Religions Become More Sensitive

Catholics protested against CHIJMES publicity materials for a Easter weekend "Escape Chapel Party" which showed girls dressed in nun's habits and mini-skirts with thighs exposed. Organised by Creative Insurgence, the Singapore arm of a British events company, it was to be held on Saturday 7 April. After the protest, the event was cancelled.

Taoists protested againts the use Taoist robe worn by a model in fashion catwalk organized by the Floral Designers Society of Singapore at Furama RiverFront Hotel on 30 March. They said that the red robe is a sacred ceremonial robe can only be worn by ordained Taoist priests when they conduct religious ceremonies and important rituals.

The Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act is now making religions more sensitive, assertive and intolerant. In the past, they could do nothing. Now they can charge you under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act. Even Buddhists and Taoists get into the act. They used to be the "Eastern or Asian" culture type, suffering in silence, feeling inferior because their practices are viewed as superstitions.

Should Christians in Singapore resort to this Act to defend our God?

In Judges 6:25-32, God asked Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal that belongs to your father and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. When the men of the city found that Gideon had torn down Baal's altar and cut the Asherah pole beside it, they went to Joash, his father and ask him to put Gideon to death.

But Joash said to all who stood against him, "Would you plead Baal’s case for him? Would you save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead his own case because someone tore down his altar." (Judges 6:31 HCSB)

Is our God like the idol Baal, who need men to plead His case for Him? No. God will plead His own case. We do not need to appeal to this Act to defend our God.