To the Church in Singapore write…

16 September 2023

By Ps Dev Menon

Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard what Jesus said to the 7 churches. He addressed their unique circumstances, highlighted both their failings and strengths, and called them to repent and hold fast to His Name. But I wonder, what would He say to the current Singapore Church? 

Pew Research Center just published some rather curious data about Singaporean Christians[1]. 
Let me share with you some of the findings:

  1. Christianity makes up 19% of the national population. Around 6% were not raised Christian. 
  2. 90% of Christian parents actively raise their children with the Christian faith.
  3. 82% of Singaporean Christians think religion is something you choose. Yet 40-50% still maintain it is a family tradition or even see it as an ethnicity. 
  4. 46% of Christians think that ‘karma’ exists. 15% still burn incense. 6% visited a medium.
  5. 21% of Christians use special objects to ensure God’s blessing or protection. 
  6. Only 61% of Christians think their religion is very important in their lives. 
  7. 39% of Christians feel it is not acceptable to persuade others to join the faith. 
  8. 49% of Christians think many religions can be true, and mine is not the only true religion.
  9. 96% of Christians believe in heaven, 86% believe in hell, 87% in judgment day. 
  10. 89% of Christians say that Singaporean culture and values are compatible with our beliefs. 

This is just a sample of the data – but what do you think? Based on our unique circumstances, what would Jesus say to the Singapore Church? “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

PS: Do pray for the Zion Bishan leaders as we meet together on 7th October for a retreat to seriously reflect on these Words together. 

[1] Buddhism, Islam and Religious Pluralism in South and Southeast Asia, 12th Sept 2023. This study was conducted by interviewing 13,122 adults across 6 countries, including Singapore – either by phone or face to face. The questionnaires were developed by academic experts, focus groups and in-depth interviews.

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