By Alvin Phoon
For most, the Rony Tan issue is resolved. Apologies have been made, hands have been shaken and people have been humbled. However, what this issue has successfully accomplished is to further expose the perils of religion in a multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religious society. It has also, sadly, brought out the worst in Singaporeans, and displayed openly their lack of ability to participate in intellectual discourse.
For the record, I never called for an apology to be made. I called for Rony to think before he said anything at all. The difference is this: With regards to his comments, I am not upset per se. In fact, it amused me that a pastor would willingly subject himself to humiliation via such an open display of stupidity. And anytime any religious entity decides they want to be embarrassed, I’m all for it. What bothers me, immensely I might add, is how the issue has been completely exploited by the media, mainstream or alternative, by the people, for or against Christianity, to promote their own interests.
When news broke that the ISD called Rony up, the headline should have read “ISD Finally Participates In Crowd Pleasing Activity“. While my criticism of the mainstream media has been no less ambiguous than it has been scathing, I surprised even myself by wondering what exactly the Temasek Review’s intentions were vis-à-vis its article entitled “Pastor Rony Tan visited Phor Kar See temple today to apologize to head of Buddhist Federation Venerable Kwang Sheng“.
The inclusion of words of praise for Buddhism seemed to imply a slanted view. The subsequent text on not bearing wicked ideas against your enemy, which by the way is preached in possibly every mainstream religious text, further presents the Temasek Review’s stance. To be fair, however, they have been very respectful in the way they conduct their business, and is something I have the utmost respect for.
Extremists vs Opportunists
Moving on, I find myself in terribly distressed over the views of two specific groups of people. The first are the ones calling for his resignation and even prosecution. Has it come to that extent? Who are we to demand the imprisonment of anyone who speaks ill of anything?
I find this to be the direct consequence of government influence. When people began sticking gum on train doors and on lift buttons, instead of educating the population, the government banned it. As if it wasn’t important to them at all that we were taught why vandalism was bad. It is a notable trend. Anything they can’t handle, or they feel we can’t handle, they refuse to permit. Knuckle dusters, firecrackers, politically and religiously sensitive material, and even Playboy – all banned.
It should come as no surprise then that Singaporeans would try and get rid of that which they do not understand. Instead of seeing the need for civil discussions, intellectual debates and exchange of ideas, most Singaporeans jump straight into “apologise and arrest” mode. And it is precisely because the education system has not managed to cultivate in them an inquisitive mind. It has not managed to convince them that the acquisition of knowledge is far more important, and far more satisfying than the acquisition of say… fancy branded wallets and expensive jeans. Sexual and romantic conquest has jumped ahead of thirst for wisdom in our list of priorities, and it is this superficial culture, undertaken by most, that has led us to the state we’re in.
As for the second category, they are the ones who see this pastor’s faux pas as an opportunity to glorify their own religion; the ones who shamelessly promote their beliefs in an effort to trump someone else’s. I really cannot decide whether to consider them more benign than the first. I feel at this point of time, the need to clarify something. I am not preaching my religious belief. If anything, I’m preaching religious disbelief.
These people, these opportunists, don’t seem to realise how much their actions reveal of their personalities. I equate shredding the religion of Rony Tan, after he’s already been publically shamed, to kicking a man in the nuts after he’s been run over by his own runaway, brake-less car. Instead of proactively promoting inter-faith harmony by either lecturing Pastor Tan, or educating him about their own religion, these people refused to take a stand when the video was first released. Instead they preferred to sit down, watched as the chaos unfolded, fanned the increasingly raging flames at whim, and continued watching as the religion of another got crushed. Then they swooped down to salvage the remains. This hypocrisy disgusts me to no end.
“We want to co-exist. But see how much better my god is than yours?”
Bigots of different religions and persuasions squabble all the time. Normally I’m happy to sit back and watch because they make for good entertainment. However, in this case, threatening legal action against one party for making religiously insensitive comments is rash and will bear serious future consequences. Instead of being so adamant on imprisoning a man for mere words that were probably not even well thought out in the first place, why can’t we just take a step back, and move on with our lives? Pile on the humiliation if you must. But remember that the day Rony Tan goes to prison is the day religious tolerance and freedom of opinion ceases to exist.
