A Christian think tank formed by the National Council of Churches of Singapore, Trinity Theological College and The Bible Society of Singapore.
National Council of Churches of Singapore Statement
The National Council of Churches of Singapore issued a response, ''The Ethics of Mitochondrial Replacement Technology'', to the Bioethics Advisory Committee in response to its consultation paper.
Click here to read the response.
June 2018 Feature Article
Caring for the World’s Vulnerable Children and Families
By Lyndsay Matthews
Sarah* and I arrived at the orphanage around the same time, I as a short term volunteer, her as the newest resident. I assumed that I knew her story. I assumed she had no father or mother to care for her and that the orphanage was her only option. I later learned that she had a mother who cried as she left her at the orphanage. Obviously, I was wrong.
The fact is Sarah’s story is the story of the majority of children living in orphanages today. On the ground research studies have shown that, depending on the geographical location, anywhere from 50-90% of children living in orphanages have a living parent.[i] Not an auntie or a grandfather, a living parent. This article will explore why children are placed in orphanages when they are not, in fact, orphans and the detrimental affects of this reality. Further, it will discuss why, as Christians, we should care about these vulnerable children and families. It will end by offering examples of best practices and ways forward to best serve these children and families of God.
June 2018 Credo
The Paradox of Discipleship
By Rev Dr James Lim
Luke 14:25-35
An Odd Conclusion …
Sandwiched between two parables (the Parable of the Great Banquet, 14:15-24, and the Parable of the Lost Sheep, 15:1-7) in Luke 14-15 is a passage on the requirements of discipleship (14:25-35). Within this passage, there are two parables on a tower builder and a king (14:28-32), followed by the third cost of discipleship, the requirement of renunciation of possessions (14:33). The fact that Luke 14:33 begins with “so then” or “so therefore” (Greek houtos oun) establishes it as the conclusion to the two parables. At first glance, this conclusion seems at odds with the main thrust of the 2 parables, as we shall soon see.
The structure of Luke 14:25-35 seems straightforward:
- Setting: Some crowds traveling with Jesus (14:25)
- A pair of statements on discipleship: One on hating the family, another on cross-bearing (14:26-27)
- A pair of parables: One on tower building, another on waging war (14:28-32)
- A third/concluding statement on discipleship: Renunciation of possessions (14:33)
- A new/concluding development: Warning about saltiness (14:34-35a)
- A final appeal: Invitation to listen (14:35b)
June 2018 Pulse
Evolving Marriage
By Dr Roland Chia
In her article entitled ‘The Trouble With Modern Marriage’, published in Psychology Today, Erica B. Slotter echoed the questions asked by many marital researchers: “‘What gives?’ What has changed about the nature of marriage since the 1970s that makes it less appealing to some, less satisfying to others, and generally less stable?”
The signs that marriages are not only less resilient today, but that marriage itself is falling out of favour, are altogether obvious and ominous. These trends are not confined only to the West, but are also mirrored in Asian countries like Singapore. For example, in 2015 there were 7,500 marital dissolutions here, compared to 3,500 in 1990.
But why are we witnessing the collapse of marriage and the family?
SUGGEST A TOPIC!
Dear Readers,
Every month the ETHOS Institute publishes five articles on a variety of topics on its website. These articles have attracted many readers who find them informative and engaging.
However, we realise that although our articles cover a wide range of subjects, some issues and themes may not have received the attention they deserve.
If you would like us to address a topic or issue that is of interest to you, please write to us by clicking here. We will try our very best to post an article on that topic on our website.
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Yours sincerely in Christ,
Dr Roland Chia
Theological and Research Advisor
ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity
TESTIMONIES
... your writings and works have built up many aspects of my interior foundation as relating to God’s words and also the meaning of being a Christian.
The article “Divine Genocide” is extremely helpful and insightful to aid me in my understanding regarding Joshua 's 'brutal' military actions against the Canaanites - in relation to the 'occasional' and 'general' command. Something I will share with my cell members tomorrow evening.
Very interesting topics and relevant issues in today’s generation.
Excellent overview of ideas and views from all sides of the debate.
Upcoming Events
- 5 Sep 2019 – ETHOS Engagement Series Public Lecture – Shalom in the City
Speakers: Dr Kwa Kiem-Kiok and Lawrence Ko
Venue: Bible House
Time: 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Click here for details and registration.
- 29 Sep 2018 - ETHOS Conference 2018
More details coming soon.
- 24 Oct 2018 - ETHOS Annual Lecture 2018
Venue: Trinity Theological College
Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm