The perception of Christianity as a rational religion in Singapore: A missiological analysis of Christian conversion

This dissertation draws upon Chee Kiong Tong's thesis of the perception of Christianity as a rational religion in Singapore and explores the extent and ways to which this is a factor for Christian conversion among younger Chinese Singaporeans. Taking the mode of qualitative research, the study involves interviews of 35 Chinese Singaporeans who converted from Buddhism and/or Taoism to Christianity. The findings are then analyzed in view of three domains of literature, including (1) contextualization of Christianity in Asia, (2) modernization, globalization, and religious change, and (3) Christian conversion theories in Singapore, in order to better understand the phenomena in Singapore.;In particular, the dissertation addresses the common criticism that Christianity in Asia is Westernized due to the intrusion of rationalistic Western theology in that part of the world and is therefore contextually inappropriate. Recent sociological research suggests that younger Chinese Singaporeans are converting to Christianity in part because they perceive it as a rational religion in contrast to their perception of Chinese religions as illogical or irrational. The dissertation research findings indicate that the perception of Christianity in Singapore as a more rational religion is, to a large extent, an important factor for conversion. Not only did many informants favor Christianity as a rational religion, but they did not regard Christianity in Singapore as a Western religion at the point of their conversion. Moreover, all informants insisted that becoming Christians did not eclipse their Singaporean or Chinese identities.;These changes reflect not only the personal or micro-level and societal or meso-level factors, but the structural and macro-level factors of modernization and globalization impacting conversion patterns. Religions in Singapore are not declining but are transformed as a result of the processes of modernization and globalization. The changes are evident in terms of both the inner coherence and the social significance of religions in Singapore. The science-oriented educational system and the emphasis on intellectual pursuits in Singapore have facilitated a growing number of conversions to Christianity. The preference for the more rational Bible teachings of Christianity reflects a shift from passive acceptance of religion to one that is perceived as intellectual, logical, and relevant. There is a strong correlation between education and religion inherent within the overall structure of Singapore society, which plays a significant role in influencing one's religious choice. The observation that informants perceive Christianity as a global religion as opposed to a strictly Western religion indicates the social significance of religion in Singapore to facilitate the formation of a more cosmopolitan social identity.