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UNFORTUNATELY, ONE RELIGION TALKING NEGATIVELY ABOUT ANOTHER RELIGION WILL BE WITH US FOR THE NEXT 1,000 YEARS AND MORE
Unsurprisingly, we can also find lots of anti-Christian writings by so-called Buddhists scholars. Among Buddhism, there are the internal schisms. Same for Christianity and other religions or political ideologies. As for me, I have Philippians 2:3-4 and 4:8 in my Bible, and the examples of Christ to help me navigate through this terribly schizophrenic world.
But the test of the pudding is in the eating. Unfortunately, there are many Christians (including church leaders) whose moral standards are worst than that of the Taoists and Buddhists or non-believers. The honest, humble and brave Pastor Rony Tan, however, has the advantage of being given by God the gift to pray for people for their deliverance from sicknesses and problems in their lives; and teaching others to do likewise. He demurred that he is a person just like you, except for his strong personal faith in the Living God.
Pastor Rony Tan has his own gripping life story to tell as a talented and staunched anti-Christian ex-Taoist-Buddhist who was ‘introduced’ to Jesus by a powerful Taoist medium during one of their seances. The frustrated medium shouted to Rony Tan’s group that Jesus was too powerful and he could not penetrate a Christian family of their group. And then the medium fell backwards out of frustration. That got Rony Tan honestly thinking for himself on the metaphysical.
Once, Rony Tan also nearly killed his good friend—his fellow band-mate. If not for the timely intervention of another friend, he would have been convicted of murder and hung. He was then deep into Taoist superstition, and very much under the control of Taoist horoscopes. Mercifully, the same cannot be said of other well-adjusted Taoists.
So I am not surprised that there are many renowned and influential Buddhist teachers who indoctrinate their followers with their blasphemous teachings, such as the Christian God is merely the ruler of the 9th level of the heavens (out of 28 heavenly levels and another 4 levels for enlightened beings), the Maha Brahma heaven, and Buddhist scriptures have mentioned him admitting his inferiority before Sakyamuni Buddha, who stands as one of the highest class of enlightened beings, the Tathagatha (the Buddhas).
Taoists, on the other hand, inherited a traditional teaching from the times in ancient China when Taoists and Buddhists were vying for the place of leading state religion and constantly attacked each other. (In Sri Lanka, Buddhists persecuted the Tamils, hence the long bloody civil war there). That Taoist school of thought teaches that in fact Sakyamuni Buddha was just a disciple of one of the 3 greatest Taoist immortals (that is, an inferior being), who left for the west and set up his own sect in India. Being inferior, the Lord Buddha therefore had to bow and show respect whenever he met his former teachers and seniors.
So, are the Christians going to pursue the Buddhists, and the Buddhists going to accuse the Taoists for their insulting teachings? Well, every faith is entitled to its own view and doctrines, and how it views other faiths. I agree: the important point is, keep these within their own circles, and do not throw it at others.
A good Christian, on the other hand, will know that he/they are their own worst enemy. Unfortunately, this is often not so. That is what Archangel Gabriel said to Joseph, that Mary would soon have a son, and they must called him “Jesus”, because he will save his people from their sins, not to save Christians (his followers) from the Buddhists or Muslims, etc.(Matthew 1:21)
Buddha’s ancestry was the royalty, while the ancestor of Jesus was one Canaanite prostitute by the name of Rehab. That is why being a Christian, when I meet a prostitute, I tend to look kindly on them.
Jesus, according to the Quran, did not have to die as he was sinless (never touched by Satan when he was born)as he was taken up by Allah (God) to heaven to be with Allah. (An-Nisaa 4:157-8). As for Buddha, the Buddhists can swear to you that their Buddha had died and they still have his tooth and other bodily remains to prove it.
So after all is said and done in the great metaphysical debate, why not join me and the CEO of the SBF Mr Kwa Soon Khe to show faith in the this transcendentally beautiful prayer of Prophet Suleiman, for a meaningful conclusion to the endless metaphysical debate?
“Inspire me, Lord, to be thankful to Thee for Thy favours to me and my loved ones to do good deeds which will please Thee. Admit me, through Thy Mercy, to be among Thy righteous.” An-Naml 27:19. “For the noblest in God’s sight is he/she who is the most righteous.” Al-Hujurut 49:13.
