The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the following statement to the press:
“The Internal Security Department (ISD) has called up Pastor Rony Tan of Lighthouse Evangelism (LE) today in connection with his comments and insinuations about Buddhism and Taoism at LE sessions. These sessions were video-recorded and made available on LE’s website; video clips of these sessions subsequently became available on YouTube and other websites.
Pastor Tan’s comments were highly inappropriate and unacceptable as they trivialised and insulted the beliefs of Buddhists and Taoists. They can also give rise to tension and conflict between the Buddhist/Taoist and Christian communities. The ISD told Pastor Tan that in preaching or proselytising his faith, he must not run down other religions, and must be mindful of the sensitivities of other religions.”
Rony Tan responded with a public contrite apology to all Buddhists for his insensitivity:
“I have received a number of emails from people who have been saddened and hurt by the testimonies of an ex-monk and an ex-nun. I realized that my presentation and comments were wrong and offensive. So I sincerely apologize for my insensitivity towards the Buddhists and Taoists, and solemnly promise that it will never happen again. When we have received those emails, we immediately removed the video clips from our website. I urge those who have posted those clips on the YouTube to remove them as well. After reading the frank views from those emails, I was also prompted to tell my members not only to continue to love souls, but also to respect other belief and not to ridicule them in any way, shape or fashion. Let’s put our goal to build a harmonious Singapore a top priority.“
Preachers of the past
Elijah mocked the Baal of the prophets in the payroll of Jezebel. The Old Testament prophets made derogatory remarks about idols and other gods. And even Paul spoke of “worthless” idols. What are we to do? Are we living in a different environment? Would these prophets have said in Singapore church pulpits, the same things they had said in their historical cultural context?
Church generally guilty
Perhaps the whole church need to also issue a blanket apology for all the insensitive remarks that Christians in Singapore have generally been guilty of. I have watched the video and I think some of the making light of beliefs (presumed to be Buddhist,) is not uncommon in the thinking of many Christians, if not in their speech. I plead guilty too. We do need to be more respectful of people whose religious beliefs we disagree with, however mistaken in our eyes they may seem to be. We should respect them as though they are a future mother in law with strong religious belief different from ours. 
Pruning for greater fruitfulness
When one member of the Body of Christ suffers, let us suffer, identify with him, and learn the way of the meek and gentle Christ. This is deeply humbling and we should not make light of this incident, but use the opportunity to learn afresh the grace and wisdom of Christ’s witness.
Rony Tan has done the right thing, the brave thing. Perhaps he had no choice. But his actions prove to me he is sincere. He has gone the second mile and it is not just perfuntory minimum requirement. He will move on from this episode a more able evangelist with an even greater wisdom, love and anointing and reach.
And so can the Church at large as well.
Rony Tan has got a taste of what is the meaning of Karma
I just watched the video too.
It’s interesting how he and the ex-monk caricatured Buddhism. If he and the ex-monk are those in the congregation who know best about Buddhism, then that shows how much his congregation needs to learn about Buddhism.
He had to apologize. It’s necessary. And it is the only option he can take to maintain integrity and the livelihood of himself and his congregation. It is not that he is able or bold to defend himself from the charges. He didn’t give an informed critique. And it is only natural for him to admit the mistake.
He should just stick to what he does best: healing.
Commandment No. 11 “Thou shalt not condemn or demean other religions”. This should be added to the Bible.
Some thoughts:
1) My first thoughts were that we should never make fun of other religions. It’s a good reminder for all of us. And I think as Christians in Singapore we need to stand up and say that we disagree with doing so – and we disagree with Pastor Rony Tan, in this incident. And we apologize if we ourselves have done so.
2) Having said that, there are the questions posed in your “Preachers of the Past” section which haven’t been answered, and which aren’t easy to answer!
The gospel (and the truth), after all, is an offense and we shouldn’t downplay that aspect out of being politically correct or of being afraid of persecution. We don’t seek persecution on purpose. And we have to take note that some persecution may result out of our foolishness and not as a direct result of the gospel being an offense. But we can’t hide from the fact that the gospel is an offense and will in certain cases result in persecution.
What is required, I think, is great wisdom – so as not to act foolish and attract unnecessary persecution – and also great courage – so as not to be afraid to stand up for the truth, which can be an offense to many.
Cheers
I read Rony’s apology again… Felt that he is not only timid but also theologically uninformed and hence politically irrelevant. His remark shows that he worships Caesar rather than Christ.
