Found some of letters objecting to the method of evangelism by some of my over-zealous brethen on the Stooge Times Forum recently.
To be frank, I am a little annoyed. At the moment when these letters are read I proceeded to write an angry retort which is designed to ‘rip several new exits for the alimentary canal’ on the very writers of these letters. Most of my retort centred on the theme of ‘religious intolerance in the name of religious tolerance’.
I must say I am so damned proud of the piece until, you believed it or not, God spoke to me. Yes, I could hear Him in my head saying this, “This isn’t going to help. What you are doing is adding oil to the fire and helping My enemies. I will hold you responsible if I lose these souls to the devil.”
* gasp * Me? Responsible?
I am a stubborn person and I don’t usually hear admonition from God loud and clear. This time round, it was like thunder cracking across the quiet evening night. I took a hard look at my ‘masterpiece’ and being to see things a little differently. It suddenly became clear to me that the root of the problem is the misgivings these writers have about evangelism. Looking deeper, there appears to be a deep misunderstanding about Christianity itself. Indeed, it wouldn’t help if I proceed with my original piece. I decided to change it.
I am not a great writer, and maybe I didn’t successfully remove all the direct criticisms of the writers in the letter. This is the final draft I sent to the Stooge Times Forum Editor @ stforum@sph.com.sg:
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I refer to the following letters, “Should teachers seek to convert pupils?” (ST, Oct 1), “Isn’t Boys’ Brigade just a CCA?” (ST, Oct 05) and “All religious groups should be given equal number of schools” (Online Letters, Oct 5) First, on the matter of converting pupils over MSN chat. In her zeal to share about Jesus Christ, it seems to me that the teacher has implicitly encouraged the child to disobey his parents. Let me just take this opportunity to clarify that Christianity does not encourage children to disobey their parents. Disobeying one’s own parents without good grounds is against the teachings of Christianity. I also find it self-contradicting when this was said, “teachers, as educators and authority figures to be respected in school and in society, should be the ones to inculcate tolerance and respect for other cultures and religions.” I found myself asking, ‘Would there be this letter at all if the teacher was talking about another religion?’I have yet to understand what is so inherently wrong with the teachings of Christianity that objection is often displayed whenever it is shared. Next, the matter of the Boys’ Brigade. While the Boys Brigade maybe just another CCA, isn’t the writer already aware that it is the Boy’s Brigade’s mission ‘To nurture Youth, based on Christian values, to lead and serve.’? I also looked through the Boys Brigade website (www.bb.org.sg) and it is stated clearly there that ‘We are a Christian organisation, for all Youth.’ I believe that this might be the case for the Girl’s Brigade too. It appears that this parent wouldn’t have been aware that the Boys Brigade is Christian if not for his child’s – a teenager’s – wish to become a Christian. What is it about Christianity that raised the ire of this parent? Finally, the matter of mission schools. The Christian Church (both the Protestant and Catholic branches) has always actively set up mission schools with the intention to provide eduction and introduce the Gospel of Jesus Christ to students. it is of no surprise that there are a large number of mission schools around, not just in Singapore, but in places where Christianity has a presence. This has absolutely nothing to do with Singapore’s colonial past. In fact, one might even notice that the Church has also set up hospices, old folks and child care centres etc. Why stop the Church from contributing to community service? If the other religions do not have a stronger presence than Christianity in these areas, then shouldn’t they work on that, instead of limiting the Christian contribution, or force it upon Christians to teach other religions too? Let us stop masking our own fear and misunderstanding about certain religions by chanting the mantra of ‘religious tolerance’ and ‘fairness’. I am quite sure every Christian will be glad to sit down with these writers and address their concerns. |