Allahu Akbar! God is Greatest!!
jack
Feb 14, 2010 22:13
I do not agree with PM Go’s assertion that the Rony Tan incident has been resolved. It has {merely been swept under the carpet. Yes the ISD acted swiftly but certainly not firmly. It is not a religion misunderstanding as PM Goh put it. It is a premeditated, well planned and probably rehearsed attack on another religion and was uploaded to youtube for maximum effect. To me, this is worse than the recent pig head incident in Malaysia. The church is behing the organisation of this attack. Lighthouse church must therefore be shut down and all those responsible be prosecuted. Otherwise we would soon have a modern day KKK organisation in Singapore.}
People like Jack needs to register for a course in the goodness of Buddhism and need to seat a the feet of Venerable Kwang Sheng to learn how to be a real, good Buddhist.
erm…we don’t really care about “theories” by dead theologians or philosophers we can’t interview or scrutinize or put them on a lie detector test or brain certified usable by IMH.
just show us your POWER or demonstration of POWER.
otherwise, shut down BUSINESS
It is ironic that people who call for the pastor to be jailed and the church shut down claim that they are doing it in the name of religious harmony.
Religious harmony means no fighting and every religion get along. If the buddhist, taoist federation and that church have put it behind them, why should spectators add salt and pepper into the mix? Asking the government to prosecute that church helps no one except to boost the egos of people unsatisfied with the pastor personally going to the buddhist and taoist leaders to apologize.
As an aside, the opposition parties are unusually silent on the issue. On matters as important as race & religion, I hope they will come out on the issue.
dude, there is nothing personal. we just want them(religious leaders especially the kindthat talk big) to put the money where their big mouth is for the sake of our children and future generation and the good earth.
enough of snake oil salesman talking about love ,forgiveness and tolerance etc etc and getting away with crap lah
As an aside, the opposition parties are unusually silent on the issue. On matters as important as race & religion, I hope they will come out on the issue.”
The oppositions are either opportunist waiting for PAP to blunder so they can cease power or they(some) are part of religious indoctrination and will obviously need to protect their sanity.
Comment: Yikes
You can read materials in the internet too, in regards to cults practises (also known as New Religious Movements, etc.) in the USA, Japan, etc.
Do you know he was planning this publicity stunt ?
(Sorry…no made up scare stories, yeah !)
Ask yourself which is better: the French or the British bible.
Comment: muf
Maybe planning to migrate, so this stunt ?
Made enough monies $$$$$
Have you heard of this phrase?
“Some people are deluded and naive” !
Our dear Pastor Rony Tan from Lighthouse Church in the same ‘programme’ with the 3 Poly boys?
” In reply to media queries, Police confirmed Friday night that the boy “who started the Facebook group that stirred feelings of unhappiness and resentment against other races would be placed on a Guidance Programme”.
He may be given a police warning after satisfactorily completing the programme – run by the Ministry for Community Development, Youth and Sports – and, in that case, would not have any criminal record. ”
oooooooooooooo
Quote-
TODAY Newspaper February 13, 2010
>
> FACEBOOK TRIO NOT CHARGED
> ————————-
> SINGAPORE – The three youth arrested for posting racist comments on Facebook have been given a second chance.
>
> In reply to media queries, Police confirmed Friday night that the boy “who started the Facebook group that stirred feelings of unhappiness and resentment against other races would be placed on a Guidance Programme”. He may be given a police warning after satisfactorily completing the programme – run by the Ministry for Community Development, Youth and Sports – and, in that case, would not have any criminal record.
>
> The other two boys, who acted as the administrators to the Facebook page, have also been cautioned by the Police and will not have any record of criminal conviction.
>
> “In consideration that the youth had acted out of immaturity rather than malice, and in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, these actions were taken by Police,” said the Police. “The three boys have since apologised for their actions and the offensive online page and forum removed.”
>
> The trio, aged 17 and 18, were arrested on Jan 31. The Police said it still takes a serious view of acts that can threaten the social harmony here, including those done “behind a shroud of anonymity afforded by the Internet”. Zul Othman
Our dear Pastor Rony Tan from Lighthouse Church has ‘passed the ball’ to the PAP government and happily walked off?
