By TK Chua
I read an interesting Father’s Day quote that said, “My father didn’t tell me how to live; He lived, and let me watch him do it.”
The same can be said of religions in general. We love to talk with passion about the greatness of the God we believe in. Sometimes we even condemn and criticise other religions for trying to undermine ours.
But like the Father’s Day quote above, the greatness of any religion is seen in how its followers live, not in how they preach about it. Impassioned sermons will not make much of a difference if leaders and followers have nothing much to show for it.
In this country we have laws against the proselytisation of Muslims and we have to respect that.
In its ordinary meaning, evangelism is to preach the Christian gospel. But preaching can take many forms, certainly not just confined to sermons or converting others directly.
What could be the best form of evangelism if not through the exemplary lives we live? I think this is where the argument begins.
Christians cannot preach to Muslims. But surely this is different from how Christians live their lives following Christ.
When Christians show love and compassion to humanity, is this their attempt at converting people of other faiths? When Christian politicians want to adhere more closely to ethical and godly principles, is this a subtle form of “Christianisation” of our political processes? When will the arguments end?
I think people are generally discerning. Ultimately, all religions must walk the talk. This is the best defence of any religion, not grand sermons or criticising others.
Religions must make a difference to the society we live in. That difference is manifested through changing the lives of individuals. If not, they will gradually lose their lustre.
Religious precepts are easy to expound. Hardly anyone would disagree with the need for compassion, love, mercy, humility, forgiveness, caring, empathy, and tolerance.
But it is the consistent pattern of behaviour manifesting these qualities that matters most to our faith.
When others are attracted to our faith through the exemplary life we live, is this strictly proselytisation?
TK Chua is an FMT reader.
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