My Views – Dr.Chris Anthony MBBS,MS,FRCSEd,AM

drchris January 31st, 2008

Gandhi ,Jesus and Christianity

Gandhi like Jesus remains a conscience in the hearts of men

January 30, 2008 was the 60^th.anniversary of the death of one of the greatest personalities of recent times; Mahatma Ghandi.It is only proper for us to pay tribute this great man who is undeniably a saint of non-violence. He lived and sacrificed his life in defending that virtuous policy of non-violence. 

This is what he had to say about Jesus: 

“Jesus was the most active resister known perhaps to history. His was nonviolence par excellence.”

As Christians, who claim to be the followers of Jesus, very often we do not emulate Christ in real life. It may be timely for us to reflect on our lives to see how Christ-like we are in our daily living.

This is what Gandhi had to say about Christians:

“It is a first class human tragedy that people of the earth who claim to believe in the message of Jesus, whom they describe as the Prince of Peace; show little of that belief in actual practice.”

Though Gandhi’s views were influenced by his bitter experiences with the racist policies and hegemony of the powerful Christian British Empire at that time, his observations are nevertheless true to this day. He continued,

“Do not flatter yourselves with the belief that a mere recital of that celebrated verse in St. John makes a man a Christian. If I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, ‘O yes, I am a Christian.”

Today many of us have the misguided notion that to be a good Christians we must have a thorough knowledge of the bible. What about those who cannot read and write? What about those who are physically or mentally handicapped? Can’t they be good followers of Christ? Is reading and mastering the holy book is what Christianity all about? Jesus’ teachings are so simple and down to earth and I don’t think we need geniuses to decipher them. It is not how much you know the bible but rather how well you want to live the way Jesus wants us to.

Gandhi,a devout Hindu, appeared to have understood Jesus much more than many of us.He live a life more like Christ than may of us Christians. Lord Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India said “Gandhi would go down in history as ‘on par with Buddha and Jesus Christ’, I cannot agree less with that statement and I even go a step further to say that the Mahatma was a modern version of Jesus.

Gandhi believed in the universality of God, “The Allah of Islam is the same as the God of Christians and the Ishwar of Hindus.” he said.  

This concept of the universality of God is something which is badly needed in today’s world where violence in the name of the Almighty is so rampant and is threatening to destroy the human race. It is also something we as Christians can learn from him; despite belonging to different faiths we are in fact all children of one God. 

We are so intent in fighting one another to claim superiority over our adversaries, man against man, race against race, religion against religion and nation against nation. We resort to all the resources at our disposal; powerful arms, violence and war, to achieve victory over our enemies. We justify the use of violence to protect our perceived rights.

But to the great man of non-violence “Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.”

That philosophy he proved right when he single-handedly defeated the all powerful British colonialist, not by power and might but peace and love. Doesn’t his action resemble those of Jesus, whose love, humility, non-retaliation and forgiveness, brought him victory over the powerful Roman Empire?

Many of us today find it difficult to believe how a small, timid and frail looking man like Gandhi could dare to challenge the mighty British Empire. Just after sixty years we are finding it difficult to believe how Gandhi could have brought down the British Empire. As Albert Einstein, another great man and genius said ‘Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth. 

Mahatma Gandhi may have left this world but his memories remain very much with us, alive and relevant .Like Jesus he did not possess power, position or wealth. His simplicity, integrity and a heart for fellow men, including the enemies, had touched many and he will remain a conscience in the hearts of men for generations to come. 

Dr.Chris Anthony

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drchris January 24th, 2008

There is a need for more and open dialogue 

Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing, S.J. in his opening address at the 2nd Parish Pastoral Assembly(PPA)of the Church of the Immaculate Conception,Johor Bahru,disclosed the role of the PPA. He clarified that all parish councils are advisory in nature and the decision-making and lies with the bishop of the diocese or in the case of the parish, with the parish priest.

This advisory role Parish Council is very clear and there is no dispute about that, although personally I feel it should have more executive powers in non-spiritual issues. This is especially so in a society whose demands have become very complex that need  to be managed more professionally with all the resources available. Fortunately today the Church is not short of qualified expertise in all fields.