Three points:
1. It is naive to think that education will eradicate discrimination. It may reduce the space available to bigots, but will not eradicate them. Even educated people are capable of bigotry. Midwest America is full of educated bigots. There are many in Singapore also.
2. Nonetheless, there seems to me to be an overreaction to the level of online bigotry that we are seeing now – the 3 teenagers, Rony Tan. And really it seems to me that people are baying for prosecution of Rony Tan not because they are so hurt by what he has said, but because he is seen as a proxy for the government. He is the government’s boy, so that must be why he is getting off lightly as opposed to the 3 teenagers. Wong Kan Seng’s ridiculous comparison of tea with the ISD to arrest doesn’t help either. And the subsequent release of the 3 boys also doesn’t help: it looks like they wanted to let Rony Tan off, realised it would be inconsistent to do that but prosecute the 3 boys, so decided to let the 3 boys off also. The tail wagging the dog.
3. Bottom line is this: the public has seen how intolerant the government is about true free speech. And the public is fed up that action is brought only when people criticise the government. They are putting it back to the government: if you’re going to be assholes about people speaking their minds, we will force you to be assholes even when that is not convenient to you. If you’re going to be an asshole, you have to be an asshole consistently.
Whatever religion we believe in, just love all and serve all. How close we are to god is how much love we have. How much love we have is how much we include others. If god is everywhere, then he must be in the hearts and minds of even people from other faiths and other places of worship too. This is only logical. When we have such inclusive thoughts we can then have religious harmony without effort.
When we turn angry, defensive or violent when others attack our religion, then very likely our faith in our own belief is not strong enough. Conversely, if we have to belittle other religions, then it is also likely than we don’t feel secure enough in our own belief. After all, if we really feel that the other person is blasphemous, then it doesn’t really matter what he says.
So let’s just live our true selves. By our own nature we are all loving and inclusive. That’s why we feel better encouraging others, than criticising others; and loving feels better than hate.
Aiyoh . . yoh . .
Don’t make mountains out of moleholes.
Life’s short and the global economic competiton has just begun. Stay foucs or this tiny rd dot will have nothing to eat.
Use our brans . . . . . lah.
Comment: Oh Tham Eng
I found your contribution very interesting, but sad if there are fabrications,
even like the “Creator” story.
Some now attributed to the DEVIATIONS in the christian teachings,
and the results we now see in Haiti.
( Haiti is predominantly christians).
Hence from what I have read, jesus was tempted by satan.
Also, he first spoke in the Aramaic language and not Hebrew or English.
Most puzzling was what happened during his puberty age?
Was it deliberately omitted or is it just another story, like the “Ten Commandments” movie.
Even some said the “Shroud of Jesus” on displayed in Turin, Rome was a fake !
In regards to Taoism, it is said that the Taoists have their own planetary system.
So, what if David Copperfield now appeared in front of you?
He has already “Walked through THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA”.
“Discovery Travel & Living ” TV also showed that some people are now worshipping Maradonna, (the footballer), as a living god.
Programs on HITLER are still on TV. It is good to study how he spoke to the crowds !
Most evangelists must have learned from him it seemed, and added a few of
David Copperfields tricks to prove that only “he knows the way” ?
Most preachers know some acts too.
One day you may realized your preacher standing in front of you spiritually, without you knowingly it !
(Read the memoirs of Mother Teresa, too).
PEOPLE ARE DELUDED AND NAIVE ?
RW Feb 15, 2010 0:14,
“It is ironic that people who call for the pastor to be jailed and the church shut down claim that they are doing it in the name of religious harmony.”
Name me 1 such person you are talking about. Or have you created a story or allegation?
“Religious harmony means no fighting and every religion get along. If the buddhist, taoist federation and that church have put it behind them, why should spectators add salt and pepper into the mix?”
Are you alleging that other religious groups are the spectators? Can you prove it? Else, are you alleging without evidence?
This is a democracy. You have no power to Dictate people keep quiet on the issue. There are valid reasons for the criticisms. Are you saying that when something like this happens, NO ONE should voice up their concerns and ciriticisms? Do not criticise Wrong Doers?
