From 24-27 February, Rev Dr Edwin Tay was a participant at a theological consultation that was jointly organized by the Langham Partnership International (LPI) and the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC). Themed “Overcoming the Great Divide”, this is the last of four consultations that sought to understand and address the problem of the sacred-secular divide (SSD) in Christian life and ministry. Earlier consultations were held in London, Latin America and Africa. Singapore is the base for the Asian contribution to the Langham-LICC project with Trinity Theological College playing host to ten theological educators from Indonesia, Philippines, India, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Singapore.

Facilitated by Dr Ian Shaw of LPI, and Mark Greene and Dr Antony Billington of LICC, the four days of consultation covered a wide range of topics on the specified theme. These topics include “Signs of SSD in the Asian Context”, “Theological Education and Contextual Discipleship”, “Addressing SSD Through Commentaries” and “Addressing SSD Through Curriculum Change”.

Reflecting on the consultation and its theme, Dr Tay comments: “We must not make the mistake of thinking that the root cause of SSD is due to the influence of certain dualistic forms of thought which were passed on to us by the Church in the West. Thinking in this way will tempt us to play the blame game. SSD is a systemic problem and a global phenomenon that is to be traced theologically to the effect of sin upon humanity. Sin fragments life and impedes human flourishing. It is only in Christ that ‘all things hold together’ (Col 1:17). Dealing with SSD will therefore require theological resources that offer a whole-life view of salvation and a whole-life view of sin’s disintegrating effects. I am extremely heartened that LPI and LICC have partnered to facilitate consultations that address such a needful subject. I look forward with great anticipation to the presentation of the project’s findings.”

The Langham-LICC project will culminate in a lecture and workshop at the International Council of Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) Triennial meeting to be held later in the year at Panama City. Materials will also be developed and made available for theological educators in support of their teaching ministry.