Product Information

The Bible and the Ballot | Reflections on Christian Political Engagement in Malaysia Today

Edited by / Joshua Woo and Soo-Inn Tan

Foreword by / Rt Rev Datuk Ng Moon Hing

ISBN / 9789810705084

Publisher / Friends in Conversation & Graceworks Private Limited

Publication Date / 2011

Format / Paperback (Softcover)

Language / English

Number of Pages / 82

Dimensions / 21 x 15 x 0.7 cm

Weight / 110 g

Condition of the book:

This book remains unused/in good condition, but shows yellowing of pages due to age/storage.

Author Description

Joshua Woo is currently reading theology at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. His writings are posted and referred to at various platforms such as the Singapore Daily, Global Voices Online, REACH.gov.sg, the Christian Post Singapore, Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs website, Temasek Review, TheMicahMandate.org, and the World Reformed Fellowship website. He blogs at szezeng.blogspot.com.

Tan Soo Inn is a member of Friends in Conversation (friendsinconversation.wordpress.com). He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary. His doctoral project focused on how one discerns vocation in the context of community. Together with his wife Bernice, Soo Inn directs the work of Graceworks (www.graceworks.com.sg), a training and publishing consultancy committed to promoting spiritual friendship in church and society. Soo Inn and Bernice have four sons. 

Product Description

"The Bible & the Ballot" is a joint publication by Friends in Conversation and Graceworks. It was produced within the context of a circle of friends who share a common concern over national issues and the importance of Christian engagement on those issues.

The Bible speaks of Christians as salt and light, but not as voters. What is our theology of engagement with the political process? Does our heavenly citizenship mean the Christian Church should not be concerned about earthly elections? A group of Christian writers cajoles and challenges our thinking on this critical contemporary concern, with intriguing outcomes.

—Andrew Khoo (Member, Steering Committee, Bersih 2.0)

On the eve of the 13th Malaysian General Election, these essays are a timely reminder to all Malaysian Christians that we should never be apolitical, that we should feel comfortable in voicing our political affiliation, that we should be politically engaged through various channels, that we should not be blindly and unquestioningly partisan, that we should engage with the relevant stakeholders with wisdom and courage, with our hearts, minds and spirits firmly fixed and dependent on Christ.

—Dr. Ong Kian Ming (PhD, Duke University)

Contents 

1. Naming Names
     Can Preachers Tell You Whom to Vote For? (Alwyn Lau)

2. Strengthening Democracy In Malaysia
     The Need for a Vibrant Public Sphere (Christopher Chong)

3. Vote!
     Voting as a Christian Duty (Tan Soo Inn)

4. Vote For Change
     My Decision at This Point in History (Tan Soo Inn)

5. Prayer And Political Consideration
     How and What to Pray For? (Joshua Woo)

6. Why Am I Attending Vigils For Dr Jeyakumar and EO6? (Rama Ramanathan)

7. Afterword
     Christians: A Blessing to Malaysia? (Sivin Kit)