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When translated into English the sea goddess thing can be really weird, but Ma Zhu is not really a sea goddess. She's more like a folk symbol combined with a pa

When translated into English the sea goddess thing can be really weird, but Ma Zhu is not really a sea goddess. She's more like a folk symbol combined with a patron/saint of the sea and a semi-lifestyle religion. With Taiwan being an island, the patron saint of the sea is an immensely important part of the culture. She is widely known and revered in all of Taiwan. When you go to a Taiwanese family and say "Mazhu bao yo" (Mazu bless you) - it's generally well received even if the people don't believe in Taoism or natural / personified deities. The idea that Gou says "Mazu wanted me to do it" is more like saying to a Catholic that Mother Teresa inspired you to visit India and start a non-profit agency to help the people there. Hopefully the analogy holds for people who are not familiar with the culture there.

hkmurakami 8y ago
Was just talking with a friend about this -- we agreed that if this were an American businessman getting the blessing and will of the Christian God from a priest or a bishop, we probably wouldn't think too much of it.
- Jesus_Jones 8y ago
  A lot of people in the US are uncomfortable and many people are alarmed when a political candidate says god wants them to win, Christian or not.
- _underfl0w_ 8y ago
  The whole "freedom of religion" thing over here is supposed to keep such nonscientific thinking allowable, but outward religious affiliation (or endorsement) for political actors usually only strengthens the part of the fanbase that condones such thinking. This is usually a significant portion for "conservative" actors who tend to pander to that same set of moral sensibilities and nonscientific rhetoric, since it keeps them popular amongst that portion of their constituency (e.g. any religious statement Cruz or Trump ever made) However, generally a lack of vocal endorsement of a particular religion is seen as a plus for candidates since it's not directly controversial, except for with religious voters who can't possibly fathom how someone could disagree with them on the topic.

hkmurakami 8y ago

Was just talking with a friend about this -- we agreed that if this were an American businessman getting the blessing and will of the Christian God from a priest or a bishop, we probably wouldn't think too much of it.

Jesus_Jones 8y ago
A lot of people in the US are uncomfortable and many people are alarmed when a political candidate says god wants them to win, Christian or not.
_underfl0w_ 8y ago
The whole "freedom of religion" thing over here is supposed to keep such nonscientific thinking allowable, but outward religious affiliation (or endorsement) for political actors usually only strengthens the part of the fanbase that condones such thinking. This is usually a significant portion for "conservative" actors who tend to pander to that same set of moral sensibilities and nonscientific rhetoric, since it keeps them popular amongst that portion of their constituency (e.g. any religious statement Cruz or Trump ever made) However, generally a lack of vocal endorsement of a particular religion is seen as a plus for candidates since it's not directly controversial, except for with religious voters who can't possibly fathom how someone could disagree with them on the topic.