Soundings ¢ Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg)
On being salt and light “Soundings” is a series of essays that , like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding.
I
n Matthew 5, Jesus told his disciples that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Although these metaphors have been subjected to different interpretations, most scholars agree that “salt” has to do with purification and preservation, while “light” points to illumination and guidance. In describing his disciples (and, by extension, the Church) as “salt” and “light”, Jesus is claiming audaciously that they not only are to be witnesses of God’s truth and love in the world, He is insisting that their very presence is somehow integral to the well-being of society. The churches in Singapore have contributed in countless ways to the flourishing of society and to nation building since Christianity arrived on our shores. They have been
involved in public education and public health, and they have done much to reach out to society’s poorest and most vulnerable members. The contribution of The Methodist Church of Singapore in this regard has been truly exemplary, the evidences of which are quite obvious in the history of our city-state. But being the salt of the earth and the light of the world involves more than building schools, hospitals and hospices—important though they undoubtedly are in the service of the common good. It also has to do with the Church’s engagement with some of the most complex issues and challenges that confront modern society, where the only constant is change.
