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Written on February 6, 2010 by Christopher Ong

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Video of Pastor making rounds

(photo credits:YouTube)

Singapore — A series of videos of Pastor Rony, from Lighthouse Evangelism Church in Singapore, interviewing a Buddhist convert in church have been making its rounds around the internet.

Entitled on Youtube as ‘Pastor Rony Blasts Buddhism’, this series of videos have provoked a strong response from the netizens — from Christians and Buddhists alike.

Given that two youths from Singapore were recently arrested by the police for posting seditious and racist comments on a Facebook group that could have possibly started off as a light-hearted joke, this to some may not be thought of as a mere expression of difference in faith.

If it did succeed in threatening the social fabric of Singapore, then it may come as no laughing matter.

In Hardwarezone’s popular ‘Eat-Drink-Man-Woman’ forum, a regular commentator Haoki said: “Religion is a faith where one seek solace spiritually.”

“If you dont believe in other religions, that’s your view point and I think everyone is fine with that,”

“I dont understand why certain people have to stoop to this level by blasting and ridiculing other religions.”

Another commentator in the Hardwarezone forum was also clearly offended by the video.

“Buddhism taught me to respect other religions,” he said.

“But my blood is boiling… (I) need to calm down.”

This series of videos went to the extent of being posted on our Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Yeo’s Facebook profile.

Eugene Goh, who posted the link on the Minister’s account, questioned if this video was inconsistent with Singapore’s “efforts to promote racial and religious harmony” and asked what could the “authorities do against people like this” who “denigrate other religions with factually inaccuate comments?”

However, there were some others who insisted that there was nothing wrong with the interviews.

Pavin Limanont, who commented after Eugene’s posting of the video, argued that Pastor Rony did not infringe Singapore’s acts on Religious and Racial Harmony.

“The Pastor was basically conducting a Q&A with a member of the congregation (like what Larry King does) and none of its contents, in this context of discourse, are vitriolic in nature,” he said.

“Most of what he has presented makes sense.”

But others, such as William Teo had this to say.

“When a religious leader invites a speaker to share about their experiences on other religions. Does he has the duty of care to ensure that there is minimal misrepresentation of the other religion?”

“Is it acceptable for me to invite an ex-Christian who doesn’t even read his Bible to share his experiences about Christianity?” he asked.

Given that religious leaders serve as an important figurehead for their own congregation, all would have an significant role to play to ensure that misconceptions of other religions or races are not perpetuated in their own religious services.

This is particularly so as maintaining religious and racial harmony is a key factor to preserving the social fabric of Singapore.

Even the most ardent Christian, Buddhist or Muslim would have to rub shoulders with another of a different faith in their daily lives. Harbouring misconceptions of other faiths, beliefs or even culture would certainly be a cause for potential friction in these interactions.

No actions have been taken since this video was posted online.

Discuss: What are your thoughts after seeing the videos? Seditious or offensive comments will be moderated. Please exercise responsibility.

607219 CommentsVideo+of+Pastor+making+rounds2010-02-06+06%3A01%3A13Christopher+Ong on "Video of Pastor making rounds"

Deborah Hsu on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 1:24 pm

It is "religious" people like this Pastor who give true believers (of any religion) a bad name. His comments about Nirvana shows that he has no inkling of what the other religions are about and the degoratory manner of his comments reflect his lack of basic human courtesy, let alone class and maturity. The poor convert, if his body language tells us anything, is extreme discomfort. His choice of words is obviously quite scripted. But I find consolation from the decreasing laughter from the congregation as the "interview" goes on, demonstrating that the congregation too, is not comfortable with the comments made by the Pastor.

For the record, I am an atheist in an extended family of Christians, Catholics, Buddhists, Taoists and agnostics too.

Chris Ong on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 4:52 pm

Hi Deborah,
Thanks for your comment!
Yes the interviewing is disconcerting even for a Christian like me. I doubt that his interview was done on a sincere attempt to better understand another religion by calling upon one of its former believers in the shape of an 'ex-monk'. I didn't pick up on the audience response bit so thank you for pointing that out.
Cheers
Chris

michael on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 4:52 am

We must accept that there are hundred of millions of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims, etc .it is the duty of spiritual leaders to point to this fact that there are differents spiritual paths. To claim one's own beliefs as the only path within your own church is hardly surpising . But to video the sharing, and ridicule other beliefs ( in this case Buddhism ) as inferior shows a complete lack of appreciation and a total contempt for others' belief. This shows a bigoted, parochial view. All religions would teach respect for other believers. The actual proof of spirituality of religious practitioners lies in his behaviour as a human being – to connect people people together . What I saw on the video was that of degrading and belittling the Buddhist faith. Such practice leads to religious disharmony.The blasting of buddhism has caused a lot of hurt and anger. We live in a interdependent , interconnected world where diversity is the rule . If we all dig deep enough into our life of spirituality , in the deeper recess of our inner universe – there is no boundaries , no label called budhism , christianity, hindu etc but a common humanity called life which is common to all of us.

Michael

Jeremiah on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 1:24 am

I believe for the sake of long term religious harmony in view of growing religiosity in Singapore, the Govt should step in & set the OB marker for preachers of all faiths.

That is:- Preach all you want of your OWN religion, refrain & avoid inter-religion comparison if you cannot conduct one with respect & a reasonable understanding.

