An Island of Three Religions

Singapore is quite a balancing act. On this tiny island state coexists three major cultures, each having their own religion: the Chinese, which make up the majority, practice Buddhism; the Malays are Muslim; and the Indians have Hinduism. Additionally, you will also find a number of Catholic and Christian churches scattered about. They are usually the ones with large banners and billboards around them shouting out bible verses and demans to “Be saved.” A goodly portion of politics is involved in maintaining this delicate balance of disparate religious beliefs, in addition to maintaining Singapore as a developed country in the world arena.

Each religious group is encouraged to maintain their practices of devotion while, at the same time, respecting the other religions they live and move amongst.  The tricky part lies in the governance of these differences. A severe theory of separation between church and state is vital to the prosperous survival of Singapore. Should one religious group begin attempting to influence areas of government, the group is strongly admonished and told that all must get along in such close quarters.

There’s a street here called Church Street. On it, side by side, is a Buddhist temple, a mosque, and a Hindu temple. Walking down this street, you can see practitioners of each worshipping in their own way. Our hotel, in fact, was built on top of and around a pre-existing mosque. The dome was actually placed on the fifth floor patio to allow the hotel to build on top of it!

 

Taken from the hotel roof down to the fifth floor patio, this photo shows the mosque dome in the upper left corner.

Mosque dome from the hotel patio

Recently, Singaporean Christians have begun pushing to influence government in moral decisions. If you google “aware singapore,” you can read about the most recent conflict. In short, a group of Christian women attempted to take over an educational group (AWARE) to influence its moral direction. This is ironic, because Singapore is intensely conservative in its morality. Nonetheless, these women felt it wasn’t conservative enough. In a heated event, the women were ultimately booted out. But the entire episode caused the government to issue strong words stating that one religious group will not be allowed to push its agenda in issues related to the general population of Singapore. All religions must respect all other religions. And all religions are free to practice the tenets to which they adhere, but they must also other people the freedom to practice as they see fit.

In recent conversations with Singaporeans, I’ve been hearing this phrase: “I don’t mind if people believe in God, but…” (A phrase I don’t hear so often in western countries!) Most Singaporeans are peeved that the Christians in Singapore are constantly stirring the pot, forcing pamphlets the non-Christians, constantly “witnessing” about the only correct path to God. You see, it upsets the balance.

Singapore is a tiny island in the middle of three of the world’s major religions. It is also in the middle of some pretty major countries. Balance is important here. Getting along, harmony amonst the people, shared ideas are the glue that holds Sinapore in its place in the world community. All it takes is one renegade religion to bring it into conflict.

These are interesting times for Singapore. As the country ages, systems will change. The older Singaporeans seem to be quite satisfied with things as they are. They knew Singapore forty years ago, when it was not a developed country, and they realize and accept that they must sacrifice certain freedoms to live in a clean, modern, political-less country. But the younger Singaporeans, those who know only this advanced, multi-cultural country, will they remain as accepting as their parents? Or will they want an arena of greater expression and a louder political voice? And will religions become part of the political voice or will acceptance of and respect for others be a practice that continues to hold life together?