The nationalisation of religion: Youth and Soka Gakkai in Singapore

Abstract

The nationalisation of religion is introduced in this article as the condition in which the secular interests and values of the state are articulated and enacted by religious organisations or individuals participating in public life. It has two attributes: (1) performances are shrouded in a nationalistic character that renders the religious significantly invisible and as a result; (2) the prevailing political order proceeds unquestioned. To make its case, the article draws from the experiences of the youth of Soka who perform in public events such as the National Day Parade and Chingay in Singapore. These performances are some of the ways in which Soka presents itself as a cultural organisation working for peace and progress in Singapore. For them, it is about sending a message that individual and collective struggles can be overcome and that in spite of their differences, people can come together. RésuméLa nationalisation de la religion est introduite dans cet article comme la condition dans laquelle les intérêts et les valeurs laïques de l'État sont articulés et promulgués par des organisations religieuses ou des individus participant à la vie publique. Elle a deux intérêts: (1) Ces performances sont enveloppées dans un caractère nationaliste qui rend CompassCornelio: The nationalisation of religion in Singapore research-article2018 Article Cornelio: The nationalisation of religion in Singapore 115 les religieux sensiblement invisibles et, par conséquent ; (2) L'ordre politique régnant se poursuit incontestablement. Pour faire valoir son point de vue, l'article s'inspire des expériences de la jeunesse de Soka qui, à Singapour, se produit dans des manifestations publiques telles que la Parade Nationale et Chingay. Ces performances constituent une des manières à travers lesquelles Soka se présente en tant qu'organisation culturelle oeuvrant pour la paix et le progrès à Singapour. À travers elle, il s'agit d'envoyer le message que les luttes individuelles et collectives peuvent être surmontées et que malgré leurs différences, les gens peuvent s'unir.

Uṟumi Mēḷam: a musical sanctuary for at-risk Tamil youth in Singapore

“…These can elevate their sense of purpose and self-worth (Campbell 2018: 10;Harrison 2019: 12;Higgins and Willingham 2017: 101;O'Neill 2015;Rimmer 2012Rimmer , 2018Sherinian 2017Sherinian , 2018Tan 2008Tan , 2015Tan , 2018Wood and Donovan 2013). Studies, however, have shown that the amalgamation of musicking and religion can better engage youths with maintaining their religious principles and identity (Cornelio 2018;Ishiguro 2019;Nasir 2018;Sarkissian 2005: 130). This appears to be why musicking for Tamil folk Hindu deities appeals to at-risk youth in ur  umi mēl am groups and helps keep them out of trouble.…”