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

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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drchris December 27th, 2007

 A Christian tells Pak Lah the truth

Francis Siah |

Malaysiakini Dec 24, 07 6:55pm
THIS is the Christmas season – a time where peace to mankind and joy to the world should rightly reverberate around us.

At Christmas, Christians are reminded that Jesus Christ is the center of God’s plan for the world. His resurrection from the dead is further confirmation that Jesus is God’s Son who will deliver on every promise. Jesus in the stable is not a fable. And because the message of Christmas is true, the implications are enormous for all who believe.

As a Christian, I think that Christmas is truly one of the most joyous and blessed seasons in the year. Let me exhort all fellow Christians to open our hearts and let the One who was born in a stable in humility, died on a cross in love, and rose from the dead in power, enter in!

As a Malaysian, I must confess that there were times when I fear for the degradation of religious tolerance in our multi-religious and multi-racial nation.

Two issues concerning Christians alone in recent days bear testimony to the fragile state of our so-called religious harmony which we have so proudly proclaimed to others but failed to commit ourselves to.

One is the ‘crucifix’ issue in our mission schools and the other which unfortunately cropped up during this joyous Yuletide season is the use of ‘Allah’ in the Catholic weekly, the Herald.

Indeed, these are difficult and trying times in the country and it is really up to us, Malaysians, how we wish to view these controversies and how we can best resolve them.

Stepping away from the Christian issues for a while, I have to say that I am somewhat disturbed by the actions and demands perpetuated by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). While the concerns of the group and the Indian community in the country may be legitimate, it is Hindraf’s way and style of doing things which border on the extreme that is worrying.

Miba story warms the heart

However, out of the Hindraf issue, something positive has also emerged and it is this that truly warms my heart.

The Malaysiakini report of Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) president P Sivakumar’s hard-hitting speech during the special meeting between Indian non-governmental organisations and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi caught my attention this past week.

According to Sivakumar, at the onset of his speech, he sought permission from Abdullah to speak without fear or favour and to tell him the truth.

To this, he said, the premier replied, “Yes, please tell me the truth.”

The Miba president then laid bare the plight of the Indian community and in certain instances also told Pak Lah that his administration’s policies have marginalised the Indians.

Sivakumar said he wrapped up his speech by apologising to Abdullah if he had offended the latter with his remarks.

According to him, the premier replied: “Not at all, Thank you for telling me the truth.”

Pak Lah is known as a deeply religious man and it is this virtue, more than anything else, that endears him to many Malaysians. He is expected to understand first and foremost the issues and concerns of the multi-religious facade of the citizenry he governs as the prime minister. It has been said that Pak Lah knows no politicking when he deals with religious matters. I hope that they are right.

In this context, I feel that Christians in Malaysia should also be open and tell the prime minister the truth whenever there is an opportunity to sit down with him at the conference table.

By and large, Malaysian Christians are a very tolerant lot. The clergy among the main Christian denominations with roots in this country are forbidden by their religious calling from partaking in active politics and this does make any sticky situation somewhat easier to resolve.

Now, let’s concentrate on the ‘crucifix’ issue.

Those who had their early education in mission schools in the country will probably share my sentiments. The schools started by Christian missionaries on our shores more than a century ago had only brought good tidings to education in this country.

Because the Christian missionaries were trained educators and educating the young was their vocation, their only desire and mission was to bring up ‘wholesome’ students. They succeeded and many Malaysians today are better off because they had benefitted from the knowledge imparted by the missionary educators.

Today, in the absence of these foreign missionaries, the local Christian clergy assisted by lay teachers are running these mission schools and most are government aided. Credit is due to the government for continuing to fund these schools. But the stature, status and wholesomeness of these mission schools have remained as they rightly should be.

As a product of the Christian mission school, it is only natural for me to come to the defense of my alma mater if any attempt, subtle or otherwise, is made to upset the equilibrium or change the status of these schools.

But the education I received from the Christian missionaries of yesteryears had also taught me not to blindly criticize others for their wrongdoing but to understand and reason with them in a sober manner as to why they acted as they had.

Barisan Nasional MP Syed Hood Syed Edros who suggested that crucifixes be removed from mission schools has explained that he was merely raising public concern. He said he raised the issue in Parliament in order to get clarification from the Education Ministry.