This brings to mind the ongoing inquiry into the Lingam tape scandal. Our former Prime Minister, Tun Dr.Mahathir,in his testimony was so arrogant as to say that he need not give explanation to anyone on the choice of judges, even to the Chief Justice, who makes the recommendations to him. To him, he alone makes the final decision and owes nobody any explanation.not even the people.

Although the role of the Parish Council is only advisory, it is only proper that it be given due recognition and importance it deserves, which I am afraid may not be so in many parishes. It is very sad that there is little or no dialogue between the priest and the Parish Council in many places. The people have no qualms as to priest making the final decision, but he must give serious consideration to the views of the PPC and the people and provide proper explanations and justifications if he has to reject their proposals for whatever reasons.

Unsatisfactory management and unaccountable unilateral decisions by the parish priests in many parishes have driven away many talented members of the laity from active participation in the various organizations. If this continues I am afraid our Church will soon end up being just an institution that just carries out rituals and magic to cure the ills of mankind, rather than bringing the love of Christ into their lives.

It is timely for the Church to re-emphasize on the qualities of good leadership among the priests. A good leader is one who listens and respects the wishes of the people and is accountable to them in making any decisions. If he doesn’t then he will be no different from our own politicians, of whom we are very critical.

Dr.Chris Anthony

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drchris January 8th, 2008

Let’s strive to become God’s ‘miracle workers’ among men

In my 2008 New Year message to my friends I wrote “let’s strive to become the ‘miracle’ workers of God among men, bringing a little joy to those in need around us”. One of my old friends sent me an interesting reply to my message” The miracle is within us to perform, the question is, whether we want to do it.”

My friend’s reply made me reflect on the willingness on my part to help others in need. It is very easy to say we must help others but how willing at heart are we to do that, especially when we ourselves are faced with numerous problems?

It has become customary for us to gather in churches, mosques and temples on New Year’s Day to pray for all sorts of favors for us, our family, friends and the nation as a whole. We ask for peace, good health, prosperity and success in all our undertakings in the year ahead. Will God grant all our favors? Does He answer our prayers in the way we want Him to? From my own experiences in life over five decades I can say that in most instances He doesn’t.

If we are waiting for God to work miracles to help us we would be sadly disappointed. He may not give us what we ask for but one thing is certain He grants us what we need in a particular situation through his “miracle workers” among us. Yes; we are to be His “miracle workers” among men.

We may ask how we can help others when we don’t have enough for ourselves. If only we look around and compare with others, we will realize the abundance we have in ourselves. Our energy, knowledge, skills, experience and wealth, however meager that may be are His gifts to us to be used for the benefit of all those we meet in our journey in life. As my friend says the miracle is within us to perform, the question is, whether we want to do it.”

Many of us are kind and generous and willing to help others in need but often we want the right conditions to prevail before we initiate that charitable act. Without even us knowing, we give all sorts of excuses to refrain from helping those in need.

Generally we have no qualms about helping those in need. We know they genuinely need some assistance but we tend to find excuses why they should be helped. These desperate people may be grouped into one of the following categories:

1. The lazy. We know that these people are in need of help but we refuse to provide the help because they are lazy and do not help them. We feel that by helping they will become lazier. We put up conditions that they work harder to earn our love and care.

2. Those with rich relatives. When we realize that those we help are neglected by their rich relatives we get upset and angry. We stop helping them as we feel they are taking advantage of our generosity. Are we right in doing so?

3. Setting a precedent. This is a common reason for refusing help to those in need. We know they need help and we are in a position to so but reluctant because we are afraid that we may set a precedent for future abuses by others. So we refuse aid even to those in desperate need for fear of the unknown future. Is it right for us to withhold help to those in need for fear of others?

What if Jesus had refused to come into the world to save us knowing that many of us will refuse to follow Him?

As we step into the year 2008,let us reflect on our attitude to our neighbor, by posing ourselves a few questions. How willing and to what extent are we willing to help our neighbor in need? Are we willing to go the extra mile, to inconvenience ourselves, in our endeavors to help someone? Do we impose conditions in our efforts to help others in need? Do we feel angry when we realize someone has cheated or taken advantage of our generosity?

