Religious shift in Singapore : the case of Christianity

Abstract

Singapore underwent rapid industrialization after it became a sovereign independent state in 1965. While society changed, religion has interestingly thrived. Many citizens flocked to Protestant churches and became members. This paper explains the growth of Protestantism in Singapore after 1970. I discuss three theologies that appealed to church leaders during the 1970s. The leaders embraced and operationalized theologies, delivering sermons and establishing programs that grew their churches. Pentecostalism and its practices drew those who sought miracles, signs, and wonders to the churches. The prosperity gospel appealed to many upper and middleclass Singaporeans, promising material blessings to those who abided by it. Lastly, the establishment of the cell-group network helped connect people who sought fellowship and care in small group communities with the Protestant churches. Together, these theologies and practices also inspired church members to give huge amounts of money to fund the churches’ building projects and evangelistic activities, further enabling the institutions to grow their congregations. The growth in numbers would see the rise of the megachurches in Singapore after 1970.