How not to get drunk on China Wine

In my previous post, I wrote about how Flyervision Eentertainment, an events company linked to the City Harvest Church, was mixing its religious mission and secular business. This resulted in Eric Moo being criticised for preaching at a secular concert organised by Flyervision. In the long term, this would actually make non-Christians more suspicious of Christianity. The next time they hear anything remotely related to Christ, they would instinctively think, "IS THIS GUY TRYING TO SNEAKILY PUSH ME THE BIBLE?"

The holy work of spreading the Glad Tidings should be based on open communications, correct speech, charity and volunteer work and constant involvement in the community to better our society. When others see our good work, they can also see the positive influence that the Bible bring. Let's leave it up to them to decide.

As the CHC financial scandal hits the headlines, it is worthwhile to look at how they have conceived Project Crossover. Click here to read more. Crossover is the vehicle used to promote Sun Ho secular singing career even though I don't understand how sometimes dance hits like China Wine can further the Christian way of life. Maybe I am too old-fashioned? CHC leaders including her husband, Kong Hee, have been charged with misappropriating money amounting to $50m and channeling this money to Crossover illegally.

Reading carefully, the Eric Moo case is not the first time that such offshoots of traditional Christianity tries to sneak in proselytizing during a secular event. CHC seems to be quite prone to such tactics. Using pop songs, lights, dance and fashion, it is convenient to mask over this very important decision of converting to Christianity at the altar. It is such a serious change in lifestyle, the outlook, the habits, the psychology even...I think the Bible should be spread the good old way through Biblical lessons and preaching by an old school pastor. Song and dance is good but not too much of it.

Excerpt from CHC Project Crossover: 

In 2002, Sun recorded her first Chinese pop album, Sun With Love. She held her first pop concert in the biggest indoor arena in downtown Taipei, the National Taipei Sports Complex. The team worked with a small Taipei church, New Life Church, which had about 200 members then. “Nobody was sure if anybody was even going to turn up,” said Kong. On the first night, the 4,200-seater stadium was jam-packed, with thousands more watching on big screen projectors outside. It was estimated that 80 percent of the audience had never been to church. 

After Sun finished singing, she gave her testimony about the abuse she endured in her childhood and how Jesus saved her from her years of depression and brokenness. “The love and presence of God hit the entire arena; practically everybody was crying.” Kong then gave a simple altar call, and thousands upon thousands responded. “We didn’t expect that at all. When we went back to our rooms, we were wondering what exactly happened. We were in a daze.” Over the next two days, a total of 21,500 people attended the concerts, and 8,000 decision slips for Christ were collected.

Don't mistake me, I am not anti-CHC or mega-churches and I do recognise the good work that they have done in bringing Jesus to so many Singaporeans. But they should learn how to be circumspect during this period when their church leaders are being charged and let the law run its course. Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's. Remember Catholic Priest Father Joachim Kang who did jail time for his financial misdemeanor? When he was released, the late Archbishop still found a meaningful role for him.

Excerpt from Christian Post Sg in reaction to Kong Hee's arrest: 

The Rev. Dr. Koh went on to prescribe a Christian response: "Apart from praying, what Christians should do at this distressing time is to allow the law of the state to take its course."
In an email response sent Tuesday to this paper, the Regional Pastor of Hope International Ministries Benjamin Lee highlighted a need for Christians to "watch out for negative and sinful dynamics in our own life" and to "avoid the judgmental spirit and self-righteousness."

My prayers go out to worshipers at CHC and I believe they will emerge stronger after this episode. Their faith in Christ will be ever strong as it is build around the Church and not one single person. The actions of the few have run foul of the law...but the reaction of every single Christian in this episode will reflect upon us all.