1 The Other Side of Our Heritage: Protestant Mission and American Imperialism by Prof. Victor Aguilan As we celebrate the Protestant Centennial, we should not forget the historical truth that the Protestantism which successfully established a permanent mark in Philippine society, culture and Filipino psyche is American Protestantism. It arrived with the United States occupation forces. The Religious Motive and Legitimation of American Occupation Confronted with the issue as to whether or not the United States should colonize the Philippines, the American Protestants enthusiastically argued for the occupation of the Philippines as an opportunity to spread Protestantism in the country. Kenton J. Clymer, author of the book Protestant Missionaries in the Philippines, 1898‑1916, writes that "most Protestant churches encouraged an expansionist outlook. They supported the war against Spain, then lobbied for the acquisition of the Philippine Islands." i To many religious men, America's course of action had the "approval of Divine Providence" as confirmed by the swift and complete triumphs of American arms. It was then felt that to reject this American calling would be unfaithful and unpatriotic. ii In some instances, the military victory of the United States was interpreted by many in a way corresponding to the biblical stories in Old Testament times. Some religious writers said that "Dewey's winning battles were similar to the stories of the ancient ward of the Lord in the times of Joshua, David and Jehoshaphat." iii Alexander Blackburn, a Baptist upon hearing the news of the defeat of the