CSCA Launches Book Series Promoting Christian Writing by Locals

Friday, Sep. 25, 2009 Posted: 3:41:05PM HKT

(Photo: The Salvation Army, Singapore)

The Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia has launched a book series to encourage local Christians to write for the good of Church and society.

CSCA's Christianity in Southeast Asia series seeks to encourage theological reflection and writing among local pastors and theologians.

“[The series is to get] key theologians and pastors to explain the Christian faith to our generation,” CSCA Director Michael Poon expressed in his short introduction on the series.

“We find hardly any theological reflection or writing in this region,” said the Anglican canon. “[The series is] to help pastors and theologians write and publish.”

Dr Poon, who wrote on the subject for the latest TTC newsletter, there highlighted Christian writings as one of the important legacies Christians today could leave behind for the next generation.

Working with Armour Publishing, a local Christian publisher, the CSCA plans to publish one or two volumes per year.

The first book, on issues of law and justice in Singapore, was launched yesterday at TTC.

Issues of Law and Justice in Singapore: Some Christian Reflections was painstakingly put together by faculty alumni Daniel Koh and Kiem-Kiok Kwa. Both are now faculty members at TTC and East Asia School of Theology, Singapore respectively.

It comprises essays written by seven contributors representing various professions including theology and law academia.

The book provides a theological framework on the subject of law in the form of two essays written by Dr Koh himself and Gordon Wong, Professor of Old Testament at TTC.

Topics covered include criminal law, abortion, marriage, the social principles of the Church with a focus on the Methodist Church in Singapore, and faith, hope and love in the public square.

Initially, the editors intended to have a series covering the subject in a Southeast Asian regional context, Dr Koh explained to an audience of mostly pastors, their family members, many of the book contributors, and TTC faculty members.

The idea was shelved after the manuscripts from all but Singapore contributors failed to come in after a long wait. This was when the editors decided to limit the scope of the book to Singapore.

The book could have covered more subjects given a longer period of time, but the final product is the best possible in the time given, the seconded Methodist minister said.

Dr Koh encouraged even non-theologians, those he referred to as ‘good’ Christians, to write for the benefit of the Church and wider community.

“Christians do make sense,” he said. “Christians can make significant contributions to wellbeing, to human flourishing for our society.”

Another way Christians can contribute is by writing for Church and Society in Asia Today, a TTC journal.

This is "a place in Singapore where Christians can voice our concern", Dr Koh said.

The book launch represented a proud occasion for TTC, which has grown from a teaching centre to include research work and finally the CSCA research centre, formed eight years ago.

With a concentration in faith and society, CSCA promotes awareness of the Christian contribution to the public square.

Among the activities of the CSCA is the publication of journals, monographs, the annual lectures, and occasional papers in addition to the new book series.

Edmond Chua
edmond@christianpost.com