Freedom of Speech and Freedom to Listen

The concept of freedom of speech carries a lot of cultural baggage. It is perceived variously as a fundamental right of liberal democracies to an unwelcome Western import. Singaporean theologian Roland Chia argues that freedom of speech is crucial for an open society and a "discursive form of democracy", but also that: ...if truth is …

Simulcrum and Shadow: Reviving the ‘Anti-Christ’ Archetype for Geopolitics

The Temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1–13) is a climatic portrait of confrontation between good and evil. Jesus, alone and starving in the wilderness, was confronted by the Devil who in a series of increasingly seductive snares, promised him food, immunity from death, and finally domination over humanity. The Devil figure quoted Scriptures (Psalms …

Generous Orthodoxy: A Better Unity than Conformity

Last year, Singaporean theologian Dr Roland Chia penned an articulate polemic on progressive Christianity, one that contrasted the vices of progressivism with 'historic' Christianity. The timing of the article is likely prompted by winds of change in Singapore's Christian culture, as progressive Christianity has in recent years made small gains within the Singaporean church. Dr …