Countries and territories in Cluster 6

Religious Diversity in Cluster 6

The religious traditions across these countries are as diverse as their geography. To better understand this diversity, we’ve identified four sub-themes related to religious adherence. These sub-themes were developed from an alternative typology model.

Opportunities for Bible engagement

Christians are a minority in this cluster, making up just 4% of the population. However, they regularly use the Bible and are confident in their knowledge of it.

In general, interest amongst those outside the Christian community is low. However almost one in five Buddhists are interested in learning more about the Bible.

Six out of ten Christians use the Bible at least once a week

Christians in Cluster 6 are some of the most confident in their knowledge of the Bible and their ability to speak about it with their friends and family

17% of Buddhists are interested in learning more about the Bible. Interest levels increase significantly amongst Buddhists in Cambodia, Taiwan and South Korea

A line with 3 icons. At the bottom, an open book with a smiling face and the words '17% (Buddhists)'. In the middle, a person with a book and speech bubble, and the words 'Confidence High'. At the top, a calendar that says '1/week' with a tick, and 6/10.

Top three words

Icon Joy
wisdom
Icon Lightbulb
truth
Icon Philanthropy
comforting

Challenges for Bible engagement

Limited awareness and interest in the Bible present a significant challenge for Bible engagement in Cluster 6. Alongside this, countries in Cluster 6 have limited political freedoms compared to most other clusters.

75% of people say they know nothing about the Bible; in fact 56% say they have never heard of it

Only 6% say they are interested in learning more about the Bible

The polity score, developed by Systemic Peace, measures levels of political freedom. The global average polity score is 4.6; Cluster 6 averages a lower score of 3.5

A line with 3 icons. At the bottom, a person with a sign saying 'X'. Next to it the words 'Polity score 3.5'. In the middle, a smiley face in front of a book with arrow pointing down - 6%. At the top, a book with a magnifying glass with a X on - 75%.

What could this mean for Bible engagement in Asia?

The Patmos data highlights that Bible engagement in Cluster 6 is challenging. However, amidst these challenges there are opportunities. 

While awareness and interest in the Bible are low, this offers a chance to introduce it to new audiences. Among those aware of the Bible there is little hostility, with nearly half agreeing it is a useful guide for learning right from wrong. The challenge is to show how the Christian Bible can be relevant to their lives and society. The Christian community in Cluster 6 is paradoxical: they use the Bible regularly and are confident in their knowledge yet show the lowest interest in learning more compared to Christians worldwide. Can we increase their appetite for deeper Bible engagement?

An icon of 3 people inside a circle. Around the outside, 2 more circles - one with a question mark in it, and an arrow pointing it into the circle. The other with a book and a magnifying glass with an X on it.

Key question

What approaches could we take to make more people aware of the Bible and its relevance for their lives?

Understanding our audience groups

In Cluster 6 we identified nine audience groups, split between those aware and unaware of the Bible. The chart below shows their distribution across Cluster 6.

Pie chart showing the percentage of the population in the 9 different audience segments found in cluster 6

Key question

Our audience groups are split between those who are aware and unaware of the Bible. As you reflect on your Bible engagement work in this Patmos Cluster, where is your current focus? Who might God be calling you to?

Learn More

Read about each audience group by downloading The Patmos World Bible Attitudes Report.

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