The Dimensions That Establish and Sustain Religious Identity: A Study of Chinese Singaporeans Who Are Buddhists or Taoists

Buddhism and Taoism remain vibrant and prominent in Singapore’s religious landscape. Yet, little is known of why Chinese Singaporeans chose and remain in these ancient religions. Analyzing over thirty face-to-face interviews with Buddhists and Taoists in Singapore, this book provides a glimpse into their fascinating narratives consisting of encounters and experiences with the presence and power of spiritual realities. A renewed understanding of Buddhism and Taoism will, hopefully, encourage readers of other religious traditions to create space for each other’s religious identity. Only then can we continue to live and share a multi-religious environment within the small nation-state. ＂＂A model for all--perhaps Western Christians particularly--of listening with openness, honesty, and respect. Dr. Low’s inductive, relational approach yields intimate insights readers would have never gleaned otherwise, and [which they would have] remained poorer for having missed. He has sharpened the definition of religious identity and expanded the genres of dimensions that may sustain it. A thoughtful and thought-provoking work.＂＂ --RUSSELL H. BOWERS JR., Ph.D, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore ＂＂Daniel Low’s book is essential reading for students and scholars of religious identity and Chinese religion. He introduces theoretical precision to the study of religious identity while providing a rich and participant-centered understanding of the lives and spiritual realities of Chinese Buddhists and Taoists in Singapore.＂＂ --STEPHANIE CHAN, Ph.D, Biola University ＂＂This unique study offers the reader an insightful glimpse into the lived religious experience of Buddhists and Taoists in Singapore--a portrait of ancient traditions juxtaposed against the backdrop of an ultra-modern urban context. Its focus on religious identity is particularly timely within our pluralistic global context, and the author concludes with thoughtful implications for intercultural learning, research, and practice.＂＂ --RHONDA M. McEWEN, Ph.D, Regent College Daniel H. Y. Low, Ph.D is Assistant Professor of Education at Concordia University Chicago and directs the Master of Arts in Teaching Program. He is the co-author of Servants of God in His Restoration of Humanity: The Utilization of Christian Practices in Multi-cultural and Multi-religious Higher Education Contexts and Renewing Christian Community Identity through Communities of Practice: Considerations for Singapore Churches.

Daniel H. Y. Low, Ph.D is Assistant Professor of Education at Concordia University Chicago and directs the Master of Arts in Teaching Program. He is the co-author of Servants of God in His Restoration of Humanity: The Utilization of Christian Practices in Multi-cultural and Multi-religious Higher Education Contexts and Renewing Christian Community Identity through Communities of Practice: Considerations for Singapore Churches.