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Creating ‘good citizens’ and maintaining religious harmony in Singapore
Citation
Tan, C. (2008). Creating ‘good citizens’ and maintaining religious harmony in Singapore. British Journal of Religious Education, 30(2), 133-142. https://doi.org/10.1080/01416200701830921
Author
Tan, Charlene
Abstract
This paper discusses how the concept of “good” citizens in Singapore is linked to the principle of harmony, characterised by collectivism and a strong interventionist government. The value of religious harmony is actively promoted by the Singapore government and supported by the religious leaders. This paper argues that the principle of religious harmony helps to ensure that there are relative peace and tolerance among the various religious communities. But with religious revivalism and continual terrorist threats from some Muslim groups, it has become increasingly difficult for religious believers in Singapore to balance their national and religious identities, loyalties and duties. The on-going challenge for the Singapore government is to promote a conception of “good” citizens that takes into consideration the multiplicity and complexity of religion and citizenship.
Date Issued
2008
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Journal
British Journal of Religious Education