The MP for Parit Sulong had on Oct 29 suggested that crucifixes in mission schools be removed and church influence over these schools be stopped.

He said he was “ashamed and disappointed” that schools in an Islamic country like Malaysia are still under the control of churches and that they display icons like crosses and statues.

However, he told reporters later that he did not raise the issue in bad faith but had merely raised the “grouses of the public”.

Let me dissect the MP’s remarks. I don’t wish to jump to conclusion and blast him for his uncalled-for remarks immediately, even though I feel very unhappy about it. Let us look at the matter rationally.

Firstly, Syed Hood’s role as an elected representative of the people has to be recognised. His duty is to bring up the people’s problems and issues to the legislature. First point to him. Bravo!

Is the Parit Sulong MP sincere?

However, on a matter as religiously sensitive as touching on the removal of a holy symbol – the crucifix – Syed Hood, as a people’s leader, should have immediately explained to those who queried on the matter (if indeed that was true) that due respect must be accorded to the religious beliefs of others. He could have settled it there and then instead of bringing it up in Parliament. I’m sure this is not the first time that such a matter was brought up. Surely, as an MP, Syed Hood should be aware of issues that have been deemed sensitive in the past and avoid harping on them.

This is where I doubt the MP’s sincerity in bringing up an issue that is smacked with religious sensitivities. The general election is dawning and the guy may want to score some political points in order to get noticed. This could be true for I have not heard of Syed Hood Syed Edros (Robin Hood, yes) if he had not brought up the ‘crucifix’ issue.

And by the way, who is he (an ordinary MP) to say that he is “ashamed and disappointed” that schools in an Islamic country like Malaysia are still under the control of churches and that they display icons like crosses and statues.

I’m sorry but I have to tell the MP that he is too ‘small’ to talk about such matters. Wait until he becomes the prime minister (which I doubt he ever will) and have an audience with the Pope – then he can tell the Holy Father that directly and resolve the matter bilaterally with the Vatican.

If not, then I suggest that he keeps such remarks to himself for they are ‘harmful and dangerous’ in our multi-religious society – one we have worked so hard to proudly protect and nurture.

Indeed, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz’s warning that action would be taken against Syed Hood if a police report is lodged regarding his remarks is most timely.

However as a Christian and eternally proud to be a product of a mission school, I am ready to forgive Syed Hood for his attempt at political heroics.

He had since explained that his intention was misunderstood and he always respect other races and religions. The MP also said that, in life, one has to make mistakes and learn from these, and if he has made one, then it can still be rectified.

Okay Mr MP. You are forgiven but please don’t ever bring up the matter again.

This is also my plea to others, particularly to one group of people whose leader is so proud of brandishing his almighty keris. Let me advise them that race, like religion, is about one’s faith. And faith, if it is strong, can never come under threat from others. So let’s stop playing politics with race and religion and Malaysia will definitely be a better place for all.

Thankfully, the issue ended on a happy note too.

Reacting to the matter, Deputy Education Minister Noh Omar said that Christian missionary schools would be allowed to display crosses and there was no reason to take down the religious symbols.

“We will continue with the current practice, which is a tradition started a long time ago,” he added.

If our prime minister wants to know the truth over the recent ‘crucifix’ issue -  that, in a nutshell, is the truth from a Christian in this country.

The ‘Allah’ issue in Herald

Much has been written and debated about the ‘Allah’ issue this week. I think this is a ‘non issue’ right from the beginning.

Unlike the ‘crucifix’ which is the supreme symbol of Christianity that all Christians should  protect and uphold, using the word ‘Allah’ is something Christians can do without and easily give way if certain quarters feel offended by it.

Let me attempt a suggestion to resolve the matter as a Catholic in total loyalty and obedience to the  Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, to whom the Herald permit is issued to.

My fellow Catholics and some of the more vocal members of the clergy can debate and argue with the Internal Security Ministry till kingdom come over the usage of ‘Allah’. But that is not going to resolve the matter.

If everything happen for a reason, then there must be a reason why the ‘Allah’ issue came up over this Christmas season of peace, compassion and forgiveness.

