The following letter was published in the Straits Times today. I
quite agree with the views of the forum writer, as I've been
bothered a number of times out-of-the-blue by proselytisers
when I was still studying (some years back)...and I always find it
quite uncomfortable, especially when a few are too persistent when
even when I tell them I'm not free.
The article below taken from:
http://www.straitstimes.com/print/ST...ry_226394.html
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Let's respect a person's private space in
public
I WAS sitting alone in my school canteen one afternoon when a girl
came up to me and asked if I had time to spare. Yes, it was yet
another get-to-know-God session.
I'm sorry if this sounds impolite, but I've had enough of such
encounters in school and other public places.
I find the increasingly noticeable trend by Singaporeans to
proselytise in public worrying.
It is not uncommon when one is sitting alone outside Starbucks, or
on a bench in school, to find oneself being approached by some
stranger who starts introducing his or her concept of
religion.
It may be acceptable to spread one's religion by setting up a booth
at Orchard Road, putting up a website, or distributing fliers but
it should not go further.
Proselytising in school is too much. I am well aware that these
people mean well, and feel intensely about their beliefs and that
good things are meant to be shared. I feel the same way about my
religion too but I do not do what they do because it is not the
right way to share my beliefs.
Such get-to-know-God sessions are undemocratic because they
indirectly convey the message that a person feels his religion is
superior to the beliefs of others, and that others should therefore
switch.
It is also intrusive especially if courtesy requires one to listen
when one wishes to turn away. I am glad that my friends, who are of
a different religion, do not try to convert me.
Religious freedom does include the right not to be annoyed by
someone who over-enthusiastically tries to promote his or her
beliefs.
Tolerance and acceptance have their limits.
I believe that the only way for a person to win respect for himself
and his beliefs is for that person to be a good person first.
He should embody the values which his beliefs teach him, and prove
the strength of love through actions, not sermons.
Show me that your beliefs make you a better person, and that your
religion makes you care for the world; that is all you need to
do.
After encountering one too many sessions in public, I think that
there perhaps should be a law to ban such religious touting.
By
Wee Feng Yi (Ms)