After being interrogated, he said, “Let’s put our goal to build a harmonious Singapore a top priority.“ Too frighten to proclaim Christ to the authorities. Has lost his integrity as a pastor. He is not a servant of Christ but of Caesar.
I just don’t see the fairness in all this. To me it’s all always double standards. When the Da Vinci Code movie and books were popular here, it hurt many Christians and caused many to question their faith, yet the authorities did nothing about it, though we voiced our concerns. It was quickly followed by documentaries on TV that further undermined the Christian faith. It seems like its ok to ‘mock’ Christianity here, but it’s not okay to mock the other faiths. What’s up man?!
While not condoning the incident, we need to look at it more objective. Between gospel truth and religious harmony, the tension and balance that is very sensitive but yet necessary.
And how do believers live everyday between the “great commission” and the “great harmony”? It is something everyone needs to ask oneself, although not so great an idea to discuss openly.
Why do we need to mock the faith of others?
Does it make us feel better or more special?
Our faith have not made many of us better than the rest of society.
So what defines a Christian?
What can we see in Singapore’s politic, society and religious community?
Some thoughts here:
http://szezeng.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-does-rony-show-us.html
The rest of Singapore will be watching you. We will not allow self-serving, myopic half-wits to tear apart the social fabric of Singapore just so that you can wank off to your fetish for Armageddon and Rapture.
Read on and consider yourself warned:
Aggressive preaching – proselytisation. You push your own religion on others, you cause nuisance and offence. You have read in the papers recently about a couple who surreptitiously distributed Christian tracts which were offensive of other faiths, not just of non-Christians but even of Catholics. They were charged and sentenced to jail. (Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, National Day Rally Speech 2009)
Also, a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office:
PM’s 4 Basic Rules for Religious Harmony
Last but not least, acquaint yourself with The Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (1992), or, the Internal Security Department (ISD) will make you acquainted with it.
Consider yourself educated.
El que hace la paga,
Tomás de Torquemada
Andrew,
Does it makes you feel better when you mock the others? Do you feel the need for “an eye for an eye”?
Da Vinci Code movie and the books weren’t made or written in Singapore with the intention of mockery. I’ve known many Christians who saw the movie with an open mind..
And like what journeyman posted .. what defines a Christian?
So Rony ( his name should have given us a clue about him) apologised….uh pleaszz, spare me. He is just being a typical Christian. Arrogant and hypocritical.
We must preach that our belief in Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are relationship and not religion. Keep preaching the beautiful finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The needless to say nor preach, other worldly issues are all imperfect and ugly. Knowing who you are in Christ is important. A King do not need to proof to anyone that he is the King. Transformation of heart is better than conformation.
The questions asked by the pastor were meant to lead the 2 ignorant and naive pair to provide answers that will make their formal religion look foolish. This same low-down trick could also be adopted by any of the major religions using the same type of questions to make another religion look silly. To imagine this happening behind the close doors of temples, mosques, synagogues and Hindu temples makes one shudder at the type of religious ‘education’ the masses are receiving. No wonder, our government wants our young to learn higher order thinking. Hopefully with better reasoning skills, our youngsters (even young working adults can be very naive) will be able to think objectively and be discerning enough to distinguish facts from anecdotal evidences.
Whether this attempt to show that another religion is lesser that your own, was done behind closed doors or on National TV makes no difference. When a bad seed is planted, the smallest fruit that grows from it will scatter a dozen bad seeds and so it multiplies. Don’t allow our earthly selfishness and ego poison the green air of the island we are all so proud of. Even though I am an atheist, I believe ‘Jesus’ would not approve of such a disharmonious action especially from a clergyman so advanced in age. Jesus taught his disciples to offer the ‘foe’ their other cheek which is so very different from this action of blatantly slapping both cheeks of a defenceless ‘foe’ while he was asleep.
Wah.. your remark is very judgemental lei..How many times have I fall and it was not being video tape and put on Youtube. If all Christians are perfect, than we do not need any Grace from God.
If he did wrong, let God be the Judge. I do not know him but I heard so many good things from Pastor Rony and with one slip (especially one is in the limelight), you do not deserve to be servant of Christ.
Please help me bring this message to the ex-Buddhism girl. I want to tell her that she is truly blessed. I have a piece of advice for her – The next time she meditate and sees her past lives, please do not be alarm. Try to make peace with whatever you see. In each lives we evolve to be better. There are lessons to learn and we will evolve to become better being. Everyone has their past lives and there is nothing to be afraid. Just make peace with whatever you see. You will overcome it.
