My Take On Religion & Secularism

I read with concern the statements spoken by NMP Thio Li Ann in Parliament relating to the expression or practice of faith in the public sphere.

As an ex-Christian, lets use Christiniaty as an example here.

Firstly, the Bible commands us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." and not "go therefore and convert all nations". There's a distinct difference between disciple making and convert converting here.

Secondly, the Bible commands us to "be wise as serpents but innocent as doves", anything a Christian or a religion does in general is under public scrutiny. There is no right or wrong with practicing one's religion but there comes an area when one "aggressively markets" ones belief or religion to others causing discomfort and even perhaps resentment either with good intentions or for a specific purpose or agenda. If every Christian were to come out and say that this nation must follow certain Biblical doctrines, I wonder if that is even Scriptural. Which brings me to my next point:

Thirdly, the Bible commands us to "love our neighbour as ourself" and to "turn the other cheek". Never is there the case when the Bible commands us to "make our neighbours conform to our beliefs" nor is there the case when the Bible commands us to "slap our enemy back on the cheek".

I appeal for a strong sense of common sense and wisdom in this matter. This isn't just the case of "religion vs the public" but rather, an over-pushing of "ones religion over the public". The Bible did state that not every single human being on this earth will be saved, so in lieu of this matter, I appeal to Christians that when they reach out to unbelievers, it is all right to be expectant of salvation but it is also right to be expectant of rejection.

I want to make a reply to Pastor Derek Hong as to why Christians in general are more opposed to and persecuted. One reason out of many is some Christians over-push their beliefs on others often causing displeasurement or even hatred. Of course, the Bible states too that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteosness sake doesn't it? But if, if, a Christian was to be persecuted for discriminating against others such as the LGBT community and proclaim damnation over these people, he/she should expect opposition because (in my own opinion), he/she deserved it.

Christ never pointed a finger at the prostitutes nor the homosexual nor the murderer, instead remember what the Bible said about "let him who has no sin cast the first stone"?

Christians may be freed from the bondage of sin but that doesn't mean they don't sin anymore. Therefore the question is, should they cast the first stone then?

(C) 2006,2007,2008,2009 Absolutely Daniel Yoleh.