Berita NECF Newletters

Chairman's Message

Description: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times

The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times

By Rev. Eu Hong Seng

 

The events of the past weeks- the acts of arson on churches in different cities in our country - remind me of the opening lines of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

As I write this, nine churches have been attacked over a period of four days; attacks of such magnitude and violence are unprecedented. Calculated to impose fear and intimidation, it also caused damage and inconvenience in some instances.

It would appear to be the worst of times for the Christian Church in this country. The nation's international standing too, will suffer with each passing day, if there is no quick solution in sight. So, it's the worst of times for Malaysia as well, the land so affectionately described as "truly Asia".

But it is also the best of times for the Church. Amidst pressure to abandon the use of the word 'Allah', the Church across denominational lines has become more knowledgeable of the 'Allah' issue besides being better informed of the plight of our Bahasa Malaysia-speaking brethren and the constitutional challenges the Christian community in this nation is facing.

It has resulted in more prayer as we realise the 'spiritual battle' we are in. It has caused the Church to search her hearts to truly exercise forgiveness.

Ask any believing Christian how he feels about the attacks on the churches and his response would be one of sadness and disappointment that fellow Malaysians are capable of such despicable behaviour. But there is no cry for retaliation and violence; only calls for reason and peace. There is no hatred detected at all. The testimony of the Church shines bright.

It has also brought church leaders closer together to present a united view and a firm stand on mutual respect for the Scriptures of our faiths.1

It is also the best of times for our nation − it has compelled the voice of moderate Muslims to speak louder.

Kind, sympathetic, respectful Muslims seem to be crawling out of the woodworks to stand with Christians. Muslims and Christians seem to be more intentional in forging closer ties, contrary to what bigots and radicals have attempted to sow in this land.

In the worst of times, we have discovered it is the best of times.

Indeed, the Church is on the road to becoming stronger ...


1 The Sikhs also uses 'Allah' in their Scriptures.



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