The argument that it's ok as it is wihtin the church holds no water – this video was on the church website for all & sundry to watch before this furore caused it to be removed – this move itself very telling.

Just like top salespeople are passionate & totally focused on the merits of their own goods & services, without having to badmouth or deride his rivals' offerings.

The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Daily SG: 8 Feb 2010 on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 11:33 am

[...] Religion – The Kent Ridge Common: Video of Pastor making rounds [...]

sloo on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 12:00 pm

My problem is the fact that the congregation and church goers will take the pastor’s words as the absolutue truth in the matter. And when these people go out about in their daily lives and behave according to these truths, esp when the pastor deginerates another faith, can u imagine what conflict will arise?
The argument from preaching in private spaces does not hold; it just like religious fanatics preaching to their faithful in a scared instituitions and then these faithful going out and committing terrorist acts based on their beliefs. So whois to blame? And how is this not causing friction in ouor multi-religious society.

Vincent on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 5:01 am

Hi, guys/gals,
Don't take this pastor serious. If we do, then that what exactly he intended. Belittle other religion. These are people in our midst, which I called religious, but not spiritual. They go around telling the superiority of their religion. And belittle others to look bigger.
What he did is good for a few laughter from his crowd. But believe me, after this his flock, after soul searching, will know he had belittle them as well.

LCC on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 2:54 pm

According to Channel 8 news earlier on, the Ministry of Home Affairs have warned the pastor in question regarding the videos and the remarks he made about them. The pastor has released a statement on his website saying: "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".

Chris Ong on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 3:15 pm

Hey guys,
I've been following the news with interest. Just heard about the official apology from Pastor Rony from my family; haven't had the chance to read the report on it yet. I'll be working on a follow-up story in the next few days, keep reading The Kent Ridge Common. We broke the news here first!
Cheers
Chris

Jason on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 11:42 pm

This is not the first time in recent memory that a pastor was made to apologise for comments made that some would deem insensitive.

Will an apology ever be enough? Well it depends. Some Christian-bashers would say no and moderate Christians would say yes.

Still, the pastor did in the end tried closure by issuing a public apology after being persuaded to. That is a small positive development in perspective.

LCC on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 3:51 pm

CNA: Pastor's comments on Buddhism/Taoism "inappropriate and unacceptable": MHA

Chris Ong on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 4:02 pm

Thanks for the link, LCC! The report just got published 10 minutes.

As I am reading the threads on Hardwarezone, some are still unhappy despite the official apology from Pastor Rony Tan. This is in part because of the two kids that got arrested and charged for making racist remarks on a Facebook group. Some are just wondering whether a pre-planned and structured denigration of another religion should result in a harsher punishnment.

What do you guys think?

Cheers
Chris

Chris Ong on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 4:02 pm

The report just got published 10 minutes ago, I mean :)

asian on Wed, 10th Feb 2010 12:23 am

The pastor is only asking questions to an ex-buddhist. He's not making fun of any other religion, and isn't being intentionally offensive. Some people in the audience laugh – that's their problem. I've heard LYK say things that are more offensive/

Bottom line – you don't like it? Then don't watch it… If you're stupid enough to watch something you know is going to upset you then you have no right to complain.

Joeana on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 8:36 am

Pastor Rony Tan Blasts Buddhist Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIrtk5V_t-Q

Pastor Rony Tan Blasts Buddhist Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKBzyatd880

Pastor Rony Tan Blasts Buddhist Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEfQwBu5ZWE

Pastor Rony Tan Blasts Buddhist Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4wKGg4mJ1g

humanist girl on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 10:13 am

asian, you said:

"Bottom line – you don't like it? Then don't watch it… If you're stupid enough to watch something you know is going to upset you then you have no right to complain."

The issue here is not whether a sensitive soul takes offence at the nature of the remarks within the videos, but the fact that the good pastor (whether wilfully or negligently) misrepresented the core principles of another faith, in order to strengthen his flock's adherence to their religion.

I agree that no one has should complain against everything and anything which they deem offensive.

But where there is untruth and misrepresentation, then everyone who knows better has a right, even a duty, to actively rebut them.

anon on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 9:16 pm

Asian are you serious? not making fun? How about the hundreds of people in his congregation that would believe him just because he represents God in their eyes? it is a fact that he is misrepresenting another religion over here. Either maliciously calculated or through sheer ignorance that i dont know. DO you think the people sitting in the audience can switch off. Do you think our society having to bear with hundreds of people walking around the streets of Singapore with Untruth and perverted views of another religion can switch off?

The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 07 on Sat, 13th Feb 2010 12:46 pm

[...] Rony Recants – The Kent Ridge Common: Video of Pastor making rounds – The Temasek Review: ISD called up Lighthouse Evangelism Pastor Rony Tan over his remarks about [...]

Perry on Mon, 19th Apr 2010 8:54 pm

Pastor Rony is an exception. I do note that his actions does not represent all the other pastors in Singapore. However, I do believe that the misrepresentation of facts is uncalled for. What is the true intention for the interview? Is it to blemish other religion to make Christianity more superior so that the people in the audience can convert more of their Buddhist friends into being a Christian and coming to services in Lighthouse Evangelism Church.

I am a Buddhist myself and my father being a Christian. We are able to hold discussion of our religion without resorting to saying which religion is better. I evaluate his words and determine for myself. There is not stress put upon me to make me choose one religion over the other. And I think THIS should be something that influential speakers like Pastor Rony should adopt.

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