Archives for April 2015

Recently, we have been asked by members of the public and press about our views on meditation, a practice that is getting popular in Singapore. The mental practice is thousands of years old, and can be found in many religious traditions.

From the Society’s point of view, the practice of meditation has been shown to be beneficial psychologically by various studies. This article by Psychology Today compiles a list of scientific studies showing how meditation can be beneficial for your health, happiness and self-control. A 2003 study showed that a short program in mindfulness meditation produces demonstrable effects on brain and immune function.

While some might find the effects temporary, others have achieved a better quality of life, due to relaxation and stress reduction and relaxation. For patients with chronic pain and anxiety, there is evidence that meditation does reduce suffering and increase well being. [Read more…]

Admin note: This is a republished article from a newsletter by the Atheist Alliance International. It provides information for the non-religious seeking asylum from religious prosecution. Singapore has rejected asylum seekers in the past, citing its small size and limited resources. For asylum seekers in Southeast Asia, the nearest help available is the UNHCR Regional Representative in Thailand

ATHEISM & ASYLUM

By Stuart Bechman
Membership Director, AAI
membership@atheistalliance.org

One of the more persistent issues that we experience on an ongoing basis at Atheist Alliance International is the influx of emails from atheists in Muslim countries who have been “outed” to their family and/or neighbors and who are now seeking a way to leave their country to avoid ostracization, physical harm and/or incarceration.

It’s a problem that AAI has been discussing for some time.  As it turns out, most western countries readily recognize atheists as a first-tier persecuted minority, especially in “Muslim” countries. Such status usually provides a ‘fast-track’ in many host countries to granting asylum. However, without an international support group to assist them, few atheists are ever able to make their case for asylum.

There are, of course, plenty of organizations that seek to help persecuted Christians, Jews, other religious sects; but because they focus on their own communities, persecuted atheists are essentially invisible.

However, most people who leave or reject Islam are not looking for a replacement religion.  Most who leave Islam do so because they have developed a secular outlook. So it’s ironic that often the only option for outed atheists to get help is to adopt another religion (sincerely or otherwise) to get any emigration support services. [Read more…]