Columns

  • A stroke of genius

    Jan 20, 2023

    Priest, medical doctor, scientist, a university professor in Bioethics, and artist are some of the roles attributed to Fr Joseph Tham LC.

  • A different kind of kingdom

    Jan 20, 2023

    The kingdom Jesus was proclaiming would be based on compassion and justice for all, especially the poor.

  • As He tempers our faith

    Jan 20, 2023

    God is “tempering” us (and our faith), so that at just the right time, we will be able to transform, to intervene, to be agents of change and unity.

  • The one and the many — ecumenical and interfaith relations

    Jan 20, 2023

    One of the most ancient problems in philosophy is the question of ‘the one and the many’, whether reality is ultimately a unity or a plurality and how these interrelate.

  • Navigating an increasingly ‘conservative’ Malaysia

    Jan 13, 2023

    Ironically, often, a big part of the yearning for a ‘new’ Malaysia usually throws us back to the “good old days” – days of a more liberal Malaysia where we ate at each other’s houses with less hesitance, where English was widely and more well-spoken.

  • A call to love them first, teach second

    Jan 13, 2023

    Catechism is derived from catechesis, or the Greek katekhesis, which means ‘to teach by proclaiming’ or ‘to teach orally’, as the Apostles did by following the example set by Jesus Christ. Catechism does not refer to instruction just by question and answer, but the inculcation or instilling of knowledge and virtues to the learners. The role of a catechist is to ‘echo’ the Church’s teachings, setting a role model by living the faith. In this context echoing is not a mere shout of ‘Hello, how are you?’ and expect the echoed ‘I am fine’.

  • The anthropological function of gossip

    Jan 13, 2023

    Jesus is our scapegoat. He takes away our sin and division, though not by banishment from the community. He takes away our sins by taking them in, carrying them, and transforming them so as not to give them back in kind.

  • ‘It is good’ Three messages to take to heart in the New Year

    Jan 13, 2023

    A hand in the lower right hand corner writes and circles goals for the new year, such as ‘join gym’, ‘save money’ and ‘find a new job’, on a green chalkboard in white chalk.

  • Dying to self and picking up the Cross

    Jan 06, 2023

    Dying to self and picking up the Cross

  • The God of consolation

    Jan 06, 2023

    A good relationship with God is what has sustained me in the dark times of this year. I have never had in my imagination the punishing God that many Catholics secretly worship and try to appease.