The HSS president Mark Kwan calls for dialogue to be conducted between different religious groups instead of relying on the law and the police to settle differences

We should all learn to talk it out

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said he is confident that Singaporeans will react to the video clip on YouTube entitled Innocence of Muslims in a calm, rational manner.

The Humanist Society (Singapore) supports this approach to resolving disputes. We are proud that Singapore’s education and security systems have not only prevented religious conflict here but also ensured that the non-religious can live safely.

Singapore should not rest on its laurels. The Internet has enabled access to a multitude of religious and philosophical beliefs. Arguments over different interpretations and beliefs will increase, especially online.

Calling the police for every statement that appears offensive is neither practical nor productive.

We can strengthen religious harmony if we learn to regulate disputes through social dialogue, and in the event of a disagreement, agree to disagree.

Religious belief is a deeply personal matter that cannot be forced upon, and we should respect the right of others to believe or not to believe.

For version of article published in the TODAY, email us.

A letter written by a HSS member, Balach Hussain, to Today Voices explaining the real meaning of secularism in responses to concerns over ‘militant secularism’. Original letter submitted to the press: [Read more…]

A letter written by our President Paul Tobin in responses to negative mention of “godlessness” in ST Saturday special which suggested that godlessness is cause of teenage gang activity. Here’s are two screenshots of the ST feature:

In response, Paul explained in the absence of religion, one can be moral too.

Published version can be found on this blog (you need to scroll down): http://xinkaishi.typepad.com/a_new_start/2010/12/trends-discernible-from-st-forum-letters-in-one-day.html

Original copy:

Godlessness not necessarily a bad thing

In the article “Making Faith Cool”, published Section D of the Saturday 27th November 2010 edition of the Straits Times, it was written in the standfirst that religious groups are “determined not to lose a generation to godlessness, especially now with youth gangs in the news.” Senior reporter Lee Siew Hua also wrote in the article that “what is at stake” is the potential of losing the youth to “cynicism, violence and even fanaticism”.

These remarks may be misconstrued as prejudice against those without any religious affiliation.  The last census in 2000 shows that roughly 15% of Singaporeans do not have any religious affiliation.  Her suggestion essentially claims that this group, “the godless”, are cynical and prone to violence. As a society for non-believers, the Humanist Society (Singapore), rejects such suggestions.

The reality in societies around the world is that there is either no difference between non-believing youth and the religious youth in their propensity toward violence or there is actually higher levels of violence among those who identify themselves as “religious” or “faithful.”   [See, for instance, the studies cited in Michael Shermer’s book “The Science of Good and Evil” 2004 pp. 235-236]

As for cynicism, there is certainly no correlation between non-belief and a cynical attitude. Many non-believers are involved in the world around them, trying to make it a more humane, compassionate place. The two largest charitable donations in the history of the world were by atheists: Warren Buffett and Bill Gates donated US$30 billion and US$11 billion of their wealth respectively to the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, a charitable organization whose main goals are to enhance healthcare and reduce poverty worldwide. This writer personally knows many non-believers, people who identify as humanists, atheists and agnostics, who regularly donates to charity and/or do volunteer work for various humanitarian causes.

The misinformation in Ms. Lee’s article shows why The Humanist Society (Singapore) has an important informative role. One of our main goals is to show the society at large that one does not need to have a religion in order to lead a good, happy and meaningful life and to have compassion for our fellow human beings.

For version of article published in the ST, email us.

New Asia Republic interviewed Mr Paul Tobin, founding President on Singapore. Article published on Nov 12, 2010.

The Wake of Reason: Enter the Humanist Society in Singapore

By Gwee Li Sui

The shape of Singapore’s secular space is changing. This is inevitable in view of several factors: the general development of any secular society; the demands of a multi-cultural and multi-religious sphere; the rise of religious fervour in recent decades; and the existing threat of fundamentalism. [Read more…]

This is an article published on the IHEU website on 29 October 2010, shortly after the formation of the Humanist Society (Singapore).

Humanist Society Starts in Singapore

IHEU is pleased to announce the formation of a Humanist group in Singapore. The Humanist Society, which was officially recognized by the government of Singapore on 6 October 2010, is the first society in Singapore to specifically cater for people with no religious affiliation. [Read more…]