It was fabulous. No Malaysian, no matter how unpatriotic, would have failed to feel a tingle of pride at being a Malaysian after watching the recent National Day parade. The 49th Merdeka celebration reminded us once again of the glory of Malaysian society – a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious society.
The traditional dances in the Kuching extragavanza on Merdeka eve further underlined the fact that Malaysia is a melting pot of different tribes and tongues.
In a special message aired over radio and television, the Prime Minister said, “The solidarity of Malaysians is our strength, we need to ensure that we maintain that strength. A good consensus, a strong and effective cooperation, these are important.”
We agree whole-heartedly. But let’s face it. After almost 50 years of nationhood, the racial and religious polarisation in the country is greater than ever. Ethnic and religious groups tend to identify themselves first with their respective groups and not as Malaysians.
The issue is even more burning for Christians who are called to be a distinct people, the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
How are we to respond?
 A Tale of Two Cities
We feel this tension because of our dual citizenship – in the heavenly City of God and the earthly one of Malaysia. So, it should follow that “it is the best of times” and “it the worst of times” (Charles Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities)!
It will be the worst of times if we do not resolve the issues and continue to be mired in confusion. We end up separating our lives into two compartments. From Monday to Saturday, we work and play as “secret Christians”.
On Sunday, we mouth grand declarations and prayers for the salvation of the world and the nation.
The two compartments are separate – except that we scurry to “build bridges” in the run-up to our church’s Easter or Christmas evangelistic project.
In short, we are embarrassed to proclaim Christ when pluralism and “respect for other religions” is the ideology of the age while we secretly (and sincerely) hope for God’s Kingdom to come. Does this explain why some Christians are so caught up with the Lina Joy case (for example), in which a victory will prompt the feeling that the Kingdom of God is nearer, but dare not walk across the street to reach out to their neighbours?
It will be the best of times, however, if we perceive religious pluralism as a rare opportunity. Perhaps the first step is to accept pluralism not as an ideology but simply as a fact.
Pluralism is a fact because 60.4% of Malaysia’s population are Muslims, 19.2% are Buddhists, 9.1% are Christians, 6.3% are Hindus, 2.6% follow a traditional Chinese religion and remaining 2.4% follow one of the lesser-known religions.
Pluralism is not an ideology (for us) because we do not believe that all religions are the same or all paths lead to God. However, the fact that pluralism exists necessitates a secular society.
A secular society is a neutral concept. It is not for or against God. It is simply a vehicle that allows the adherents of different religions to live together in peace and harmony.
And within this context, adherents of a religion are allowed to profess, practice and even propagate their faith.
A theocratic system, as some are calling for it, is not a practical option unless there is great homogeneity in the religions of a nation. As far as the New Testament faith is concerned, this is a non-issue.
Jesus said of Himself: “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) He said of His disciples: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (John 17:16)
The New Covenant is primarily spiritual (with physical manifestations, no doubt). Recently there was an article in The Star alleging that the weakness of the Christian religion in relation to the State gave rise to religious pluralism.
While the argument has been refuted by a Christian writer, it must be added that the so-called weakness is ultimately a great strength. The Christian faith is “strong” because its spread is not dependent on political structure or legal sanction.
Knowledge of the broad sweep of history – world, national and salvation history – enables us to appreciate the rare opportunity that is before us. For when we see a place for everything, then we see everything in its place. Including our own place and calling.
Some are called to fight for religious freedom in the courts in Malaysia. Others are called to focus on evangelism. Still others are called to social work as a witness for Christ. The main trouble is therefore not religious pluralism but Christians uncertain of their calling. It is time we seek the Lord for clarity, for singular purpose in our plural society.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Jesus Christ was crucified keranamu, Malaysia. His blood was spilled on Calvary.
Are we willing to “spill our blood” for tanah tumpahnya darahku? |
