Nice things come in simple packages

Even as the year comes to a close, it’s not too late to visit the Centenary exhibition of the Singapore Anglican Diocese at the St Andrew’s Cathedral Welcome Centre. Titled “His Glory, His Name, His Honour”, the FREE exhibition features the history of how the Anglican movement in Singapore progressed from being subsumed under the Indian order to become an independent Diocese with 26 churches and 6 overseas deaneries all over Southeast Asia.





Among the most interesting exhibits are the Charters signed by Queen Victoria, the historical timeline of Anglican movement in Singapore and the historical artefacts they found in an archaeological dig before they built the St Andrew’s Cathedral Welcome Centre and the basement annex. It was really fascinating to think of how Christianity was brought to this part of the world by the guns and diplomacy of the British colonialists. In any case, I am pretty sure along the way there were more than a few kind hearted missionaries (as compared to the shrewd British businessmen and politicians) who didn’t mixed their religion with politics.

Most inspiring was the simple but elegant portrayal of the selfless missionary work done by the Anglicans in the past 100 years, including setting up schools, orphanages, hospitals and hospices. Although they continue to serve society today alongside sectarian establishments, but one can only wonder the importance of their work during the pre-independence where such social services were lacking. I will let the pictures do the talking.

The Death Penalty and Yong Vui Kong

There are a few things running around in blogosphere and although they seem to be one issue, it’s really better to treat them as separate and argue their merits separately. Lumping them together will only dilute the message:

1) Those who are anti-death penalty in all circumstances
2) Those who are anti-death penalty for drug related offences
3) Those who are anti-MANDATORY death penalty for drug offences
4) Those who pity Yong Vui Kong and hopes that he will be spared

Personally, I am mixed on such a grave issue, but precisely because of its graveness there appears to be no room for fence-sitters. Honestly, I think the strong deterrence factor of the death penalty does have its merits especially in today’s chaotic world. Naturally, deterrence is not the only factor in the low number of violent crimes/murder/kidnaps/armed offences that we have in Singapore. A lot of the credit has to go to the effective police force because the strongest deterrence is to know that the likelihood of getting caught is high. I dare say, almost gingerly, that, at least in the case of Singapore, a strong judicial system in tandem with an effective law enforcement agency has resulted in a safe and peaceful society.

Even the Christians ourselves are not agreeable on the death penalty – some say “Thou shall not murder” whereas others say “Thou shall not kill”. In actual fact, there are numerous mentions of instances in the Bible whereby certain offences, like murder, incest, adultery and even stealing (kidnapping to be precise), warrant the death penalty, but on the other hand, we have Jesus admonishing us to “turn the other cheek” and “may he who has not sin cast the first stone”. Was Jesus’ conduct, or at least the retelling of Jesus’ conduct, meant to accentuate his benevolence? What’s the Lord’s stance on death penalty? Is it as written in Romans 13:3-4 – He (Govt) is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath – does it apply to secular societies like ours? But if we return to one of the key text of Christianity, i.e. The Ten Commandments, it clearly says that certain crimes are punishable by death.

So is the death penalty applicable drug trafficking? Considering the adverse effects of drugs and that drugs are highly addictive, I would say that any proponent of death penalty in drugs offences would have many supporters. Some might even argue that the destructive effects of drugs are equivalent to murder (overdose and AIDS), adultery and abducting away loved ones. From government’s point of view, the death penalty and effective enforcement are cornerstones which have kept Singapore relatively free from drugs and its gang-related activities, so why change something that is working.

If that's the case, how can we refine it? Would an increase in weight of narcotics that warrants the death penalty be more humane? Or would it dilute the harsh message that Singapore wants to send out? It seems to me to please neither camp. How about a minimum age for traffickers that can be sentenced to death? That would only make drug bosses use younger mules.

One way of refining the law would be removing the mandatory death sentence and I support this motion. In fact, most of those hanged in Singapore prisons are drug traffickers and Yong Vui Kong would unlikely be the last sad tale behind bars. With its removal, the judge can exercise discretion and compassion when sentencing, whereas currently the judge’s hands are bounded and would have to pass the death sentence if the offender is found to be guilty. Unless their refusal to remove mandatory death penalty stems from the desire to be necessarily draconian and to exonerate the judges from the burden of discretion and making precedence.

Also noteworthy is the fact that drug trafficking is not the only mandatory death penalty offence in Singapore. Murder is another one and we often find that prosecutors seek a lesser charge than murder, for e.g. culpable homicide or manslaughter. Perhaps for a surer conviction due to the lack of evidence, but it is also because different sections of the penal code can be applied to the same act. Are such lesser charges options applicable to drug traffickers who are young/caught in extenuating circumstances?

Finally, for those who sympathize with Yong, although he has another chance with the Court of Appeals, his chances are very slim indeed. After the refusal of clemency from the President, who had consulted the decision with the Cabinet, it seems very unlikely that the courts would rule very differently. If you will, join me in a prayer for Yong and may Yong and his family be strong come what may. It’s sad to see such a young life wasted because of careless youthful exuberance.

I ALone

Was re-listening to some of my old cds and came upon one of my most cherished albums during school days. Throwing Copper by Live. Hah, I think I was pretty much a grunge head back then. In fact, I have the cassette and the CD. Anyway there is this particular song titled "I Alone"...I was struck by its lyrics and how different it means to me now as before. Back then it was just a love song, like how that someone just make you think utterly depressing thoughts. But there I was lounging in my chair that I came to understand the full meaning of the song (at least to me it felt that way). Ed Kowalczyk, the Live frontman, was actually talking about his relationship with God and the pastors.

"It's easier not to be wise and measure these things by your brains,"..."it's easier not to be great and measure these things by your eyes"...cause' God knows better and he may have something else lined up. How can measure his greatness using our human senses?!

"And the greatest of teachers won't hesistate to leave you.."...Religion and Truth must be sought and practiced by oneself, the teachers and pastors can only guide you so much. Ultimately we are all chained to fate - we have to be responsible for our own study and subsequent actions. Religion and our relationship with God though framed by the Church and community is very much a personal one...we will receive the Judgment one day.

And of course, the I Alone in this is actually God...he do the things he does not to struck fear in us but to show us the right way and in doing so love us and safe us. FEAR IS NOT THE END OF THIS!

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I Alone - Live

it's easier not to be wise
and measure these things by your brains
I sank into Eden with you
alone in the church by and by
I'll read to you here, save your eyes
you'll need them, your boat is at sea
your anchor is up, you've been swept away
and the greatest of teachers won't hesitate
to leave you there, by yourself, chained to fate

I alone love you
I alone tempt you
I alone love you
fear is not the end of this!

it's easier not to be great
and measure these things by your eyes
we long to be here by his resolve
alone in the church by and by
to cradle the baby in space
and leave you there by yourself chained to fate

I alone love you
I alone tempt you
I alone love you
fear is not the end of this!

oh, now, we took it back too far,
only love can save us now,
all these riddles that you burn
all come runnin' back to you,
all these rhythms that you hide
only love can save us now,
all these riddles that you burn

I alone love you
I alone tempt you
I alone love you
fear is not the end of this!