To Joseph Wee, I also have a piece of advice. The next time you have bowel problem, it is better you consult a doctor. I believe you can shit better with some help from the doctor.
To Pastor Rony Tan, please continue your humour self. I enjoy the laugh. I believe you can lighten the lives and remove loads off people shoulders simply by making people laugh but please – try to avoid sensitive topics. I look forward to hearing more laughter from you.
Let us be constantly believe that our Heavenly Father no longer judge your errors and mistakes bacause all these already been judged upon His Son’s body on the cross. Thank God for Jesus!
I think there are three issues here and each must be taken in consideration with the others:
1. Religious sensitivity and civil peace – Each society has its boundary and I think the Church should understand more than ever how to critic with charity.
2. Freedom of expression – competition of ideas happen, individual freedom to express disagree with each other must be respected
3. Christian superheroism – I know of evangelicals and church leaders who preach about witnessing boldly, carrying crosses, martyrdom and speak about other religion in contempt (once I hear in a prayer meeting from a pastor: Buddha is burning in hell). In this context, I think my brotherly exhortation to Rony Tan would be, rethink your christian conviction and the way you do ministry. What would happened to the flock who heard leaders preached about daring persecution and speak without fear, and then apologize. The whole incident is not merely about the wrong of speaking badly about other religion, but also about our hypocrisy and our false heroism. We exalt leaders like superman but only to realize they are humans. This apply to leaders who speak without sense of charity against adulterers, homosexuals or other “sinners”.
Jesus said “I AM the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.” ( John 14:6 )
Jesus didn’t say He found a way or He has the truth or He can guide you to eternal life. He said : “I AM” the way! I AM the truth, and I AM the life!
Man has two choices; either accept HIM or reject HIM. This is the grace of God and it’s going to expire soon.
God has given you a choice and the choice is yours! I chose to follow Christ cos of these verse John 14:6 . For I found no man on earth proclaim this strong and certain words except Christ. and no man died and resurrected and ascended to heaven except Christ. Either He is really the way the truth and the life or He is nothing.
Jesus also said ” I AM the resurrection and the life”He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
I urge all man of God to stand firm for the calling of Christ. For greater is HE that’s in you than he that’s in the world.
Christ said “you shall loves thy neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39)
In John 8:32 “and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”
So tell your neighbour the truth and the truth shall set them free!
All man are searching for the Truth in life………..
And I found one who said “I AM” ….
if a documentary on TV completely undermines a Christian’s faith, then I would question that person’s faith to begin with.
Biblically, we should stand up for Christianity regardless of persecution or ridicule. In fact, suffering such ridicule for Christ, should be considered “pure joy” (James 1).
Christians should try convince others without using “ridicule”.
Thanks for sharing.
I reckon Pastor Rony Tan was in violation of Part III, No. 8a.
Do you feel that Matthew 28:16-20 in the Bible would inherently cause Christianity to be in similar violations or is there an alternative?
Restraining orders against officials or members of religious group or institution
8. —(1) The Minister may make a restraining order against any priest, monk, pastor, imam, elder, office-bearer or any other person who is in a position of authority in any religious group or institution or any member thereof for the purposes specified in subsection (2) where the Minister is satisfied that that person has committed or is attempting to commit any of the following acts:
(a) causing feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility between different religious groups;
(b) carrying out activities to promote a political cause, or a cause of any political party while, or under the guise of, propagating or practising any religious belief;
(c) carrying out subversive activities under the guise of propagating or practising any religious belief; or
(d) exciting disaffection against the President or the Government while, or under the guise of, propagating or practising any religious belief.
everyone makes mistakes each day…in our thoughts, in our talk and in our actions…whether christian or not…pastor or lay people…
That’s why we need daily and every minute the GRACE OF GOD to help us…
ONLY BY GRACE CAN WE ENTER
ONLY BY GRACE CAN WE STAND
NOT BY OUR HUMAN ENDEAVOR
BUT BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB
INTO YOUR PRESENCE YOU CALL US
YOU CALL US TO COME
INTO YOUR PRESENCE YOU DRAW US
AND NOW BY YOUR GRACE WE COME
AND NOW BY YOUR GRACE WE COME
What saddened me is that he already compromised in his belief when he immediately issue an apology in website and shockingly meeting with the temple priest and saying things like promoting religious harmony.
