve respondents, respondent B, respondent C, respondent D, respondent E,

respondent F, respondent G, respondent H, respondent J, respondent K, respondent L,

respondent M and respondent N answered passionately that they believe that respect is

a different kind of social weapon that we can use to build unity in our community without

opposing other Christian denomination.

“Syempre may kanya-kanya tayong ano, paniniwala, dahil isa din naman yun,

Diyos din ang inasamba”

“Of course, we have different, beliefs, because it’s just one also, it’s God who we

worship” - Respondent G

“Dapat nating irespeto ang iba’t-ibang relihiyon para tayo ay magkaroon ng unity

o pagkakaisa”

“We should respect different religions for us to have a ‘pagkakaisa’ or unity” –

Respondent F

On the other hand, 4 respondents, respondent A, respondent I, respondent O, and

respondent P said that they believe in the idea of respecting other beliefs but also said

that they will still depend theirs and even introduce it to others to be able to share their

beliefs to them.
 24

“Ay syempre, lahat, sino man yan, kailangan nating irespeto. ‘Di natin dapat saktan

ang damdamin, pero kapag mali ang aral, mali yung paniniwala, ‘di natin aayunan,

tutulan natin”

“Of course, all, whoever he/she is, we need to respect. We should not hurt their

feelings, but if the teachings are wrong, the belief is wrong, we will not agree, we

will oppose” – Respondent A

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Chapter V

Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter presents the most important findings in this research, conclusions

arising from the findings and proposed possible recommendations.

Summary of Findings

The following are the major findings of the study:

1. The Christian denomination that the selected Christian individuals in

Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro belonged

The result from the interview and survey showed that there is an equal distribution of

different Christian denomination which gave the four denominations (Baptist, Roman

Catholic, Church of Christ and Iglesia ni Cristo) four adult representatives to be able to

participate in the study and express their opinion about the factors that affect their

Christian denomination preference.

2. Factors that affects the Christian denomination preferences of selected

Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

The main factor that affects the Christian denomination preferences of selected

Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro is the doctrine that the Church

follows which is obviously an acceptable answer because the respondents are adults and

they have their own decisions and preferences. This was supported by

www.csmonitor.com which states that the reason why church members switch
 26

denomination is due to their preference of doctrine, others don't accept certain practices

on their former church that's why they chose to leave.

The next factor that affects the Christian denomination preferences of selected

Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro is the family and culture

influence. This imply that some of the respondents are loyals to their denomination since

birth and maybe because they used to like their denomination that’s why they choose to

be in their denomination. This was supported by 2frenchinmanila.com (2022) states that

one factor of staying into a church is the cultural influence that was contained from

generation to generation. Church members stay on their denomination because it became

their denomination since they were born.

Meanwhile the factors which is the happiness and satisfaction that the

denomination brings, health and wellness from the Church’s environment, persuasion

from the Church leaders and how the denomination worships God doesn’t really affect the

Christian denomination preferences of selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro,

Oriental Mindoro.

3. The opinion of the selected Christian individuals towards Christian

denomination

The respondents were asked about their opinion towards Christian denomination

through an interview which asks “Do you think we should respect others” beliefs and

live in harmony despite having different preferences? The answers of the respondents

had a significant similarities with each other. All of the respondent answered that we

need to respect each other’s beliefs and live in a harmony within a community. On the

other hand, 4 respondents, respondent A, respondent I, respondent O, and

 27

respondent P said that they believe in the idea of respecting other beliefs but also said

that they will still depend theirs and even introduce it to others to be able to share their

beliefs to them.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study, the researcher concluded the following:

1. The main factor that affects the Christian denomination preferences of selected

Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro is the doctrine that the

Church follows

2. The factor which is the family and culture influence is also evident to some of the

selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro in their

Christian denomination preference.

3. The factor which is the happiness and satisfaction that the denomination brings,

health and wellness from the Church’s environment, persuasion from the Church

leaders and how the denomination worships God doesn’t affect the Christian

denomination preference selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro,

Oriental Mindoro.

