"Agree to Disagree" booklet makes the MSM news

I missed writing about this when it was launched, but a 28-page booklet, written by Buddhists for Buddhists, on how to senstively and civilly handle attempts to convert them to other religions, have recently hit the mainstream Straits Times, branded as a response to increasingly aggressive Christian proselytism.

Buddhists say they have felt proselytising efforts intensify in recent years, and while the book does not single out particular religions, its implicit reference to Christian groups is clear.

While the booklet was released in close proximity to the Rony Tan incidents, I don't believe "Agree to Disagree" to be a direct response to those incidents, but more of an effort to a formalised guide for Buddhists to learn how to stand their ground and reject conversion attempts. It is indicative that Buddhists have been quietly withstanding these attempts without anyone to turn to, as well as the escalating bellicose nature of proselytism attempts. It is unfortunate that the worst offenders in my experience has been Christians, thus the implied link is not entirely inaccurate.

Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Taoist groups said they do not have specific rules on how followers should respond to proselytisers, mainly because a person's rights to practise, switch or promote his faith are freedoms protected by the Constitution.

But they agreed that the book's message makes common sense, and share the Buddhists' stand that when facing unwelcome advances, what works is this: Smile, end the conversation politely, and walk away.

That was what struck me as impressive: many of the responses can be used by believers of any faith, and even the non-religious, when facing pressure from proselytisers. A simple smile, a firm "no, thank you", and walking away is enough to state your stand without closing off your mind in a fair and intellectually honest exchange, because proselytism is hardly a fair and intellectually honest exchange. Although some would feel this does not go far enough, I believe this leaves room for further exchange; those who feel strongly enough to go further do not need this book!

In writing a book for Buddhists, they have also created a book for all other religious and non-religious people, to encourage them to stand firm in their faiths. I don't see it as a bad thing at all. In addition to the above link, you can also download that book in PDF format here. The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery will also give out 5,000 free copies of the book on Vesak Day on May 28.