Can we ever debate whether religion is right or wrong, which is
right, which is more right and which does not make sense.
We debate about all kinds of things like NTUC trolley, foreign
workers, maid and politics. But when it comes to religion, we
cannot debate and there is NO right or wrong in whatever religion
you choose, always going by the reason of personal choice.
However, religion is not merely a personal choice. It has
overwhelming effect on community and world. Another way religion is
immune from debate is its message of peace and interfaith respect
and tolerance.
Yes, peace, tolerance and respect is good virtues, most of the
time, but we cannot always shield religion from debate about its
truth of its belief and avoid talking, communicating, and
discussing whether what they say about certain beliefs are true or
myth, because giving these topic immunity status will affect the
society because countries are not just physical stuff but also
built upon mental belief of its people.
We should not trivialise other religion, says SM goh.... I
think... i can accept that... i did not ask people to trivialise...
but appeal for more debate.... LIke any other topics or issues
other than religion... we should not also trivialize the other
party beliefs......
ONE MAIN reason why religion dicussion on the truth of its
beliefs and theories is not promoted by countries is because of the
possiblity of racial riots, religions clashes, and violence
outbreak.... I agree that historical and also in the present and
future.. there were and will be many violence that may be due to
disrespect for other religions and disagreements and the inability
to contain people feelings. But to be worried by such fears of
violence and thus do not debate about some parts of religion is
just a time delaying tactic which does not solve a root problem and
also create some troubles.
When can a country have the maturity to discuss about religion,
analyse it , give opinions and views , although they may be
different without breaking out into name calling and trivializing
and eventually escalating into street vioelnce in the worst case
scenarios? If a country cannot reah such maturity.. and have to use
the bandage method which is to disallowing debate of correctness of
beliefs and instead foucs on interfaith peace and respect of
religions, i think the society cannot progress that much.