4. Most respondents were open-minded to the concept of respecting other beliefs to

foster unity and harmony.

5. Only few respondents added their opinion pointing about their denomination and

depended their side through the interview.

 28

Recommendations

In the light of the findings, the following recommendations are hereby offered:

1. The Church members should respect other denomination’s doctrine because

everyone has the right and freedom when it comes to their beliefs.

2. The Church leaders should know the factors that affect the switching of

denomination of their members and to know the factors why their other members

stays on their denomination to be aware on the phenomenon and respect the

decisions of their members.

3. Everyone must respect other Christian denomination to avoid misunderstanding

and quarrels because everyone has a freedom to choose and a belief which they

live for.

4. The Community must promote the advocacy about unifying the different Christian

denomination and fostering respect for each other through different community

action.

5. The future researchers can use the study in the future as a guide and reference

for their research. Some researchers will confirm findings in their studies by

replicating this study in other settings. As a further matter, they can also use other

relevant variables which are not utilize in this study.

 29

REFERENCES

Electronic References

Csmonitor (n. d). Why so many Americans switch religions. Retrieved

from:https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2009/0428/p02s01ussc.html#:~:text=Rom
an%20Catholics%2C%20for%20instance%2C%20tend,dislikes%20about%20institutions
%20or%20practices last February 21, 2023

Hertzenberg (2023). What really drives people to convert? Retrieved from:

https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/what-really-drives-people-to-convert.aspx last February
21, 2023

Asma (2018). Why we need religion. Retrieved from:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/openlettersreview.com/posts/why-we-need-religion-by-
stephen-t-asma%3fformat=amp last February 21, 2023

2frenchmanila. com (2022). The influence of catholicism in the philippines. Retrieved from:
www.2frenchmanila.com last February 21, 2023

Garcia et al. (2019). Praying at pcf: what it means to be born again for the filipino.
Retrieved from: https://thehappyandgayexperience.wordpress.com/2019/12/02/praying-
at-pcf-what-it-means-to-be-born-again-for-the-filipino/ last March 1, 2023

Bukuras (2022). Popular protestant youtube host announces decision to convert to

catholicism. Retrieved from: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/popular-protestant-youtube-
host-announces-decision-to-convert-to-catholicism/ last March 1, 2023

Charles (2020). Factors affecting church members retention in the texas conference of
seventh-day adventist. Retrieved from: www.dspace.um.edu.mx last February 21, 2023

Baring (2018). Filipino college students’ attitudes towards religion: an analysis of the
underlying factors. Retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/9/3/85 last March 1,
2023

Sulkowski and Ignatowski. May 19, 2020. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on organization
of religious behaviour in different christian denominations in poland. Retrieved
from:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/11/5/254 last March 1, 2023
 30

Appendix A

Letter of Request

May 16, 2023

Restituto D. Morfe

Barangay Captain

Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

Sir:

Good day and mabuhay!

In relation to the conduct of my study entitled “Factors Affecting the

Christian denomination preferences of selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro,
Oriental Mindoro, please allow me to interview and administer the survey questionnaire
among the selected Christian individuals in your Barangay.

This study mainly seeks to unfold the factors that affects the Christian
denomination preferences of selected Christian individuals in Barangay Fortuna.

Rest assured that all the data to be gathered through the use of survey
questionnaire and interview will be treated with outmost confidentiality.

Thank you very much!

Respectfully yours,

_____________________

ARVIN O. PALMONES

Researcher

Noted:

____________________________

GINA MENDOZA

Research Adviser

Approved:

_____________________________

RESTITUTO D. MORFE

Barangay Captain
 31

Appendix B

Questionnaire and Interview Question

I agreed to participate in the study of Arvin O. Palmones entitled “Factors Affecting the
Christian Denomination Preferences of Selected Christian individuals in Fortuna, Socorro,
Oriental Mindoro”, I allow myself to answer the questionnaire and be interviewed. I know that
my answers and data will be strictly confidential and I will not be identified.