Lim Kit Siang (peace to our ever vocal Mr Opposition) has urged Pak Lah to overrule Deputy Minister Johari Baharom and rescind his ministry’s order to Herald to discontinue its Bahasa Malaysia section “so that Christmas Day this year will not be celebrated under a cloud of burgeoning religious intolerance.”

But the issue does not call for a political solution. Rather than stating that Catholics are unhappy and Christmas this year is “celebrated under a cloud of burgeoning religious intolerance”, we should instead prove to others that Catholics are indeed a very tolerant people.

Here, let me exhort my fellow Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur to heed the request of the Internal Security Ministry and refrain from using the word ‘Allah’ henceforth in its publication. Just continue with the old fashion ‘God’ and ‘Lord’ which is perfectly understood by all. Then, there is the alternative of using the Hebrew/Jewish ‘Yahweh’ or the Latin ‘Deus’.

At times, it’s better to show and prove just how tolerant Christians in this country are. It’s not an act of cowardice or fear of speaking the truth. It’s all about the true Christian spirit – “when you are slapped on the left cheek, turn to the right one if you know that you’ve done nothing wrong”.

Working as a journalist for a good part of my adult life, allow me also to advise the editors at the Herald to practise ‘sensible journalism’. I’ve come to accept long ago that ‘responsible journalism’ in this country means that editors also have to be politically correct at all times.

‘Sensible journalism’ is about toeing the line of those who think they are powerful and almighty – allow them to think so as long as we know deep in our hearts that the Herald is about serving the Heavenly Lord and continuing to bring the Good News to all who believe.

If the permit is still there and Catholics can continue to have access to news and views about the local church via the Herald, what is the point in prolonging a non issue as the usage of ‘Allah’.

Remember, ‘responsible journalism’ in this country means being politically correct at all times and if we cannot agree on political correctness, then the option is ’sensible journalism’ which allows others to think they are powerful and almighty as long as we can continue with our religious duties which is paramount.

It’s okay to let a few holier-than-thou guys in the Internal Security Ministry win. Our greater service is to our Lord, Master and Saviour.

So Pak Lah, this is the truth from a Christian as far as these recent controversies go. You are noted as a deeply religious person – so make me, a Christian, believe in your fairness and justice, Pak Lah just as a Muslim would believe in those virtues of Allah.

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drchris December 8th, 2007

Jesus is born but have we found Him yet?

Finding Jesus among the masses

Once again we are in the season of Advent indicating that Christmas is just around the corner. Many of us may remember the once popular hymn during this season, “Oh Come Divine Messiah” whose lyrics go like this:

Oh Come Divine Messiah

The world in silence waits the day

When hope shall sing of triumph

And sadness flees away

Yes, those days life was very simple as we waited in silence with full of hope that soon good will triumph over evil thereby ridding our lives of sadness. Those words were so meaningful and bring back pleasant memories of Christmas of the yesteryears.

Christmas is a commemoration of God’s coming to us. He came for all of us – believers and non-believers alike. His birth should bring us hope and triumph which would dispel the sadness from our lives. But after years of celebrating Christmas after Christmas many of us are yet to see that triumph in our lives and our hopes may be giving way to despair. Has the Messiah really come?

The real problem today is that we are waiting for God to literally come to us. We celebrate His birth just like that of any one of us – offering prayers, eating, drinking and making merry. We celebrate his coming into the world but we do not welcome Him into our hearts and lives. Yes, He has come into the world and is very much in our midst but unfortunately we refuse to recognize Him therefore fail to welcome Him.

By being born to poor parents in an environment of extreme poverty Jesus is telling us where He dwells – among the poor and the down-trodden, the sick and dying, the hungry, the oppressed and in those we love and even in those we hate. In short He is among the masses.

Amidst our celebrations this Christmas, let us pause a while to look around us to recognize that Jesus who was born into the world two thousand years ago. He is among us in every person and in every trial and tribulation we encounter in our lives. Let us take a moment to look around to recognize Him in those who do not have joy and peace in their lives. Let us do the little we can to alleviate the pain and misery in their lives. Let us do whatever we can to give them the hope that triumph will one day wipe out the sadness in the hearts.