Apostle Paul in his days never speak waterdown gospel for fear of his safety and even prepared to be thrown into jail. If pastor Ron is prepared to say those things in the video which the pple of the world take offense to(most likely he got carried away) then he should stand firm in what he believes in and not panic when being called up. Wonder if he seek wisdom from the Lord to handle this crisis instead of using his own strength.
if truth be told, a lot of christians have rony’s attitude. we demonize other religions to make ours look better. the root of such attitude is insecurity. this is not the way to evengelize. all is required is to preach jesus and let god do the rest. no need to make comparisions with other religion unless it was asked of us. if people don’t accept it, just shake the dust off our feet and move on. we must also walk our talk or else how can we expect to be taken seriously by the people we are trying to reach.
Hi Finishedwork,
You mean we do not have to be responsible for our actions on the spiritual side and by inference we should not be too concerned about consequences in “physical world”
No need for Law and order?
Wondered if Pastor Rony also believe as you did?
Though he didn’t believe it, Rony is now experiencing the effects of his action or karma.
In Buddhist teaching, the law of karma, says only this: `for every event that occurs, there will follow another event whose existence was caused by the first, and this second event will be pleasant or unpleasant according as its cause was skillful or unskillful.
http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/truths/karma2.html
I feel that in this day and age, it is up to the person in question to decide for himself every word that is spoken, and every action that is taken, particularly in the handling of such sensitive issues. People are not called Christians simply because they are born into such an environment, or because they belong to some church. Back in history, there is only one God, who expects to be worshipped by His creation, the people. There were no other religion until the period of 5-6 BC, when buddhism/ taoism grew from a set of teachings to a religion as we call it now.
We all worship the same God in the end, just different doctrines, different practices, but the root of it all is one and the same. Hence, there is no such thing as other religions. The only thing that we must actively learn and cultivate is our tolerance and patience towards the people around us, regardless of what they believe.
RK,if u r a believer why are u concearn about Christians demonizing other religions?Emotional insecurity in bringing somebody down to make one feels good about himself doesn’t apply here.As believers in Christ our allegiance is to Him only and not to share Him with other gods.Its either Christ or nothing.
1 John 1:5-7 (New International Version)
5This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.
For ur info im not from Pastor Ron’s church.What bothers me is his apology to the temple priests which is like as if sayin “ur religion is not bad also leh,now we are same same lah”
The non believers in this thread are forgiven as they don’t know the truth but u are a believer are u not?
Well said Jack Daniels. I truly agree with you. We should be responsible with our words and action.
It is important not to shift the responsiblity to God and claim that it is God’s will.
hifisavvy,
i reread my comment a few times to make sure i said what i meant to say and it was spot on. but you still misunderstood my comments. i reread yr reply to my comment a few times to check if i hv misunderstood you, and no, i don’t think so.
pls read my comment again. either we are believers with very different point of view or you really have misunderstood my msg.
“RK,if u r a believer why are u concearn about Christians demonizing other religions?”
seriously, u must be kidding. it is exactly bcos i am a believer that i am concerned about christians demonizing other religions.
Guess he just fell for it and suffer ’siong siong’ thereafter.
That being said, we should always keep the Lord’s Prayer “….Lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from evil….” close to our hearts.
Rony change his mind over night after a session with ISD. Is he going to change mind and become a Buddhist during the next visit?
Come to New Creation Church and you will understand. I am learning too.
Sounds abit like the DBS Lehman Minibonds – “capital protected” with very good returns slogan!
Will do when there are 2 documented and verified accounts of successful resurrection – second to make sure it was not a “cold fusion” claim.
Just noticed alot of NCC and wannabes on this blogsphere.
Is Blogpastor being recruited?
“seriously, u must be kidding. it is exactly bcos i am a believer that i am concerned about christians demonizing other religions.”
Dear bro rk,the above statement from ur reply with “demonizing other religion” is being used again by u,now twice
So now i know where u stand as a believer
In my statement i never even mention about running down other beliefs but that doesn’t mean i’m for or approved of their practices and beliefs. My question for u is why are you concern for that religion as if u r advocating for them?
I worked in an organization for the last 20 years surronded by non believers colleagues and if im a basher of other religions(more than not its the other way round) do u think i can last that long?
Hope u can get it
One Word,
shouldn’t have uploaded anything onto internet/youtube.
i think u can say any thing you want, but keep it in the confines of the church building/walls.
All said, don’t think Pst Rony had the intention to cause any rift or sow discord.
Though it was a little insensitive to laugh at others la…
Anyway, move on people. Gong hei Fatt Choy!