Name (Optional):_________________________

Sex: Male☐ Female☐ Age:___

Directions: Put a check on the answers for the questions that best applies to you and your
opinion.

I. Christian Denomination of the respondent

What is your Christian denomination right now?

☐ Roman Catholic
☐ Baptist
☐ Church of Christ
☐ Iglesia ni Cristo

II. Factors Affecting the Christian denomination of the respondent

What are the factors that affect your Christian denomination preference? These factors may answer
why you chose to switch denomination or remained loyal. Choose all that may apply to you.

☐ Family and culture influenced since birth

☐ The doctrine that the Church follows
☐ How the denomination worships God
☐ Happiness and satisfaction that the denomination brings
☐ Health and wellness from the denomination’s environment
☐ Persuasion from the Church leaders

III. Insight/s or Opinion/s from the respondent towards Christian denominations?

What is your opinion towards the different Christian denominations out there? Do you think we
should respect others” beliefs and live in harmony despite having different preferences? Explain
elaborately.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
 32

Appendix C

Level One Coding

Question: What is your opinion towards the different Christian denominations out there? Do you

think we should respect others” beliefs and live in harmony despite having different preferences?

Explain elaborately.

Respondent A: “Ay syempre, lahat, sino man yan, kailangan nating irespeto. ‘Di natin

dapat saktan ang damdamin, pero kapag mali ang aral, mali yung paniniwala, ‘di natin

aayunan, tutulan natin”

“Of course, all, whoever he/she is, we need to respect. We should not hurt their feelings,

but if the teachings is wrong, the belief is wrong, we will not agree, we will oppose”

Respondent B: “Syempre, tayo ay may kanya-kanyang kinagisnang relihiyon, may

karapatan din tayong pumili kung saan tayo dapat maglingkod. Para sa akin,

parang…kailangan mong igalang at irespeto para magkaroon ng kapayapaan ang bawat

isa”

“Of course, we have different religion since birth, we also have the right to choose where

we will serve. For me, it’s like… you need to respect and consider for us to have unity to

each other”

Respondent C: “Kailangang irespeto ang iba’t-ibang religion dahil syempre may kanya-

kanya din tayong paniniwala, kung kaya nilang irespeto yung ating religion, dapat kaya

din nating irespeto yung kanilang relihiyon”

“We need to respect the different religions because of course we have different beliefs, if

they can respect our religion, we should also respect their religion”
 33

Respondent D: “Kailangang irespeto para magkasundo-sundo ang bawat Pilipino, ay kung

kukuntrahin mo ang kanilang paniniwala, ay di kagulo. Irespeto ang lahat ng paniniwala

ng bawat isa para magkasundo, magkasundo at magkaisa”

“We need to respect for us Filipinos to reconcile, if you will be against their beliefs, then it

will cause trouble. Respect all beliefs to reconcile, reconcile and unite”

Respondent E: “That’s right, irespeto natin ang bawat isa para walang magkagulo, tsaka

nang hindi magkasira kayo, sa anumang uri ng relihiyon ay huwag nyong pagtalunan para

hindi pagkamulan ng hindi pagkakaintindihan”

“That’s right, we should respect each other to avoid quarrel, and for the two of you to not

be ruined, in every type of religion, don’t argue to not start a misunderstanding.

