THINKING FREE IN SINGAPORE : WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE NO RELIGION

Abstract

Singapore is complex and heterogeneous in its religious composition. The 1980 population census and the 1988 national survey indicate that a small but increasing number of people change to a non-religious identity in their lifetime. Who are these people who claim "no religion” (popularly also known as "free thinkers”?

Are there any social and cultural factors that encourage this trend towards an identity of non-religion? Is this an indication that Singapore is undergoing secularization? Are these "free thinkers" any different from those who cl aim a religion? What are their moral values?

This study looks at these various problems associated with this phenomenon of “thinking free” in Singapore and attempts to answer the question: what does it mean to have no religion?