Singapore is a multiracial, multicultural, and multi-religious nation. As a country, we take great pride in the harmonious coexistence of our different ethnic communities. This trait has allowed us to shape today’s Singapore by drawing on the strengths of multiculturalism, and continues to attract people of ambition from around the world to pursue their dreams and build their homes here. Mutual respect is the cornerstone of harmonious coexistence among different communities—it allows people to seek common ground amid differences and live together in harmony, rather than fighting to the death over disagreements.
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17). Scripture likewise emphasises the importance of mutual respect among people, and indeed regards it as a character trait Christians ought to have. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). When the apostle Peter taught believers to honour all people, he was not diminishing the uniqueness of the gospel, nor was he endorsing the idea that “all beliefs are equally valid.” Rather, even when the gospel is rejected, we are still to respect those who disagree with it. Christians should be the people who best understand how to respect others. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your own people, what more are you doing than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:43–48). The reason we are able to respect others is because of God’s love. God’s unconditional love enables us to love others unconditionally as well. Therefore, our respect for people is not based on whether they treat us well, but on the fact that they too are people whom God loves. For this reason, as Christians we must learn to respect non-Christians.
Respecting a person and agreeing with their views are two different things. Yet people often conflate the two. This is understandable, because when we cannot agree with someone’s viewpoint, it may mean that their immediate interests or standing are threatened—leading to a feeling of disrespect. As children of God, we do not create strife, nor do we force others to align with our position, but we do need to share God’s truth with love. In situations with the potential for conflict, how important it is to respond gently. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”; “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:1, 18). May the Lord grant us wisdom and love.
When circumstances arise that go against the principles of our faith, we can still express and stand firmly on our convictions with love and respect for others. In June of this year, the government approved the staging of the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Singapore. At first hearing, it might sound like a Christian musical. In fact, however, since its debut in the 1970s this musical has drawn considerable opposition from orthodox churches, because it distorts the identity of the Lord Jesus—portraying Him merely as a great teacher, with no mention at all of His divinity. The musical ends with Jesus’ death. Because it is a rather famous musical, and because the story it conveys distorts the Bible’s true account of the Lord Jesus, a number of Christian organisations and churches in Singapore issued statements expressing their disappointment that the authorities allowed this musical to be staged in Singapore. This is commendable. On one hand, they took a clear stand in defense of the biblical account of the Lord Jesus and pointed out the errors in the musical; yet they did not lose respect for the authorities or other parties involved. As for a work whose core story distorts biblical truth, we absolutely cannot support it. If non-Christians—or even some Christians—wish to attend the musical, we will express our reasons for not supporting it, but in the end respect their decision to go or not go. Defending our position rationally while maintaining harmonious communication allows us to continue bearing witness to the truth to those around us.
Singaporean Chinese place great importance on the Hungry Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan Festival). This year, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre also held the “Celebrate Zhongyuan” event for the first time. Such an event may downplay the festival’s religious overtones, emphasising instead its role as part of local Chinese culture and custom. But whether viewed from the angle of culture and custom, or from the angle of faith, Chinese Christians should not take part in activities related to the Hungry Ghost Festival. A clearly evident part of the festival involves ancestor worship and the worship of spirits. Perhaps it carries an element of gratitude, remembrance, and filial piety toward one’s forebears, or perhaps it is one of the company’s organised activities—but Christians should politely decline to participate in Hungry Ghost Festival activities. We need not oppose non-Christians holding ritual observances, but we can bring out the truth of the gospel positively through our everyday filial piety and our everyday care for colleagues at work.