Christ had shown us the extreme form of charity by willing to give his life for us, which may be impossible for us to exemplify, but we all possess something which we can offer to give. We know from his example that charity is boundless and it cannot be contained by imposing conditions. We should not hesitate help anyone, anyhow and at anytime when the need arises.We may not be able to totally overcome all the problems of those in need, but by our willingness and concern we may be able to at least touch them, if not cure them of their ills.

This new year, let’s resolve to become the “miracle workers” of God among people, in our own family, neighborhood, places of work and in our own communities. Let’s strive to touch someone in need with our charitable acts of love.

Dr.Chris Anthony

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drchris January 6th, 2008

God is God whatever you call Him

The year 2008 began with much euphoria at the news that the annual permit for the publication of Herald,the Catholic Weekly in Malaysia, had finally been approved unconditionally. The unusually rare gesture of religious goodwill and tolerance by the government was described as a “wonderful Christmas present”. However this sense of euphoria lasted just four days when the cabinet intervened, as what can be described as a backward move,to ban non-Muslims from using ‘Allah’ to refer to their God.

Although it is commendable that the Herald is permitted to continue its Bahasa Malaysia section, the decision by the Cabinet to disallow the use of the word “Allah” by the Herald in its publications and by non-Muslims in general is deeply regrettable. It is not only a setback for religious freedom and integration in the country but may also be unconstitutional as is the refusal to renew Herald’s permit for such illegitimate reasons.

The word “Allah” is the description of the “One God” of monotheism for Jews, Christians and Muslims.It is not only for Islam and Muslims but for all three Abrahamic faiths. “Allah” is the same word used by Christian Arabs and Jewish Arabs in their Bible, centuries before Islam came.

The word “Allah” is being used by non-Muslims all over and I agree that it is not an exclusive right of Muslims alone. The non-Muslims in Malaysia, like Christians and Sikhs, have been using the word ‘Allah’ without any problem. It would be wrong for the government now to create an issue out of something which has been a non-issue all these while.What is their motive in wanting to refrain others from using that word?

However having expressed our deepest regret and displeasure,we must seriously consider the Prime Minister’s concerns that the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims may arouse sensitivity and create confusion among Muslims in the country. The situation in Malaysia, as we all know, is definitely peculiar and sadly we had contributed to it a great deal by our own doing. We can argue that we are being denied our fundamental rights to the use of the word but we must also consider its implications in this country.

At a time when racial and religious differences are causing so much tension and anxiety among the people, will a public debate on the ‘Allah’ issue help to restore the much needed inter-religious harmony? I think it would only aggravate the fragile situation we have today. Our politicians,being opportunists as they are, will only be too happy to capitalize on the issue for their own advantage, especially with the general elections so near.

We are frustrated and tempted to react with anger and hate. Nevertheless as followers of Christ, it is relevant for us to recall the great lesson of our Master and Lord,Jesus, to offer the other cheek when struck on one. It is an opportunity for us to show them the true meaning of goodwill and tolerance. These virtues may appear to make us the losers in a material world governed by power and egomania but truth will definitely prevail as the ultimate victor in our struggle for justice.

Let us appeal against the cabinet decision and request for a full and extensive consultation of all religious leaders and faiths on the subject before a final decision is made. Let us thank the authorities for giving the much needed publicity for the Herald and continue to worship God by whatever names we are used to and comfortable with. After all what is in a name as God is still God by whatever name we call him.

We have many more pressing issues than being preoccupied with what name to call God. Some these include the declining morality among our youth, increasing divorce and family break-up, blatant abuse of power, inter-faith disputes, racial and religious discrimination. We also have our hands full with problems related to our own Church such as the dwindling participation in Church organizations, the failure of BECs, unprofessional administration of parishes, declining Christian education and so on.

Let us be more worried about the rapidly declining influence of the Church in the lives of peoples in the world especially the West. Christianity is losing its identity as the promoter of peace, love, humility, forgiveness, morality and a champion of the masses. Let’s spend more of our time and energy to address these problems that plague our Church in particular and Christianity in general.

Meanwhile let’s implore the Holy Spirit to guide the minds of all so that we can one day, regardless of our different religious believes, come together as the children of the one true God, to worship Him, addressing Him in any name we like.

Dr.Chris Anthony

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