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Transcript for this episode for everyone:

https://yunchih.art/54-why-are-there-so-many-temples-in-taiwan-台灣為什麼有那麼多廟？/

📌 TIMESTAMPS:

⏳ 00:00 - 00:30｜Introduction: Natural Disasters & Faith

Question: "Have you ever experienced an earthquake?"

The unpredictability of earthquakes and the feeling of uncertainty about life.

⏳ 00:30 - 01:30｜Taiwan’s Natural Environment & Religious Beliefs

Natural disasters make people reflect on life priorities.

For those who haven’t experienced earthquakes, comparing them to major life changes.

⏳ 01:30 - 03:00｜Historical Background: Qing Dynasty Immigrants & Faith

1697 records: "The journey from China to Taiwan was extremely dangerous."

People witnessed deities appearing during storms, bringing statues and charms for protection.

⏳ 03:00 - 05:00｜Religious Studies: The Link Between Natural Disasters & Faith

Economist Jeanet Bentzen’s research: Earthquakes impact religious belief levels.

Taiwan’s temple density: "At least one temple or church per square kilometer."

Taiwan’s unique religious diversity.

⏳ 05:00 - 07:00｜Taiwanese Temple Culture: How People Communicate with Deities

Introduction to pua̍h-pue (moon blocks), divination, and temple rituals.

Mazu’s influence and the fusion of Taoism and Buddhism in Taiwan.

⏳ 07:00 - 09:00｜Earth God (Tudi Gong): Localization of Religious Culture

The role and significance of the Earth God.

A personal story illustrating how Taiwanese people "negotiate" with deities.

⏳ 09:00 - 11:00｜The Influence of Religion in Taiwan: More Than Just Faith

More temples than convenience stores; faith remains strong despite education levels.

Taiwan’s religious freedom and inclusivity.

⏳ 11:00 - 12:30｜Personal Experience & Religious Perspective

No fixed belief but a strong interest in religious culture.

Yun's personal experiences with Christianity, mosques, Hindu temples, etc.

Yun's personal dislike on political groups entering schools under religious names.

⏳ 12:30 - 14:00｜How Religion Shapes Social Interactions in Taiwan

A high school graduation trip example: Christian students respecting Buddhist teachers.

Yun's personal experiences: Taiwanese people generally don’t impose religious beliefs on others.

⏳ 14:00 - End｜Conclusion & Audience Engagement

Question: "What do you think about Taiwan’s religious environment?"

Exciting news!

References:

Henrich, J. P. (2020). The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous. First edition. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Jeanet Sinding Bentzen. (2019). “Acts of God? Religiosity and Natural Disasters Across Subnational World Districts.” The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, 129(622), 2295-2321.

Data about Taiwan's religions. Retrieved from Taiwan Executive Yuan.https://www.ey.gov.tw/state/D00B53C98

Maps about Daoist and Buddhist Temples. Retrieved from @taiwan_maps_and_dataviz

Music:

Lakeside.wav by exert.com.au — https://freesound.org/s/99266/ — License: Attribution 3.0 Chinese_New_Year_2009_Arcade_Night Market_GaryBard.wav by GaryBard — https://freesound.org/s/66598/ — License: Attribution 4.0

Plastic Piece Drop On Wood With Noise Backbeat by Ev-Dawg — https://freesound.org/s/343021/ — License: Creative Commons 0

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