We too, like Jesus, must have the humility to come down from our positions of comfort and power to meet Him in the people around us. If we isolate ourselves from the masses by building a fortress around us with all our wealth and power together with greed, selfishness and pride, then we can keep waiting for Jesus all our lives but it will only be in vain.

To us then His birth into this world, that is Christmas, will be just another day to celebrate, eat, drink and make merry. It will never become the day when hope shall sing of triumph and sadness flees away.

Dr.Chris Anthony

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drchris November 14th, 2007

Do they make us better Christians?

It has become fashionable in our Catholic Church to organize various retreats, formations, recollections, reflections, seminars, rallies, convention and so on for the clergy and laity alike. You may call them by various names but they all more or less refer to the same – gathering of Catholics to discuss and reflect on issues facing us. Most of the time these sessions bring no concrete results whatsoever in the end.

A lot of time, enegy and money are spent to organize these events and as such it may be pertinent here to ponder to see whether they bring any real benefits to us. Do they make us better Christians? 

We are told that these formations are vital to be a good Catholic. There are some who even go on to say that we cannot reach God without attending these formations. Are these really true? Formations are good and are intended to make us better Christians but how better do we become after participating in such activities? There are many among us who attend so many formations and retreats but when we return we continue with our old selfish ways, refusing to talk to others, neglect elderly and indifferent to those in need in our midst. 

The clergy too are involved in their own retreats. They are away 3 days a month on their monthly recollection. In addition to that, they have their retreats, off days and vacation. In most parishes the priests are away on leave one or two days a week. In fact in some smaller parishes there are those who take off as long as 3 days a week. During their absence there is no priest to cater for Eucharistic celebrations, final rites and anointing, confession and counseling. 

When the priests return from their monthly recollections, not a single word is uttered of matters that were discussed. It is as though they had attended some top security meeting of a secret society, which must be kept secret from even their own congregation. Despite the beautiful slogan, “We are the Church”, the laity is left completely in the dark as though they do not exist. Neither are there any positive changes in the attitude of the priests towards their job and the parishioners after every retreat or recollection.

Talk to any priest today, his main grouse will be that very few parishioners are coming for mass and participating in the various organizations. On the other hand, at the BEC meetings more than 90% of parishioners will complaint that their priests do not visit them. In fact these days many complain that their priests have lost touch with the people and are not interested to know their parishioners.

The people, being more educated and well versed in many fields, are not happy with the lack of dialogue and openness in the management of the parish. Their knowledge and skills are not appreciated let alone utilized. 

It is sad that slowly this indifferent attitude of the clergy towards the people is slowly being accepted as a norm. As the Eucharistic celebration forms the crux of our faith, our priests consider themselves as indispensable. They are happy to say mass, consecrating the bread and wine and nothing more. All other duties are being designated to the laity with the excuse as they do have the time as they are in short supply.

With the rapid scientific and socio-economic changes in the global world today, it is time for our bishops and clergy to review their strategies in building the Kingdom of God in our midst. Are they really serious in their mission to build His Kingdom? How committed are they to this task? 

Recollections, formations and retreats are important but of greater importance is their commitment to mankind in the form of their congregation. Unless they identify themselves with the people there is no way they can build God’s Kingdom. Their retreats and recollections must bring them closer to the people,in whom God dwells, otherwise these retreats and formations would be just waste of time and money. 

Dr.Chris Anthony

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drchris November 12th, 2007

How Christ-like are we in our lives? 

At a recent Confirmation mass, I was impressed with the homily given by Bishop Anthony Selvanayagam.He reminded those to be confirmed and the congregation in general, of the very depressing situation in the world today. He lamented that the vast majority of those who call themselves Christians do not know Jesus at all. This ignorance of Jesus among his own followers is the greatest challenge to Christianity in the third millennium.

We resort to all sorts of deeds to please God, deeds which God did not ask, attending church and receiving the sacraments diligently without fail, making pilgrimages to all the holy sites and shrines, burning candles and offering prayers, we fast and abstain, but we fail to do what God has really asked us to do – to love our neighbor. 

