Some time ago my attention was directed to a series of blog posts from the Social Pathologist titled ‘Christian Buddhism’, in which the author compared Christianity and Buddhism while discussing modern-day Christianity. Drawing material from renowned Christian apologist G. K. Chesterton, the author writes a scathing critique of modern Christianity. Unfortunately, he built his arguments […]
Guest Essay: Buddhism, Emptiness and Nihilism
The most common misconception I’ve seen of Buddhism is that it is a philosophy of nihilism. Nothing is real, nothing exists, and the final goal is to become nothing. While a surface reading of Buddhism lends itself to this misinterpretation, the teachings point to a far more nuanced and subtle perspective of reality. To address […]
Cham: The Dance of Masks
Yesterday, I witnessed a pair of traditional Cham dances at the Esplanade. Performed by oracular monks from Mangtro Monastery in Ladakh, India, the ritual dances were blessings and meditations, bringing peace to and removing obstacles from the audience and the island of Singapore. The ritual began with the preparation of the stupa. Representing the Buddha […]
The Last Post
The harsh scent of gunpowder tickled Michael’s nose. Boots stamped through the night. Whispered voices carried across the air. The weight of a hundred eyes fell on him. Squinting, Michael peered through the dark woods, down the hill, at the moonlit valley before him. And saw no one. “Halt!” a voice boomed. Michael twitched. “Advance […]
The Appeal of the Islamic State
Yesterday The Middle Ground published an opinion piece titled A Young Muslim on ISIS. While it approaches the Islamic State (henceforth called Daesh here) from the perspective of a Muslim, the writer makes a few generalities that don’t hold up. Crucially, he says: “My sense is, if you add a dash of ignorance and a sprinkle […]
Lawrence Khong's performance is not Lawrence Khong
By pressuring IKEA to stop promoting Lawrence Khong’s performance because of Khong’s views, interest groups are saying that they do not disapprove of pressure tactics and coercion, so long as they are the ones doing it.
Looking Beyond Terror
If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperilled in a hundred battles -Sun Tzu, Art of War This letter on the TODAY newspaper forum reflects an understandable, but naive, sentiment about terrorism. The writer argues that terrorism has no religion, and that all terrorists should simply be called terrorists without […]
Shades of Offence in Multireligious Singapore
The failings of Singapore’s policy on religious harmony can be seen in the Catholic Church’s latest campaign to cancel a theme party.
Bridging Worlds
I cover a film screening and a dialogue session between the faith and LBGT communities in Singapore.
Our Daily Sacrilege
Religion is a matter of personal choice. Respect for religion simply means acknowledging it as a separate path.