ST Forum contributor complains about "religious touting"
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The following letter was published in the Straits Times today. I quite agree with the views of the forum writer, as I've been bothered a number of times out-of-the-blue by proselytisers when I was still studying (some years back)...and I always find it quite uncomfortable, especially when a few are too persistent when even when I tell them I'm not free.
The article below taken from:
http://www.straitstimes.com/print/ST...ry_226394.html
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Let's respect a person's private space in public
I WAS sitting alone in my school canteen one afternoon when a girl came up to me and asked if I had time to spare. Yes, it was yet another get-to-know-God session.
I'm sorry if this sounds impolite, but I've had enough of such encounters in school and other public places.
I find the increasingly noticeable trend by Singaporeans to proselytise in public worrying.
It is not uncommon when one is sitting alone outside Starbucks, or on a bench in school, to find oneself being approached by some stranger who starts introducing his or her concept of religion.
It may be acceptable to spread one's religion by setting up a booth at Orchard Road, putting up a website, or distributing fliers but it should not go further.
Proselytising in school is too much. I am well aware that these people mean well, and feel intensely about their beliefs and that good things are meant to be shared. I feel the same way about my religion too but I do not do what they do because it is not the right way to share my beliefs.
Such get-to-know-God sessions are undemocratic because they indirectly convey the message that a person feels his religion is superior to the beliefs of others, and that others should therefore switch.
It is also intrusive especially if courtesy requires one to listen when one wishes to turn away. I am glad that my friends, who are of a different religion, do not try to convert me.
Religious freedom does include the right not to be annoyed by someone who over-enthusiastically tries to promote his or her beliefs.
Tolerance and acceptance have their limits.
I believe that the only way for a person to win respect for himself and his beliefs is for that person to be a good person first.
He should embody the values which his beliefs teach him, and prove the strength of love through actions, not sermons.
Show me that your beliefs make you a better person, and that your religion makes you care for the world; that is all you need to do.
After encountering one too many sessions in public, I think that there perhaps should be a law to ban such religious touting.
By
Wee Feng Yi (Ms) -
MOE has already stressed that proselytising in school is not allowed.
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ONe particular religion is into all this as they are told to preach and save souls. As long as they don't harass and force anyone into accepting, it is fine.
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some entites badly need the memberships & $$$$ to sustain their out of this world dream to reach that Man up there
btw...did He say must preach to Him in aircon??
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sch ar.
u mean in poly or uni is it?
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No big deal lah.... Just say No, go back to doing what you are doing, ignore them and they will go away. Not as though they put a knife to your throat and force you to listen.
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one fucking religion like to do all tis one la
like fucking assholes
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me once in a while will kena one lor
if i free i entertain them a bit... or i will try to �怜 them.... or even help them see the light....
but if i not free they can just 放� all they want lah
ä½ çˆ¸æˆ‘ got more impt things to do -
Originally posted by FireIce:
me once in a while will kena one lor
if i free i entertain them a bit... or i will try to �怜 them.... or even help them see the light....
but if i not free they can just 放� all they want lah
ä½ çˆ¸æˆ‘ got more impt things to do
ur gender is male or female or shemale ? -
I used to see members of the megachurches in my school distributing literature.
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i hate bein touted by dos sales promoters in guardian.
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Originally posted by Hello Kitty:
i hate bein touted by dos sales promoters in guardian.
we all know they r lau anuties -
either lao aunties wif freckles.
or young gers but malaysians.