Respondent F: “Dapat nating irespeto ang iba’t-ibang relihiyon para tayo ay magkaroon

ng unity o pagkakaisa”

“We should respect different religions for us to have a ‘pagkakaisa’ or unity”

Respondent G: “Syempre may kanya-kanya tayong ano, paniniwala, dahil isa din naman

yun, Diyos din ang inasamba”

“Of course, we have different, beliefs, because it’s just one also, it’s God who we worship”

Respondent H: “Syempre naman, kasi may kanya-kanya tayong panig. May kalayaan ang

tao, ang tungkulin natin ay ipaalala sa kanila dahil tayo man hindi natin alam, tayo’y

nagabakasakali”

“Of course, because we have different sides. The human has a freedom, our duty is to

remind them because we don’t know also, we are also venturing”

 34

Respondent I: “Kung sa respeto, lahat ay nirerespeto ko kaya lang pagdating sa aral dito

na talaga ako. Nirerespeto ko rin yung mga ibang aral, nirerespeto ko sila kaya lang

pagdating sa aral talaga, dito ako sa Iglesia ni Cristo”

“If it is respect, I respect all but in terms of teachings, I prefer here. I respect also other

teachings, I respect them but in terms of teachings, I prefer to stay here in Iglesia ni Cristo”

Respondent J: “Naniniwala ako na dapat irespeto ang paniniwala ng bawat isa dahil may

kanya-kanya tayong paniniwala sa bawat relihiyon natin”

“I believe that we should respect the beliefs of each other because we have different

beliefs in our religion”

Respondent K: “A ey igalang mo yung paniniwala nila, bakit ka mangingialam sa

paniniwala nila. Para sundin yung kanilang gusto, yung paniniwala nila, tradisyon nila yun

ay”

“Respect their beliefs, why would you meddle in their beliefs. To follow their wants, their

beliefs, it’s their tradition”

Respondent L: “Pag hindi mo nirespeto eh, para ka laang walang natutunan. Kailangan

irespeto ang bawat isa para respetuhin ka rin ng kapwa mo”

“If you don’t respect, it’s like you did not learned. We need to respect each other for others

to respect also”

Respondent M: “Oo dahil hindi naman nila kasalanan na hindi natin sila karelihiyon at

lalong mas magandang irespeto natin sila dahil pare-parehas lang naman tayong

nasamba sa Panginoon”
 35

“Yes because it’s not their fault if they don’t have the same religion to us and especially,

it’s much better if we are to respect them because we all have the same God that we

worship”

Respondent N: “Syempre karapat-dapat na irespeto, alangan namang hindi irespeto ay

ano, yun yung relihiyon ko”

“Of course, they deserved to be respected, it’s not right to disrespect them, it’s my religion”

Respondent O: “May kanya-kanya tayong paniniwala, kailangan nating irespeto dahil

magkakaiba ang ating paniniwala at paraan ng ating pagsamba, syempre sa amin kaya

kami naniniwala sa aming relihiyon ay di yun ang aming alam na tama at tsaka ang alam

naming yung, ang Panginoon ay pumarito para magkatawang tao at siya talaga yung

iisang Panginoon na kailangan nating sambahin”

“We have different beliefs, we need to respect because our beliefs are different from each

other and the way we worship, of course in us the reason why we believe in our religion

is that we know in ourselves that it’s right and we know that God came to Earth to be

human and he is the God that we should worship to”

Respondent P: “Kailangan din nating irespeto yung kanilang paniniwala, yun na yung

kanilang… ay di kailangan nating igalang yung kanilang paniniwala pero pwede naman

nating silang paliwanagan”

“We also need to respect them, it’s their…we need to respect their beliefs but we can also

explain ours”
 36

Appendix D

Curriculum Vitae

Arvin Orilla Palmones

Address: Centro III, Fortuna Socorro Oriental Mindoro

Mobile No. 09666016119

Email Address: palmonescholo@gmail.com

Personal Information

Birth Date: November 18, 2004

Place of Birth: Centro III, Fortuna Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

Religion: Baptist

Nationality: Filipino

Gender: Male

Civil Status: Single

Educational Background

Elementary: Fortuna Elementary School

Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

Year Graduated: 2017

 37

Secondary:

Junior High School: Fortuna National High School

Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

Year Graduated: 2021

With Honors

Senior High School: Fortuna National High School

Fortuna, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

Year Graduated: 2023

With Honors