I think rk is saying that Christians should not demonize other religions, while hifisavvy believes that Ps Rony should not have apologized because it might send the message that we agree with other religions even though we are strictly monotheistic.
Personally, I feel that the apology demonstrated humility which was important. Granted that Christians should stand up for their faith in society, but I don’t think he was wrong to apologize in this instance. His apology should not be seen as a recanting of his faith.
I won’t apologize for my Christian faith, but I apologize for the arrogance and hypocrisy of the Christians you’ve encountered.
Sometimes we forget about the Law, that what we sow is what we reap in this world unless we repent and seek God’s grace. His attack on the gay community last year was really terrible far worst than his mocking of the Buddhists. We laughed it off and say that this is Rony Tan. But the seeds were planted for a downfall.
Now he has to bow down to the Buddhist verable is really sad. He just doesn’t deserved this after all his 40 years of ministry. He is a very good Pastor and I have been blessed by his ministry. So, I really feel bad that Pst Rony is suffering so much.
In the book of Judges, God sometimes strengthens the hands of our opposition to come against us when we sin against God and don’t follow strictly to the instructions given. We will be humbled and seek God for a deliverer.
God is interested in our character first, and its a lesson for the whole church not just for Pst Rony to be factual, gracious, loving, compassionate, and kind because we present Christ to a broken and fallen world. We should constrain our spiritual pride and not say too much lest we sin against God Himself in our speech.
Although I’m a freethinker, this unfortunate incident makes me have greater respect for a peace-loving religion like Buddhism. Like many Singaporeans who value the importance of racial and religious harmony, I am deeply disappointed by Pastor Tan’s immature behaviour. I feel that he owes every Singaporean an apology, and not just Buddhists, because he has hurt non-Buddhists as well, by his dangerous act of potentially causing social unrest and conflicts.
I do agree with anon.
I was from a christian schools for many moons. I even served the churches when I was studying in the States.
Today… I think I am more comfortable with Buddhism. No buddhist has ever approach me and tell me that if I don’t believe in their faith… I will go to hell.
If Pastor Rony Tan is sincere with his apology, he should go and take a course on Buddhism. Find out more before he talks again.
Open your heart and you will see more. Life is really more than just your faith…
May all the christians be well and happy.
Metta
This is an ancient teaching;
Hatred cannot be overcome by hatred. Only Love will appease hatred.
-Buddha-
When a westerner visited a Zen monk in Japan, he asked whether he could bring in Christianity in his practise. The Zen monk told him that one can bring in anything into Zen, but once you ‘realised’, you don’t need anything including Buddhism.
Peace on Earth. Gong Xi Fa Cai.
To all in Christ.
I asked the Lord one day in prayer. It’s so confusing in the last days in the things that many preachers or Tv evangelists said on the internet. How shall we know which are the truths and which are the deceptions. And the Lord showed me this verse immediately after my prayer:
Deuteronomy: 5 :32,33
“So you shall observe to do just as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to your right or to the left. You shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you,and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.”
So do not judge or do not waiver in your search for the Lord’s righteousness and HIS truth. Seek HIS word. His word will guide you in all ways of your life.
Sometimes truth is hard to swallow.
Pastor Rony was not charged with slander but was told by the ISD to shut up. In his interview, he has touch on something although true, but should not be mentioned in public due to it’s sensitive nature.
That’s the job of ISD.
How many of us do know what Rony Tan has been preaching in the early 2000s? We seem to kno what he did in 2010. Please look back and analyze and you find something even more terrible.
I think you missed my point. I’m not saying that it’s ok nor is there a need to mock other religions. I’m saying the double standards here is clear as night and day. It’s so obvious that other faiths here enjoy more protection or ‘overprotection’. They would never allow a Da Vinci Code-type movie or book abt the Muslims for instance.
Pls see my other reply. BTW Elijah mocked the ‘god’ of the Baal prophets really good. Shouldn’t God have not responded to him for doing such a ‘terrible’ thing? Again, I’m not saying what Ps Rony did was right, just throwing in some balance.
Your blog is famous….thanks to ISD
May be Pastor, this Ex-Buddhist don’t know what is Buddhist teachings and may be they think Buddhist is Mi Goreng at market or at Pasar malam.
Why not read about Buddhist history before they commented, on the other hand may be losing their mindful, then don’t know what is wrong and right.
Again, on the other hand, may be they take some drug before on stage to talk.
They must think, make the others sad is go hell and make the others happy go heaven.
What for, they need to believe God, if Juses Christ alive, Juses Christ also unlike like this student.
Peter Cheng