Importance to Study the Word in Relation to Disicpleship - Wei Jun

Figure above shows the lives that SBC students are touching through the world. This inspired today's reflection.

The past two days included visits made to the Trinity Theological College (TTC) and Singapore Bible College (SBC). Having met people whom devote their lives to study the Word, they were both humbling experiences. 

The well-established resources in both colleges also reflected as conducive environments for the different students enrolled. It was amazing to see works of Words being taken at an academic level and biblical as well – at most times, academia works seems separated from biblical works. The talks made me re-realise that there is so much to learn about the bible and it might not be possible to fully comprehend everything with an individuals’ capacity. Issues such as translation of the Word may bring about the lack of full contextual understanding, mis-conception or mis-interpretation. 

The individuals who dedicated their lives to better understand Word humbled me greatly. One of the biggest take-away for me in TTC was better understanding creation (that the book of Genesis started with God organizing the mess) and unveiling the other perspective to the book of revelations (understanding it as a book providing comfort to the people of Asia at that time instead of simply as prediction of the end times). There are always questions and challenges posted on the things written in the Bible and it is important to learn different perspectives in order to better understand and strengthen our beliefs.

Furthermore, the session on Christianity in Southeast Asia resonate with me well due to the nature of my interest and area of study. While most would attribute colonialization to bringing about Christianity in the region, the speaker had brought about the perspective that even when the colonials left the countries, the locals took on the role of continuing the Word preached. Indeed, many local beliefs are rooted upon fear and superstitions while the foundation of Christianity is based upon the relationship with God and how He is able to overcome fear. That perhaps allows many to see things with a different light and enabled lives to be lived differently. This reflected the degree of ownership that our ancestors took upon hearing the Word. It is not easy to hold on to a “different” belief system and continue the legacy of it.

Also, this brings about another prevalent issue in today’s context. The speaker highlighted notions of syncretism (mixing religion) that occurred. While missionary works are respectable in nature, it is important to remember the depths of the Words preached to the locals and the relations forged to maintain a certain degree of discipleship before perhaps moving on to another place. Missionaries brings about relief assistance to the locals who may require them as basic necessities for their livelihood, and the mere acceptance of Christ into their lives may simply be because of the physical resources or aids provided at that point in time. 

While I do not forgo the possibilities of miraculous conversions, I think it is necessary to remain dedicated to teach proper Words to the locals and ensure strong discipleship.  In my field-site for example, many still practiced animistic rituals (such as chicken bone reading) and call it a “culture” while they claim to be Christians. I believe as Christians, we should not compartmentalization of our beliefs and lifestyles, and try to break down the barrier between church and “life” as far as possible. It is important that this is transmitted to the locals that missionaries are trying to reach out to. 

Chin Wei Jun