Clarifications on misconception on Buddhism

last SG · 2010-02-12T17:58:54+00:00

Just realised that FireIce deleted a thread again. I guess she wants people to post in single threads.

kcockicht SG

What is there to clarify?

Oh those bluff people money one? those any religion also got. pastor misuing their power of speech, their power of utilising money and funds, reverend using donation money to help a foreign friend buy house, santanists in disguise and wannabe raping girls and killing animals, toaists with their trance dance molesting and raping girls, extremists strapping bombs to the blaze of glory?

kcockicht SG

Previously, i read in sgforums (someone posted) that the chinese papers spoke about how forumers here respond to one thread posted here. Cannot remember in details. I am surprised the Chinese reporters really go to extent to screen sgforums.

Never mind. for every action there is equal and opposite reaction. those chinese papers r like that one. better publishbig big

kcockicht SG

I think she is hinting us to go Eternal Hope to talk face to face with Christians. Not a bad idea ah !

limpeh go there tok what? go there might as well meet up and hoot already

kcockicht SG

What is going on here ? Threads regarding Rony have been deleted again and again at Wisdom Bliss while threads regarding Rony at Eternal Hope is there to stay.

Is the moderator inviting all the Buddhists to go to Eternal Hope to voice our views there ?

because no one take legal actions against pastor pasta, that's why the thread there stays. if just one buddhism organization initiate the act i tell youpastor pasta need to change his underwear at least 6x a day.

Weychin SG

Please everybody! Less words of anger, more on constructive criticism!

This is a sensitive topic, let us all thread gently! Don't let this be a us vs them issue!

Let the government do its job, the moderators theirs, and we, mindful that we don't let it degenerate to bashing thread!

Please allow clarity of mind to prevail, tap your anger and frustration to engage constructively!

Fantagf SG

Please everybody! Less words of anger, more on constructive criticism!

This is a sensitive topic, let us all thread gently! Don't let this be a us vs them issue!

Let the government do its job, the moderators theirs, and we, mindful that we don't let it degenerate to bashing thread!

Please allow clarity of mind to prevail, tap your anger and frustration to engage constructively!

OK, so what do you think Govt should handle this case?

Weychin SG

Hi moderator,

I hope to be allowed a thread to allow Buddhists to clear up misconceptions, falsehoods, half truths and sometimes downright lies, without side forays into other religions.

We are all sensitive to comments to our beliefs. So unless it is a direct comparision, avoid commenting on other religions. Too much emotional words, we could get this thread removed too.

Please consider my request.

Misconceptions, falsehoods, half truths and lies are due to ignorance, in absence of outright proof of dishonesty and malicious intent, please do not accuse! do not let your anger and dissatsifaction get better of you!

Weychin SG

OK, so what do you think Govt should handle this case?

By taking interest in this matter is already sending a message to other rabble rousing community leaders to hold their tongue. The government, by being of aware of this issue, realises the denigration of other religions is a sensitive issue, has already sent out notice.

At the end of the day, they are also our fellow citizens. Should this bashing of other religion by a community leader continue, the onus is with the government, let them weigh the consequences, before acting.

We do our part by being mindful!

Fantagf SG

February 12, 2010 - Temasek Review

Written by Our Correspondent

Lighthouse Evangelism Pastor Rony Tan who was hauled up by ISD for questioning on Monday over his remarks made about Buddhism and Taoism during a church session, was a diehard PAP fan.

In 2008, he composed and sang a song entitled “The Singapore Song” dedicated solely to the PAP:

“In deep gratitude to our protective and caring government all these 43 years, The Singapore Song was written in their honor. It is also specially dedicated to Mr & Mrs Lee Kuan Yew.”

It is an irony that being a self-proclaimed “loyal” Singapore citizen, Pastor Tan should be ignorant that our society is built on secularism and social harmony.

Despite his public apology, many netizens remain unsatisfied that he was let off by ISD with only a slap on his wrist.

Pastor Tan should lead by example and relinquish all his positions in Lighthouse Evangelism for he has lost all the moral authority to lead.

The lyrics of the song are as below:

Oh I was born
on a cold and rainy morn
My mama cried as she
held me, frail and small
There was no hope in her eyes
as the enemies swept by
A colony left alone
to bleed and die

Oh it was hard
to endure pain and tyranny
Beneath the load how we
yearned to be free
Then came the day of liberty
when we took our destiny
To build a nation
of strong security

Singapore
I hear your call
All for one and one for all
I stand so tall
Now that I’ve finally survived
I pledge my heart and life
So in this homeland I vow
to live and die

Oh we were born
after the war peacefully
We’ve never known
great suffering and poverty
But we know our fathers’ sacrifice
And what they’ve left behind
A legacy we hold dear
in our lives

Singapore
We hear your call
All for one and one for all
We stand so tall
Now that we’ve finally survived
We pledge our hearts and lives
So in this homeland we vow
to live and die

Weychin SG

February 12, 2010 - Temasek Review

Written by Our Correspondent

Lighthouse Evangelism Pastor Rony Tan who was hauled up by ISD for questioning on Monday over his remarks made about Buddhism and Taoism during a church session, was a diehard PAP fan.