“As an aside, the opposition parties are unusually silent on the issue. On matters as important as race & religion, I hope they will come out on the issue.”
This is a religious issue. Why drag the opposition in? I thought you Cannot Stand people criticising the Pastor?
you are too obvious where you come from.
have bak kuah.
We must move on already and take this incident as another lesson though the incident I believe has not totally been resolved. The pastor has apologised and we should give him a chance to reform his views on other religions.
By the way, I doubt the allowing of criticism of religions would help build a more mature society.
The chapter should be closed. The people who continue to waste time arguing about this and that are the ones who are dangerous and be arrested for continuing to fan the flames.
There are obviously some of you out there who always waiting for a spark to cause a fire. If you are sincere in peace and harmony we should all shut up and let the authorities do their job. So stop all these nonsense and move on with life.
Be grateful that Singapore is a peaceful country envied by many other people around the world. So we should all be tolerant and peace loving. Nobody is perfect incuding you and I.So let us all focus on positive things and stop these unhealthy arguments and accusations.
when you guys are saying is, let us be acceptance of hypocrites and perpetuate a hypocritical society. well, if you can leave with that and want to be part of that, it’s your funeral and you have no right to impose it on us.
many of us want to be genuine and call a spade a spade and would rather resolve differences by being candid.
“The people who continue to waste time arguing about this and that are the ones who are dangerous and be arrested for continuing to fan the flames.”
the people don’t rule the minds of millions through indoctrination. when the people smell rats in their presence, it is their right to call a rat for a rat which helps to alert the community of rat infestation.
these people ought to be commented instead.the ones who fear their criticism obviously have reasons to fear.
not only fear being arrested and forced to apologize,they insist we appreciate their false peace movement and hypocritical virtues.
you ought to be arrested for pushing cultic behaviour on the populace!
Hypocrisy is to the max…. like i have mentioned earlier in my other post, if i were to plunge a knife into your abdomen with the intent to kill, but after i have caused you harm and see the damaged, i realized it was a mistake and i decided to apologize for my actions, hoping you would forgive my actions and let the wounds heal.
The scar would remain and the damage is done. No matter how sorry you are its can never resolve the fact that the intent is to kill.
What he did in his church service was an arranged setting. He got an ex monk and an ex nun to come on his rotten stage to give his preaching. What is he trying to prove?
Its all in his intent to damn whoever is not following his faith. So if this fella had already planned all this in the beginning, why would he not think about it before he planned or execute the so called preaching. He even had the cheek to upload into his website.
This is all staged. I believe its nothing but a form of publicity to get more attention. By apologizing, he had so called demonstrated he realized his mistakes and would amend his sins. This is all crap.
He should be stripped of his titles or powers and to be jailed for causing public disturbance.
Right Wing Christians Praying That People Die
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWpLnd9_ZgY&feature=ytn%3Amptnews
Be fearful, be very fearful of the “love movement”.
Right wing christian praying that people to die
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWpLnd9_ZgY&feature=ytn%3Amptnews
be fearful, be very fearful of the “love movement”
Hey peace whatever ,
what if it was the other way round?
Would u still say the same?
hahaha
i hope they dont pray for PAP to die
will chinese be able to stay united when in this race , the people are followers of different religions?
what happens if one regligious group has a disease called Superiority Complex?
what happens if one religious group is preached to believe that if you dun be one of them, you go to hellloooooooo?
its what is preached that is more of a concern in a multi racial-religion society.
followers being followers, they do not know a lot.
Also why this Ex-monk not read the Buddhist Tri-Pitaka, there have many things about 84,000 Chapters.
Chanting is not real of Buddhist teaching, chanting is from Hindu but that Ex-monk said, Buddhist is chanting sutras only that mainly. When I told my friend about Ex-monk, my friend is very angry about Ex-monk.
I want know, why he want to become monk? please answer in any comment message, Ex-monk destroy Buddha teaching and tell lied.
Peter cheng
anyone that opposes their idolatry kingdom will be considered satan and these christians can pray and ask their god to do things to people who are part of the satan kingdom, including our garmen because our garmen never confess jesus is god or lord!!!!.
put it another way, if they pray against people in the US the christians here too can do the same thing.
all in the name of god and LOVE
i urge people to Love people who do not believe in their religion as much as these people likewise do not believe in the religion of those who do not believe in their own religion.
they need to prove what the claim 1st .
