Penang, Malaysia: Mosaic of Cultural Diversity

Photos and Narration by Dr. herbert r.

The year of St. Paul reminds us of the missionary travels and works undertaken by Paul (Saul) of Tarsus, who became the Apostle to the Gentiles. In his missionary work, St. Paul encountered peoples of different cultures from Asia Minor, Greece, the Middeterranean Islands and Italy. Paul's dealings with the Jews and Gentiles were discerning. Once he encountered the altar of the unknown god in an Athenian Temple. This encounter with altar of the unknown god became the starting point of his discourse to the people of Athens about the True God who is the maker of heaven and earth. He recognize the validty of their yearning for God and that their "religions" were a legitimate expression of the "law of God written in their hearts". But St. Paul did not hesitate to point out the errors in the views of both gentiles and Jews and sought to bring them into the light of the Gospel. For Christ indeed, did not come to destroy culture, but he came to purify these culture so that they may be in conformity with the Law of God. I have one very interesting travel that impresses me and gives me insight into what inter-cultural dialogue is all about. In the Philippines, the culture seems to be homogeneous. Maority of people have the same religion and the same ethnic background. In Penang, Malaysia however it is different. Here one encounters the diversity of cultures and religions existing peacefully side by side.

For the Christian this diversity should not be a source of bewilderment but it should serve as inspiration to bear witness. For whatever our religious affiliation is we recognize the supremacy of God. But what distinguishes us is how we practice charity. Christ said, "in these shall all men know that you are my disciple, if you love one another."

Let me share with you some of the pictures that I treasure.

Chancery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Penang

There are also Catholics in Penang and Georgetown is the seat of the Bishop of Penang. It has a large chancery located at Mcalister Road. The chancery is bigger than any chancery I've seen in the Philippines. This to think that Catholics is just a samll percentage of Penang's population. Many Catholics are of Indian origin, there are also Chinese members.

St. Paul's Church, a Protestant Church

In front of the Catholic Church just a few blocks away there is this protestant church.

Catholic Church Building in Georgetown

The City-Center of Georgetown, the capital of Penang State, is a charming old city. Thanks to a state regulation or law that protects ancestral heritage such as houses and buildings. Many old, victorian and colonial buildings have been preserved. The building in the picture, if I am not mistaken is a building owned by the Catholic Church. It has the seal of the Bishop attached to it.

Street of Religious Harmony, Georgetown, Penang

Penand pride itself for its religious freedom and tolerance. Although in Malaysia, Islam is the State Religion, other forms of religious beliefs are tolerated. This street is known as the street of religious harmony. Said so because it is a street that contains various houses of religious worhsip of different reigious tradition. Outstanding in this picture is a minaret.

Burmese Pagoda

Burmese Buddhism is also present on the island of Penang.

Chinese Temple Courtyard

This is a temple that honors various deities and ancestors. Inside the building it contains priceless treasures of religious art. It is not airconditioned however so one would feel the humidity and heat. Also noted is the semll of burning jossticks.

Ornate Carvings on the Gate of a Hindu Temple

Pakistani Mosque

Islam is ever present in Penang. There are several mosques from different cultural background. This mosque is the Paskitani Mosque. Building is small but beautiful and elegant in appearance.