In 2008, he composed and sang a song entitled “The Singapore Song” dedicated solely to the PAP:

“In deep gratitude to our protective and caring government all these 43 years, The Singapore Song was written in their honor. It is also specially dedicated to Mr & Mrs Lee Kuan Yew.”

It is an irony that being a self-proclaimed “loyal” Singapore citizen, Pastor Tan should be ignorant that our society is built on secularism and social harmony.

Despite his public apology, many netizens remain unsatisfied that he was let off by ISD with only a slap on his wrist.

Pastor Tan should lead by example and relinquish all his positions in Lighthouse Evangelism for he has lost all the moral authority to lead.

The lyrics of the song are as below:

Oh I was born
on a cold and rainy morn
My mama cried as she
held me, frail and small
There was no hope in her eyes
as the enemies swept by
A colony left alone
to bleed and die

Oh it was hard
to endure pain and tyranny
Beneath the load how we
yearned to be free
Then came the day of liberty
when we took our destiny
To build a nation
of strong security

Singapore
I hear your call
All for one and one for all
I stand so tall
Now that I’ve finally survived
I pledge my heart and life
So in this homeland I vow
to live and die

Oh we were born
after the war peacefully
We’ve never known
great suffering and poverty
But we know our fathers’ sacrifice
And what they’ve left behind
A legacy we hold dear
in our lives

Singapore
We hear your call
All for one and one for all
We stand so tall
Now that we’ve finally survived
We pledge our hearts and lives
So in this homeland we vow
to live and die

Whether he is sincere or being hypocrite about being grateful is irrelevant to this issue.

Acting to contrary to the interest to our country is the problem!

Fantagf SG

Whether he is sincere or being hypocrite about being grateful is irrelevant to this issue.

Acting to contrary to the interest to our country is the problem!

Actions to incite religious disharmony is a no no.

Weychin SG

Actions to incite religious disharmony is a no no.

This matter is already raised, I hope everbody do not allow themselves to be incited! So long as this will lead people to to be mindful when speaking of others' beliefs.

I hope only to have a point to point rebuttal if possible!

And I hope to be able to emulate the Buddha's dignity and composure when being challenged!

Yes! I am far from it! Often; I let anger and indignation get the best of me!

Fantagf SG

Singapore police sends veiled threat to anonymous netizens posting on the internet

12 Feb 2010

Written by Our Correspondent

Embarrassed by its latest flip-flop in letting the three Singapore Polytechnic students off with only a caution for posting racist remarks on Facebook, the Singapore police now sends a veiled threat to anonymous netizens posting on the internet:

In a brief statement released to the press yesterday, it said:

“The three boys have since apologised for their actions and the offensive online page and forum removed. Police would like to remind the public that it takes a serious view of acts that can threaten the social harmony in Singapore. This includes those who do so hiding behind a shroud of anonymity afforded by the Internet.”

The three were arrested almost immediately following a police report lodged against them by a National Serviceman Mr Prhabagaran who has said that he did not want to see them jailed.

In the aftermath of the arrests which sent shockwaves across cyberspace, the Commander of Bedok Police Division and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Teo Chun Ching said:

“Police take a very stern view of acts that could threaten the social harmony in Singapore. The Internet may be a convenient medium to express one’s views but members of the public should bear in mind that they are no less accountable for their actions online.”

[Source: Straits Times, 4 February 2010]

However, when police reports were lodged against Lighthouse Evangelism Senior Pastor Rony Tan for making disparaging remarks about Buddhism and Taoism a week later, the police did not arrest him as what they did to the three Chinese youths.

Instead, he was hauled up for questioning by the ISD and let off with a slap on the wrist after he apologized to representatives from the Buddhist and Taoist faiths.

With due respect to ACP Teo, the greatest threat to social harmony in Singapore does not come from anonymous netizens who have little credibility or influence, but from religious leaders like Pastor Tan who commands a loyal following.

It is religious leaders who should bear in mind the fact that they are no less accountable for their actions though they are well-established leaders in their respective communities.

In fact, they should be held on to a higher standard precisely because they are in a position of authority to influence others.

The racist remarks made by the three Chinese youths have little impact on the rest of Singapore compared to the outrage triggered by Pastor Tan’s words: who is a greater threat to social harmony in Singapore?

The Singapore police should not pick on “small fries” like anonymous netizens which will make them appear no better than good for nothing bullies. They should target the real culprits who are generating social tension and conflicts in Singapore with their irresponsible, divisive and offensive remarks.

The “release” of the three youths is nothing more than a political move to appease angry Singaporeans and doesn’t change the fact that Pastor Rony Tan was spared the punishment he deserved under the law because:

“A well-established Christian leader being charged under the Sedition Act would send shockwaves through the Christian community and put the community under siege.”

