The Humanist Society responded to two forum letters, one by Mr Samuel Tan (Deeper understanding of different religious beliefs bolsters society, Dec 2) and another by Youth Forum writer Zaqeerul Iman Shamshul Qamar (Parents should give kids a chance to discover their own religious beliefs, Nov 29).
Read our Straits Times Article here.
Both authors had called for stronger public awareness of religion, citing the following reasons:
For example, Mr Samuel said that religion brings social goods like improved mental well-being, transcendental purpose, and a stable worldview grounded in values. As a society, he said we need to rediscover the benefits that religion has for nation-building, and that religiosity is integral to our progress and identity. Mr Zaqeerul Iman Shamshul Qamar said that religion should be explored, discovered and sought after, not imposed. When a teenager encounters challenges in life and starts seeking out solutions on a spiritual level, he would be able to appreciate the true value of religion, and practise it with joy and passion.
The Humanist Society wrote in and added these points:
- The proportion of non-religious Singaporeans has grown to 20 per cent of the resident population.
- Non-religious people have diverse world views. Some philosophical schools of thought such as scepticism and virtue ethics date back thousands of years.
- Any effort to improve public understanding of religious diversity should include information on philosophies that inform the world views of many irreligious people.
- Commending the efforts of many interfaith organizations to include non-religious Singaporeans in their dialogues.
If article cannot be found, below is original draft:
Interfaith efforts to include the non-religious is commendable
I agree with several points made by Mr Samuel Tan (Forum: Deeper understanding of different religious beliefs bolsters society, Dec 2) and Youth Forum writer Mr Zaqeerul Iman Shamshul Qamar (Parents should give kids a chance to discover their own religious beliefs, Nov 29).
Indeed, we need to understand each religion’s origin, beliefs and worldview, going beyond just tolerating differences. And because our deepest views take root in our formative years, the Youth Forum writer is right that people should be given the opportunity to learn about other religions from a young age.
As of the last census in 2020, the proportion of non-religious Singaporeans has grown to 20 percent of the resident population. The growth in non-religious populations is a global trend in many countries, driven by a multitude of socioeconomic factors and not missionary activity.
Non-religious people have diverse worldviews and some philosophical schools of thought date back thousands of years, such as skepticism and virtue ethics. Secular humanism itself has centuries of history. Today, non-religious people come from all walks of life. Many of them donate to charities and contribute positively to nation-building.
Any effort to improve public understanding of religious diversity should include information on non-religious philosophies that inform the worldviews of many irreligious people. Religious harmony will not be complete if the non-religious do not have a place in Singapore’s narrative.
I commend the efforts of many interfaith organisations to include non-religious Singaporeans to their dialogues. Several non-religious Singaporeans have become regular dialogue participants and even interfaith facilitators. The Humanist Society (Singapore), a registered NGO for the non-religious, has been a regular participant of such dialogues.
Attending interfaith dialogues is an excellent way to improve understanding of different worldviews.
Cheng Chee Hoew
Committee Member
Humanist Society Singapore
