Second Independence Day celebration

Tomorrow is a national holiday here in Singapore as it is her National/Independence Day. Every year, it seems, we would celebrate three Independence Days - the United States's (July 4), Singapore's (August 9) and Malaysia's (August 31). Of course, we get a day off work only on one of the three.

Having lived in various countries, I have concluded that there is no one government that has gotten it right - its civil and foreign policies. All have their weaknesses and strengths. No matter where I am, whether Turkey, the US, Singapore or back in Malaysia, I am always critical of one thing or another of the manner the country is ordered. I am also beginning to make out the distinction between being patriotic and being nationalistic. Being patriotic is when you would be willing to stand for what you know is right and good for your country even when the government believes otherwise. This means, sometimes you may have to be the unpopular one. Being nationalistic, on the other hand, is accepting, believing and standing up for what the government adjudicates even though it may not necessarily be right or good for the people.

I believe, as Christians, we are called to stand for what is true, right and good. Hence, there is a place for all of us, no matter which government we live under, to be "patriotic." Christians NEED to engage in the public square as part of the good news of Christ is the redemption of our ideas, values, beliefs and morals and not merely "saving of souls for heaven." Jesus did not die a slave's death on the cross to just give us a ticket to heaven.

On a less serious but equally important note, the church we attend is hosting a movie evening today. "Come Taste and See" is an event usually held on the eve of a national holiday where we invite friends to church for dinner and a good movie and then chat about it over a glass of merlot. Brian and I have been given the assignment to pick the movie and lead the discussion. As a true Complementarian when it comes to gender roles, I picked the movie and asked Brian to lead the discussion. We'll be watching Stranger Than Fiction. Should be a fun evening...