Expressions That Bridge

The period of 2018-2019 in the lead up to a tight Indonesian election year were interesting times. Religion, used as political weapons, and not for the first or last time, was powerfully played to divide the nation and permeate the lives of ordinary Indonesians.

I was aware that the community was divided on political outlook, yet I was still taken aback when there were mass discussions on Whatsapp groups and social media whether it was acceptable and “Islamic” for a Muslim to wish his non-Muslim on their non-Muslim religious holiday.

Even more shocking was the incident at Tous Les Jour, an international franchise bakery at Pacific Place Jakarta that had put out a public announcement that they do not serve cakes with greetings that were against Islamic laws such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, Valentine's etc.

This was met with public outrage that eventually led to the bakery muffling an insincere, pathetic response about it being a misunderstanding. Funny, how the bakery though against non-Islamic beliefs, would happily support themselves from non-muslim customers' money.

A Muslim colleague told me that although she does not agree with the premise that it is forbidden to wish Christians, the discussions in her Whatsapp groups and social pressures has made her and many of her Muslim friends, uncomfortable to extend public Merry Christmas messages in groups, as it had been customary and celebrated in the past, resorting instead to private messaging, while others choosing not to message at all.

It is sad to see how religion has been used to manipulate, create division and hatred.

Hagia Sophia, Turkey built in 537 as a Catholic church.

What is Respect

I came across this interesting graphic by artist Lainey Molnar the other day.

Whilst I agree with the rights to self-expression, I equally feel that humans have been gifted with wisdom.

Personally, for years I have always been someone who would often put less weight on what others had to say, than to whether the act was needed or justifiable.

By the same token I have learnt that if what we say, do or wear, make our surroundings uncomfortable, ill at ease or even offended, it would be wise to re-evaluate how important is it to make a self-indulging statement versus showing respect for (earning the respect from) others, especially if it were something that was really important to them.

For at the end of the day, if each of us are to become positive changemakers, and leaders in each of our own communities, how then can we expect to be heard, bridge, influence, unite and move others without first earning their respect?

Stumbling Blocks

I come from a family of mixed faiths. While some are of the belief that Christians should not hold incense sticks that Buddhists often use for religious occasions, especially in funerals, I am of the view that only by showing our humanity and respect, can we show our love - which is what our faith teaches us to do.

If holding an incense stick is important for the family of the deceased to show respect in their loved one’s last journey in this world, I would do it in a heartbeat.

While our faith and beliefs are our cornerstones, we must remain vigilant that they do not turn into our stumbling blocks, misrepresenting the very definition of humanity.