Why does Malaysia challenge secularisation theory despite lower GDP?

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Malaysia Challenges Secularisation Theory Due to Religious Makeup, Not Just Economics

A significant majority of Malaysians hold strong beliefs in life after death and a spiritual world, with 76 per cent believing in life after death and 66 per cent affirming the existence of something spiritual beyond the natural. This prevalence of spiritual belief, particularly the strong overlap between religion and spirituality where importance of religion correlates with belief in spiritual energies, challenges conventional secularisation theory. This theory often posits that economic development leads to a decline in religious and spiritual adherence, a notion contradicted by Malaysia's demographic and religious landscape.
High Belief in a Higher Power and Spiritual World

Malaysia demonstrates a remarkably high level of belief in a higher power, with 98 per cent of respondents affirming their faith in God. This aligns with the finding that 66 per cent of Malaysians believe in a spiritual realm that exists beyond the observable, natural world. This widespread acceptance of the spiritual, irrespective of economic standing, suggests that factors beyond economic prosperity are at play in shaping societal beliefs.
Contrasting Ancestral Spirit Beliefs with Other Nations

While a majority of Malaysians embrace spiritual concepts, they stand out as being among the least likely to believe that ancestral spirits can influence the living. This contrasts with populations in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, where such beliefs are more prevalent. The report specifically notes that Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Türkiye, despite their varying economic statuses, share this lower inclination towards ancestral spirit interaction, indicating a specific religious or cultural influence rather than a universal economic correlation.
Secularisation Theory and the Role of Religious Makeup

Secularisation theory traditionally suggests that as countries become wealthier and more developed, religious and spiritual beliefs tend to diminish. However, the Malaysian data provides a counterpoint, highlighting that the religious composition of a nation plays a crucial role alongside economic factors. The strong religious identity present in Malaysia, encompassing various faiths including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, contributes to a persistent belief in spiritual realities even with lower per capita GDP compared to many Western nations.

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Why does Malaysia challenge secularisation theory despite lower GDP?

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