JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

Colonial period was an era characterized by two major phenomenon - economic exploitation and religious expansion, where foreign religions influenced the cultural and social lives of the colonial territories. East Timor and the Philippines have had historic colonial experiences, especially as it concerns religion. The introduction of Catholicism in both countries thwarted the various indigenous religion, given the colonial strategy employed by the colonists and the missionaries; Catholicism took a linear path into the political economy of both countries. This study adopts a narrative analytic method, while relying on written sources such as journal articles, books and relevant internet materials to bring answers to the inquiry on the massive impact of Catholicism in East Timor and the Philippines. This study finds that the Portuguese and the Spanish adopted peculiar strategies of assimilation that varies from other colonial powers, giving rise to massive conversion and catholic hegemony in East Timor and the Philippines. However, Catholicism should not be used as a tool for discrimination to other religions, in order to maintain a system that portray unity and collective development.