[Source: Straits Times, 12 February 2010]

laurence82 SG

perhaps its the very followers they are afraid of?

not just LE, but NCC and CHC commands such large following

if the government does not take steps to disperse such capability to disrupt national harmony through riot by large group of potential dissenters, there might be a stage where we have church above state and the majority will suffer

Fantagf SG

perhaps its the very followers they are afraid of?

not just LE, but NCC and CHC commands such large following

I am not sure how the govt is taking it that there are many mega churches these days. I wonder if they see it necessary to monitor these churches to see if there is any possiblity of them doing what you mention. Hope after this case, the govt will step on to monitor the religious places.

kcockicht SG

From this act i think gahmen see they can only tok but cannot even act. the three boys, i think gahmen tthink they can fight better than one battalion of pastors

Weychin SG

Hi AEN, would it be possible to import your rebuttal for "Correcting Pastor Rony" , to this thread? If you see fit , maybe edit and put in in a categorical form?

Thanks!

Fantagf SG

February 13, 2010 - Temasek Review

Written by Our Correspondent

In the aftermath of the Rony Tan fiasco, many Singaporeans have been wondering whether he is really sincere about his apologies or that he was forced to apologize under pressure from the ISD.

Lighthouse Evangelism Pastor Rony Tan was hauled up by the ISD for questioning on Monday over the disparaging remarks he made about Buddhism and Taoism during a church session which was video-recorded and widely circulated in cyberspace.

Though police reports had been lodged against him, no action was taken except a warning from the ISD. Many netizens opined that he was let off too easily given his position to influence thousands of people.

Besides Pastor Tan, do other members of his Church share his misinformed views about Buddhism and Taoism? It is chilling that none of them have stepped forward to denounce his remarks yet. Neither did leaders of the other Churches do so.

A reader tipped us off with an email sent by Lighthouse Evangelism to mobilize its members to rally in support of Pastor Rony Tan:

The email revealed that Pastor Rony will be giving his statement at the Miracle Service on 13 February and urged concerned Church members to come and rally behind their “beloved” Pastor. It also advised members to refrain speaking to the press at the Service.

Given the size of Pastor Rony’s congregation and the influence he wields on them, it is little wonder that the authorities dare not take serious action against him.

To quote from The straits Times:

“A well-established Christian leader being charged under the Sedition Act would send shockwaves through the Christian community and put the community under siege.”

But wouldn’t a well-established Christian leader mocking other religions pose a far greater threat to social harmony in Singapore?

Pastor Rony Tan doesn’t deserve any support from his church members. He had made an atrocious mistake and he should retract his statements publicly, admit to his congregation that he had misled them by misrepresenting Buddhism and Taoism and resigned gracefully from his position in Lighthouse Evangelism.

In fact, all the other pastors should also distance themselves from Pastor Rony’s remarks and condemned them in no uncertain terms. That is the only way to assure anxious and worried Singaporeans that Pastor Rony has indeed learnt his lesson and he will not repeat the mistake ever again.

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1. What LKY said to Archbishop Gregory Yong in 1987

2. Is it really necessary for the ISD to deal with Pastor Rony Tan?

3. Public anger against Rony Tan fast turning to PAP

4. Rony Tan’s Facebook closed after being flooded with comments from netizens

5. Rony Tan’s views on homosexuality

6. Perceived double standards in the application of Sedition Act

7. Facebook group set up to demand punishment for Rony Tan

8. VIDEO: Pastor Rony Tan’s comments on Buddhism

9. Hardwarezone forumers up in arms over Pastor Rony Tan’s remarks

10. Pastor Rony Tan issues public apology on his remarks about Buddhism

Spnw07 SG

This matter is already raised, I hope everbody do not allow themselves to be incited! So long as this will lead people to to be mindful when speaking of others' beliefs.

I hope only to have a point to point rebuttal if possible!

And I hope to be able to emulate the Buddha's dignity and composure when being challenged!

Yes! I am far from it! Often; I let anger and indignation get the best of me!

Yes, I wholeheartedly hope to have a point by point rebuttal. My sole purpose is to help both beginner Buddhists and non-Buddhists to understand Buddhism better.

No matter how many times this post gets deleted by the main moderator, I hope that there would be Buddhists among us who will not give up in using the Pastor Rony Tan's issue as a point for meaningful and mature discussion.

I will support any Buddhist who starts or comments in a thread related to Pastor Rony Tan's issue, as long as their intention is to truly help Buddhists and non-Buddhists to understand Buddhist concepts better and to forge racial harmony.

Since the main moderator seems to be deleting related threads without any warning, I hope those who are truly concerned will backup the relevant materials regularly so that similar threads can be re-posted again.

I will do my own backup too to show my support. =)

Dawnfirstlight SG

February 13, 2010 - Temasek Review

Written by Our Correspondent

In the aftermath of the Rony Tan fiasco, many Singaporeans have been wondering whether he is really sincere about his apologies or that he was forced to apologize under pressure from the ISD.

A reader tipped us off with an email sent by Lighthouse Evangelism to mobilize its members to rally in support of Pastor Rony Tan:

Given the size of Pastor Rony’s congregation and the influence he wields on them, it is little wonder that the authorities dare not take serious action against him.

To quote from The straits Times:

“A well-established Christian leader being charged under the Sedition Act would send shockwaves through the Christian community and put the community under siege.”