KUALA LUMPUR: Religious experts should help check the spread of pluralism, which could undermine the faith of Muslims in the country, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.
He said although the phenomenon was under control and restricted to certain quarters, it had to be addressed, as it could confuse and mislead Muslims.
”It is the responsibility of religious teachers, Jakim (Islamic Development Department of Malaysia), mufti and imam to explain the situation in terms of faith.
”We respect other religions and their rights in terms of the laws and Federal Constitution, but it is not the same in terms of faith. That is what we want to explain.
”Some people may misunderstand and say that I am denying and demeaning other religions.
”That’s not the case. I am only stating the difference in terms of faith because pluralism is wrong in Islam.
”It is hoped that the people understand, and this must be explained to Muslims,” he said, when asked to comment on the rise of hedonism, pluralism and liberalism as the new threats among Muslims.
Najib said it was the responsibility of Muslims to uphold religious truths based on the Quran and Sunnah.
”We believe that if there are people who say that all religions are the same before God, that is wrong in terms of faith. What more if there are Muslims who spread pluralism, that is even more harmful to Muslims.
”We have to rectify this. We can respect other religions.
”We should not insult other religions. But, in terms of faith, they cannot be equated with Islam.” — Bernama
(From New Straits Times, Saturday, February 19, 2011)
This serves as a timely reminder to our Christian leaders to check that there is no pluralism within the Malaysian church.
Postscript
Peter’s Pithy Pointers have concluded at the end of the third year. They are being replaced by Peter’s Ongoing Pointers and “Checking the Spread of Pluralism” is the first POP.
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Apart from the 3 ecumenical creeds, is there no room for pluralism at all within the Church? In that case, should it be time we discard the Book of Concord, the XXXIX Articles, the Faith & Message and other pluralistic commentaries of the faith?
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Pluralism as when we bow to the devil to remain in the popular name list and roll-call of the public gallery of worldly approval and favour ? to play safe ? to play sycophant ? to not rock the entrenched boat of following the herd that declares the emperor’s new clothes are forever the loveliest ? to not get wounded as will be if truly get down to deal with the real and dirty ?
February 26th, 2011 at 10:16 am
Christians should be cautious with the term “check”. Moral policing could neither control nor change people’s beliefs. On the other hand, it may turn many away from the faith.
Religious pluralism appeals to unbelievers because it seems to promote tolerance in a multiracial and multicultural society. In reality, we know that tolerance is temperamental and temporal. All religions are different and conflict against each other at some point. In due time, any conflict could blow the tolerance apart.
Christians are called to stand firm in faith and proclaim God’s word. We should obey and keep God-fearing life. However, unless it is the conviction by the word of God and the Holy Spirit, I don’t see how pluralism can be checked in any Christian community. How do we know what is in the mind of another?