1 finger pointing at others gets 4 in reverse.
we live in 21st century. lets Trust and Believe. But it would be intellectually stimulating if we can also , u know…
1 finger pointing at others gets 4 in reverse.
wat, you think this is kindergarden ah? playing finger games ah?
you think people making money out of cult leaders ah?
it is cult leaders talking nonsense and mind control over children and adults that got themselves into trouble wat finger poking here finger poking there?
Anyone knows how the Christians and the Muslims conflicts started ?
I would like to learn from some scholars.
So now are the “modern” christian crusaders at own door-steps ?
Already on an onward march against Buddhists and Taoists too, spiritually and on video?
So the preacher has been using his building as a training ground to create hatred and superiority?
In a multi-racial society, it is very easy to access and gather the true religious teachings of the major religions.
That is a reason why I only commented and highlighted which has DEVIATED from the true teachings !
No fabrications or made-up scare stories. (comment: Yikes).
“Creator” ?
For those who have not read anything about Hinduism, here is a little knowledge I have.
To start with, Hinduism also have their own planetary system.
Just surf the internet.
Most informations are there.
I have also read that Muslims revered Archangel Gabriel.
So do some internet reading to seek the truth, if need be !
I repeat, on Russia TV it was reported that the government is already considering regulations on missionaries works ! (Starhub CableTV Channel 174).
Know everything ?
Are intellectuals ?
Comment: mindful
I am impressed by your religious knowledge – Matthew 12 !
But do you think he understands this verse at all ?
He is a christian preacher and the leader of a congregation?
Have you heard of this phrase…. Rubbish In Rubbish Out !
Blind leading the “blinded”, but ”blinded” monies into others bank account ?
very well written. I changed my opinion after reading your article.
Comment : peter cheng
“Also why this Ex-monk…..”
Frankly and without offence, do you think this Ex-monk even understands the meaning of “baptism” and “submitting to god”?
The preacher (Director) would have “groomed” this “actor” to be the next generation
tech savvy preacher in his organisation, not a kid school teacher !
In the video, the “actor” and the “actress” both had a dream.
The Director said his Lord descended from the heaven.
In this case, the director should be in Haiti now !
What are those missionaries doing there ?
The injured there may be requesting for food and medicines.
But the missionaries may say you have to listen to the solar cell bible, otherwise, no no !
Like applying for a job or in sales, yeah !
I heard stories previously how some girls sold life insurance.
One million dollars sale, easy ? On call and one week as a “wife” ?
In this preacher video, it is understandable.
A parishioner leaving the organisation means $$$$$ losses to the bank account.
We have been following the americans.
One arms deal to …….. got billions !
“Carrying a bowl and a pair of chopsticks…tick tock…tick tock….selling kway-teow soup
30 cents no beef, 50 cents got, is a very tedious jobs.
Think Big !
there is a GOD in REALIVE in each and every1 of us..whether YOUR GOD wants to enter into your body and soul to guide you aroun is a PRIVILEDGE…my GOD is more powerful than this socalled pastor..last week he came into my house open my freezer ate my frozen chicken breast which i use to mixed with my evennin porridge..
if all of you think i am illucinatin..obviously you all havn’t met my BUDDHIST GOD(s) yet..
it a TRUE LIFE events…
believed it or not..up to you..
no i don’t hav a guranteed card to prove it…for that you needs to buy an oven from mustafar..it comes with a warranty card…
than again..unless the stray cats have finger to open my freezer and took out the chicken breast..than no GOD exist lark…and placed an iou card in it to replace the missin chicken breast..it would be logical..i just call fox mulder..he is on holiday with that fbi agent from fringe…(you all would had thought fox went on holiday with scully right?)
He has apologised and is sincere, remorseful as well. I forgive him and I feel good about it.
I must congratulate the Government for handling this one speedily and effectively. Any more comments on this topic not going to do any good!
elephanto
Feb 12, 2010 17:49
I agree with you almost entirely on what you have posted except that I find your attempt at balance to be somewhat misplaced when you said:
“My only agreement with him is in recognizing that some reprimanding comments are too vitrolic & indeed venomous.”