In fact we need not go round indulging in rituals for God to grant us our petitions as He knows our problems better than we do and He knows what is best for us. According to the bishop,on the final day, God is not going to ask us whether we went to church, received the sacraments, fasted, and burnt candles or how many churches we prayed at. What He will ask us is how we lived by His words during our short stint on earth. 

Bishop Anthony’s sharing should prompt us to reflect on our own actions as Christians. How do we treat the poor and oppressed? How do treat our own children and elderly parents? How do we treat the sick and hungry? How do we treat those who yearn for our love and affection? How do we treat those who sin against us? Are we willing to forgive and forget those who hate and even harm us? How generous are we with our wealth and possessions? In short how do we treat our neighbor?

There are three groups of Christians in the world today. Firstly there is a very large group who do not know Jesus truly for what He is. Sad to say, a large number of us belong to this group. We perform all sorts of rituals to please God to gain His blessings but fail to do what He really wants us to.

The second group consists of those who know Jesus reasonably well as they spend many years of their lives studying his words, but refuse to follow those words in their daily living. They are good preachers but not doers. The words of Jesus is meant for others not them. 

The third group comprises of those who know Jesus and follow Him in a way He wants. They stick by His teachings in everything they do. Unfortunately only a few belong to this group of true followers.

It may timely for us to ponder on our own thoughts and actions to see which of the three groups we belong to. Do we live by the teachings of Jesus? Do we have Christ in our lives? We call ourselves Christians, followers of Christ, but how Christ-like are we in our lives? 

Dr.Chris Anthony

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drchris November 5th, 2007

The Church must strive for religious rights and freedom

October 31, 2007 was a sad day for the residents of Kampung Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam and a black day for religious tolerance in Malaysia. It was the day when the100-year old Sri Maha Mariaman Temple in the village was demolished in a manner that showed total and blatant disrespect for the sensitivities of Hindu Malaysians. 

Despite agreeing to move out to a new location, enforcement officers from the Majlis Bandaran Shah Alam(MBSA),and police armed with machine guns and knives brutally drove out the devotees and demolished the temple together with scores of houses. It is very disturbing that they did this a week before the Deepavali festival of Lights, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.

 In the bloody fracas a number of devotees were injured including the temple priest, some of the residents and four lawyers, who went to volunteer legal aid, were arrested. The latter were intimidated and manhandled at gunpoint without any respect for their profession. This attitude and actions of our enforcement units are unbecoming of a nation that preaches racial and religious moderation and tolerance.

 While all these were happening to our fellow citizens of the Hindu faith, what did we, as Christians do to empathize with them. Most of us continued to go about our daily routine oblivious to the problems faced by those around us. We even attended Sunday service as though nothing had happened. As usual, the plight of our Hindu brethren of Kg.Rimba Jaya, was not even highlighted during our services nor did we offer special prayers for them. We were totally

indifferent to the feelings of those in pain around us. Are we any different from the enforcement officers who unjustly inflicted pain and suffering to fellow humans?

 
Fortunately at least we had our Bishop Paul Tan, deputy president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), to criticize the high handed actions of the authorities in demolishing the temple and homes. He described this atrocious behavior as “insensitive and intolerant”.

This what Bishop Tan had to say : “The fact that this huge loss is not caused by earthquake, tsunami or any other natural catastrophe but by governmental agencies has compounded the people’s misery and shock many times over. Places of worship are sacred places and the authorities must adhere to strict and proper protocals in taking action on such places”.(Malaysiakini,Nov.3)

The bishop also criticized MBSA for the attack on temple priest Siva Sri Ramalingga Gurukal who was not armed and posed no threat to anyone. We share his views that this arrogant and violent actions by the MBSA in Kg.Rimba Jaya,is unwarranted if not checked, could encourage other local authorities to follow suit in future.  

We must support the MCCBCHST in expressing our deepest regret and dismay over the MBSA’s actions. We call on the government to stop these mob-like actions of the MBSA and other local authorities.Let us also offer our aid in whatever way we can to those organizations that are working to help the affected residents of Kg.Rimba Jaya in rebuilding their temple, their homes and their lives as a whole.

 We are denied our legitimate religious rights and freedom in our own land. We may be helpless in fighting for our rights against the powerful forces arrayed against us. The only way out of our predicament is through peaceful political means. We must strive to make people aware of their responsibilities in the coming general elections.

