Course Description

Asia is the cradle to some of the world's oldest religions: Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism and Hinduism. These religious traditions are still very 'alive' and important to millions of Asians. As Christians living in Asia, it is our mission to engage and dialogue with people of other faiths, so as to build bridges for the proclamation of the gospel in Asia. Despite living in such a multi-religious society, many Asian Christians still have superficial knowledge of the religious beliefs of their neighbours. The aim of this course is to introduce students to Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism and Tribal religions, and consider how we may engage these traditions meaningfully in the 21st century. Topics included in this course are the method for the study of world religions and a biblical theology of religions through an interaction of selected religious texts. Throughout the course, practical implications for gospel and culture, evangelism and inter-religious dialogue, the destiny of the unevangelized and the mission of the local church will be also explored.

Register

  • Location

    Online via Zoom

    Aug 16 (First session) and Oct 25 are in-person for local students at:

    BGST 50 Kallang Pudding Rd, 07-01 AMA Building
    Singapore 349326

  • Dates

    (Fridays)
    Aug: 16 (BGST)
    Aug: 30, Sep: 13, 27 (Guided tour to places of worship)
    Oct: 11 (Visit to Harmony Centre)
    Oct: 25 (BGST)
    Nov: 8
    Closing Date for Registration:
    Aug 13, 2024

  • Time

    7:15–10.00PM

Instructor

Mr Low Kwang Meng

Associate Lecturer

Mr Low Kwang Meng is the Director for Discipleship & Nurture at Paya Lebar Methodist Church. A graduate from TTC (MTh) and Monash University (MEd), Kwang Meng is currently doing his PhD in English Literature at NUS, where he explores the intersection between canonisation and apocryphication of early Christian literature in late antique Coptic Egypt. Kwang Meng is also a certified Belbin Team Roles facilitator. Previously, Kwang Meng was working in education related industry and the Children’s pastor at Grace Assembly of God.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    General

    • General Formatting for all Assignments

    • Orientation Course & Library Access

    • Course Syllabus
  • 2

    Introduction to the Religious Landscape in Singapore

    • Religious Diversity in Singapore

  • 3

    Introduction to Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Harmony in Singapore (Self-Study)

    • Religious Harmony in Singapore

    • The Laundromat (Short film on interreligious dialogue)

    • IRD Studies

    • South and Southeast Asia Deep Diversity Under Strain

    • Convergence of Evangelism and Interfaith Dialogue - A Missional Reflection

    • Proclaiming the gospel in an interfaith environment: Missiological and ecumenical approach

    • IS211 16 August 2024 Recording
  • 4

    Introduction to Scriptural Reasoning (SR)

    • Scriptural Reasoning

    • Introduction to Scriptural Reasoning (SR)

    • Neighbour (SR Pack)

    • Interreligious Relations in Singapore
  • 5

    Introduction to Hinduism

    • Hinduism (Self-Study)

    • Hinduism for Dummies (Part I)

    • Hinduism for Dummies (Part IV)

    • Introduction to Hinduism (1/5)

    • Introduction to Hinduism (2/5)

    • Introduction to Hinduism (3/5)

    • Introduction to Hinduism (4/5)

    • Introduction to Hinduism (5/5)

    • Hinduism - A Look Back At Its Origin (Part 1)

    • Hinduism - A Look Back At Its Origin (Part 2)

    • Hindu Temple Untold

    • A Brief History of Vedas

    • Building Bridges with Hindus

    • PPT for Session 3

    • PPT for Session 1
  • 6

    Baha'i Faith and Zoroastrianism

    • Introduction to the Baha'i Faith

    • Introduction to the Baha'i Faith Videos

    • Baha'i Christian Dialogue

    • Kitab-I-Iqan

    • Introduction to Zoroastrianism
  • 7

    Introduction to Islam (Self-Study)

    • Islam

    • Complete Idiot's Guide to Islam

    • Introduction to Islam

    • Difference between Sunni and Shia Islam
  • 8

    Visits to Places of Worship in Singapore (Guided Tour)

    • Information on the Places of Worship trail
  • 9

    Introduction to Chinese Religions (Buddhism. Taoism, Folk Religion)

    • Chinese Religions -Buddhism. Taoism, Folk Religion (Self-Study)

    • Intro to Chinese Religion 1.1

    • Intro to Chinese Religion 1.2

    • Intro to Chinese Religion 1.3

    • Intro to Chinese Religion 1.4

    • Intro to Chinese Religion 2.1

    • Intro to Chinese Religion 2.2

    • Buddhism for Dummies Part 1

    • Buddhism for Dummies Part 2
  • 10

    Class Presentations

    • Class Presentations
  • 11

    St Paul and Interfaith Dialogue - What Can We Learn?

    • Class Presentation

    • Paul and Interreligious Dialogue

    • Give Room to the Other

    • Studies in Interreligious Dialogue
  • 12

    Practice Interfaith Dialogue (Role Play)

    • Practice Interfaith Dialogue

    • Dialogue
  • 13

    Interfaith Dialogue in Daily Life

    • Interfaith Dialogue in Daily Life
  • 14

    Assignments

    • Reflection

    • Major Essay