What role do you think religion has to play in the public sphere of Singapore? Justify your stand.

Religion, in my opinion forms a major portion of our lifestyle in the society of Singapore. This is mainly due to the fact that Singapore is a multi-racial society. This also adds on to the fact that there will apparently be many more religions in place. Therefore, in this era, I feel that religion has a key role to play in our public sphere in Singapore.

When touching on religion, this issue can be branched out into many aspects of which religious policies and religious ethics are the main concern in the public sphere of Singapore.

Religion is not always about following a specific set of “rules” that lay out a list of expectations that those under the religion must follow. Religion in today’s society is also a form of bridging the gap between the various races and in turn, each Singaporean in the society. To assist in doing so, the government has stepped in to incorporate some valuable information into the education system of the youths so that the initiation can reach out to the young who will then spread it when they become adults. In schools, especially at primary level, “Racial harmony Day” is shown much recognition when each school student is asked to come to school dressed in attire that is of another race. This act itself will help the students to understand more about each other’s religion and culture and this will develop into a special value that is ingrained in them.

Throughout the day the children are allowed to learn more about each other’s religious practices through games and many other activities. This is a clear example as to why I state that religion acts as a form of a bridge in between races and the public.

Hence, it can be seen that religion puts its place in public sphere of Singapore by bridging the gap between races and each Singaporean. As long as the understanding of each other’s religion, race and culture is taken into consideration in our lifestyle, our society will be able to survive any difficulty that comes along our way.