Could you give examples of being “vitrolic & indeed venomous”?
The article writer tries to trivialise the gravity and seriousness of Rony Tan’s sedition: “Has it come to that extent? Who are we to demand the imprisonment of anyone who speaks ill of anything?”
What Tony staged with great preparations, premedititation and great thoughts was NOT “speak(ing) ill of ANYTHING” but a calculated attempt to disparage, denigrate and indeed to be contemptuous of the Buddhists and Taoists and the deliberate effort to run down the latter so as convert them into his brand of Christianity, not unlike many charismatic Christians.
For the writer to hide behind the term “intellectual discourse” is more hypocritical and sinister than former NMP Prof Thio’s Parliamentary speech denouncing homosexuality in that the latter dared not subject her vitriol to scrutiny and debate at a free market for intellectual discourse at NY University law school.
That ISD only called up Rony is to exonerate the former Buddhist chap who was part of Rony’s show as video taped. Pathetic or was it another case of ……
Singapore is in the international radar again.
Imagine those foreigners who watch the videos !
They will be asking is this the standard of the preachers in Singapore ?
Is this preacher a christian ?
As one writer wrote, read Matthew 12, V36/7 ?
Since, the ex-monk is a drop-out, he is only a “kids school teacher” in this organisation?
Shit or no shit shit !
So will the preacher grooms him to become the next generation tech savvy preacher?
He does not understand those chanting (some), he done in the past, but in the church sing song sing song also can, ahh?
Sing song sing song, but some churches also demand tithes, every month by giro, u no !
And he saw those “spirits” movements ?
Got no job will he still want to be a christian?
May a Billion Blessings be showered upon Rony and all those religious fanatics!
Cuz of the amazing example u have set, we can see why Atheism is the Cure for Religious Fundamentalism!
Bless u, Bless your deities!
Oh, and a million thanks for all the entertainment! Keep up the great work! ;)
The whole issue including all our comments just proves that Singaporeans just love to NATO (No Action, Talk Only). If only everyone who commented here can do so with the same passion out there…
Hey guys, pls do not side track to other issue with Christianity. Rony Tan case has already been settled. Pls do not dig up the grave and examine the corpse. I strongly believed he is a great person we need to respect. After what he has done, he did not hide behind the door but boldly stand out and apologized to various religious leaders and revamped his ways of teaching and preaching. Can you tell me how many people can do that ??? So pls stop bashing him !!! Let closed the coffin and bury it !!!
showtime,
So where’s the remorse and forgiveness for people like Yong Vui Kong, and other remorseful drug traffickers?
Since your logic says that as long as one apologizes for it, they shouldn’t be punished, so lets open up our jails! FREE FOR ALL GUYS!
Hi DC, Ok ! So what do u want him to do ?
For peace and harmony sake….close this discussion and move on with life. :)
Thks Peace ! This is what I meant.
come on, Alvin Phoon, don’t be so f-ing stupid.
while you are right about many things in this article, one thing still stands.
people that many of us haven’t heard about have been charged and jailed with Sedition for doing the same thing.
no one is above the Law, why should the Pastor with a congregation of thousands be allowed to walk free after doing the same thing?!
either the Pastor gets charged and then found guilty and jailed, or those jailed MUST be released and be compensated fairly, or the Law has to be changed.
@ showtime
the pastor should be tried, found guilty, and then dealt with to the fullest measure of the Law.
ANYTHING LESS would be a mockery of Singapore’s justice system.
comment: The Just One
Suppose this preacher is put in jail, who do U think is going to take over the pulpit ?
The drop-out ex monk ?
He only got a job in his organisation as a Sunday school teacher, U know !
Also wife is christian so he christian, lah !
Same as my indian friend in KL, U want wife ?
Convert… christian! ( Living prove ! ).
Law ?
“Own national interest”, lah!
@ the last templar ?
Rony Tan is not the only preacher in Singapore.
what you are trying to do is justify the act of letting a man who has committed a Seditious act free JUST because of his social status. this is the definition of injustice.
why must others be charged and convicted because they committed Seditious acts when this Rony Tan was not? does having a social status of a preacher give people immunity to Laws?
your argument is, in a word, stupid.