 The Church has the moral obligation of not only to encourage its congregation to vote but to vote wisely so that we can bring about the necessary changes for a fair and just Malaysia where citizens of various races and religions can live in peace, harmony and mutual respect.

 
Dr.Chris Anthony

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drchris October 14th, 2007

TIME
Tuesday, Oct. 02, 2007

Christianity’s Image Problem
By David Van Biema

It used to be, says David Kinnaman, that Christianity was both big and beloved in the U.S. — even among its non-adherents. Back in 1996, a poll taken by Kinnaman’s organization, the Barna Group, found that 83% of Americans identified themselves as Christians, and that fewer than 20% of non-Christians held an unfavorable view of Christianity. But, as Kinnaman puts it in his new book (co-authored with Gabe Lyons) UnChristian, “That was then.”

Barna polls conducted between 2004 and this year, sampling 440 non-Christians (and a similar number of Christians) aged 16 to 29, found that 38% had a “bad impression” of present-day Christianity. “It’s not a pretty picture” the authors write. Barna’s clientele is made up primarily of evangelical groups.

Kinnaman says non-Christians’ biggest complaints about the faith are not immediately theological: Jesus and the Bible get relatively good marks. Rather, he sees resentment as focused on perceived Christian attitudes. Nine out of ten outsiders found Christians too “anti-homosexual,” and nearly as many perceived it as “hypocritical” and “judgmental.” Seventy-five percent found it “too involved in politics.”

Not only has the decline in non-Christians’ regard for Christianity been severe, but Barna results also show a rapid increase in the number of people describing themselves as non-Christian. One reason may be that the study used a stricter definition of “Christian” that applied to only 73% of Americans. Still, Kinnaman claims that however defined, the number of non-Christians is growing with each succeeding generation: His study found that 23% of Americans over 61 were non-Christians; 27% among people ages 42-60; and 40% among 16-29 year olds. Younger Christians, he concludes, are therefore likely to live in an environment where two out of every five of their peers is not a Christian.

Churchgoers of the same age share several of the non-Christians’ complaints about Christianity. For instance, 80% of the Christians polled picked “anti-homosexual” as a negative adjective describing Christianity today. And the view of 85% of non-Christians aged 16-29 that present day Christianity is “hypocritical — saying one thing doing another,” was, in fact, shared by 52% of Christians of the same age. Fifty percent found their own faith “too involved in politics.” Forty-four percent found it “confusing.”

Christians have always been aware of image problems with non-believers. Says Kinnaman: “The question is whether to care.” But given the increasing non-Christian population and the fact that many of the concerns raised by non-believers are shared by young Christians, he says, there really is no option but to address the crisis.

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drchris October 6th, 2007

26th. Sunday,30 September 2007

Luke 16:19-31

There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there used to lie a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with what fell from the rich man’s table. Even dogs came and licked his sores.

The rich man replied, “Ah no, father Abraham, but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”

Reflection

This Sunday’s readings clearly tell us what we should do to attain eternal life. In today’s world we are all striving to be like the rich man, who lived in luxury – very comfortable mansion, luxurious cars, dining in porch restaurants with famous personalities, good food, wine, music and women. To achieve all these we go all out to accumulate more and more wealth.

In our obsession with trying to make more and more, we forget the poor Lazarus just at the gates of our mansion. We pass by him several times a day but are do not, or more rightly refuseto, see him. He is in front of us, hungry, naked, sick and wounded but we do not see or hear him. We continue to enjoy and satisfy our senses least perturbed by the poverty and misery of those around us. How will God reward us if we ignore Him in the pleas of those in our midst?

In our materialistic world today, we even tend to bribe God to enter His Kingdom.We fast, abstain and diligently receive all the sacraments without fail. We build majestic churches organize mammoth feasts, banquets and mass worship sessions in His name but refuse to acknowledge Him in those in need around us.

We refuse to talk to one another, refuse to smile at those we meet and we harbour so much hatred and jealousy towards those who are better off than us. We refuse to humble ourselves to go down and share our gifts with those less fortunate than us. Is it fair of us to expect God to reward us for holding Him to ransom?

Dr.Chris Anthony

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