 The children of Israel had just only taken possession of the land of Canaan. Assembling all the tribes at Shechem, Joshua recount-ed how the Lord had fought their battles and urged the people to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. He added: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Josh. 24:15)
Likewise, the Al Qur’an also acknowledges the individual’s freedom of religion: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. The truth is evident to all.” (2:256) The problem arises when truth, as we know it, isn’t quite so “evident” to some people. What do we do? On the one hand, we desire to grant people the freedom to choose their religion. On the other hand, we are tempted to “help them” because it is “good for them”.
Christendom’s Dark Stains
There were several shocking scenes in the recent popular historical (non-legendary) film King Arthur where Arthur and his knights were sent on a final mission by Bishop Germanius of Rome to rescue the Pope’s godson and his (the godson’s) parents from the invading Saxons. They had to ride north through Woad territory and upon arriving at the fortress, Arthur discovered that many atrocities had been committed in the name of religion. A number of Woads were chained up and starved to death because they were “pagans”. Arthur was told that it would be good to torture their bodies so that their spirits might be saved. “You are of Rome. You should understand…”
Such tragedies were repeated over and over throughout the Christian centuries, and were not perpetrated solely by the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformed (Protestant) John Calvin imposed many “spiritual controls” in the theocratic city of Geneva. He even had spiritual policemen doing their rounds in the early mornings to make sure folks did their devotions! And in 1563, Calvin had Michael Servetus burned to death at the stake for heresy.
At the other extreme were Christian groups that largely retreated from the world into their little enclaves. These groups consisted primarily of Christian minorities in non-Christian countries, as well as Christian sects among the more established denominations, such as the Pietists in Germany and the Pentecostals in the early days. These groups were inward looking and rarely sought to engage, influence or contribute to society at large.
Significant Minority
The latest census a few years back number Christians at 9.1 per cent of the total Malaysian population. The actual figure was and is likely to be h igher. We are still a minority, but a substantial minority. What is our role? What shall we contribute in nation building? Shall we attempt to steer our nation according to biblical principles of justice and morality? Shall we attempt to win over non-believers? How far can we go?
The Bible is clear. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) We also believe the Bible offers sufficient guidance as to the elements of true social justice – a justice based not on strict equality but equity. This calls for a society in which individual creativity and differences are allowed, and in which work is valued and given its due reward, a society that takes care of its weaker members. However, three principles must define our approach:
1. The Principle of Empathy
In dealing with the perceived injustices perpetrated by the Muslim authorities in matters of religion, Christians must begin by understanding where they are coming from. They are struggling where Christians have struggled. They, too, wish to grant all citizens (including Muslims) the freedom of religion. But they, too, have their own concepts of right and wrong, and of the true religion.
The present tension between the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom to profess, practise and propagate any religion, and the frowning upon of all activities that threaten the Islamic position is an unfortunate result of this reality.
This is not to say that Christians should drop their exclusive claims. But putting ourselves in the shoes of our Muslim friends builds empathy and makes resolution more likely to achieve. History has shown that Christians have often been unkind when in power.
If Christians were in power in Malaysia today, would we be so quick to grant permits to build mosques or temples or allow others to hold public activities that will encourage their religions’ growth?
2. The Principle of Democracy
Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those that have been tried.” We are thankful for the peaceful democratic processes in our nation that provide us an effective platform to make known our views on various important issues. Christians should not shun politics and leave this important arena of public policy making to others. Compared to New Testament days, universal suffrage (the right to vote) has given a voice to every ordinary man and woman. Christians should be encouraged to vote and to stand for elections. We can make a difference.
3. The Principle of Authority
This is the most important principle that should govern all our approaches in “influencing” other people. In fact, sins of commission and omission mentioned above would have been avoided had this principle been grasped.
There is a distinction between power and authority. A Christian leader put it very well: “If you have power, you can force someone to do something. If you have authority, you don’t need to.” Jesus, as a man, had neither political nor economic power. But He had authority. The Pharisees and scribes had power, but no authority. Authority derives from giving and serving. It arises from a godly life that reflects Christ.
If we depend on power, we tend to become oppressors when placed in a majority position, and retreat into our world when we are a minority. If we operate from authority, we are not dictated by our small number. We simply influence people and win them over by our lives. Are Christians getting their way through power or authority?
This does not mean we are to avoid having any form of power. Power can be a blessing from God too. Christians can have power in the democratic process through their number, for example. And we are called upon to exercise this power at the polls. But does our authority at least match up to the power we have? Are we operating mainly from power or from authority? Do other people resent it when we have our way? Or are they glad to follow our lead? Only if we have moral authority can we say we have truly influenced and changed others for their ultimate good.
Children of the Land
In a moving scene in King Arthur, Guinevere tried to persuade Arthur to stay back in Britain to help unite and lead the nation after the Romans abandoned the outpost. Arthur was finally persuaded when Guinevere said the very iron that went into his sword (Excalibur) was taken from the soil of Britain. He was a son of the land. He should stay and build the nation. It is the same for most of us. We are the children of Malaysia. We grew up here. Let our hearts stay here as we seek to enthrone Christ in this land. The tasks are challenging and we are relatively small in number, but we can be a great influence by the grace of God and the authority He has given us. Amen.
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