“If you are a Christian or a Muslim or a Hindu, you are free to practice your faith, but you cannot use your faith to divide our society. That is the line I draw very firmly.”
— Lee Kuan Yew
Family, discipline, and respect for authority.
If you say it out loud as a freedom-loving Westerner, much of what Lee Kuan Yew said sounds deeply restrictive—even depressing. Yet, to be fair, most of us would still rather live in Singapore in 2025 than in Russia, India, North Korea, or Nigeria.
But “rigid” cultures—where social order is enforced from the top—can be frightening. At first, everything seems fine. Singapore is a market-friendly nation, respected around the world, and its economic model is unmatched. I wouldn’t call it a miracle, but if you believe in free markets, you probably admire Singapore’s approach.
Respect for Authority vs. Western Liberty
“Respect for authority” runs directly against traditional Western values. The question is: whose authority? Who made you God?
Why can’t society move from one extreme to another? As Christians, we know the Bible is full of extremes—righteous kings and wicked ones, revival and rebellion. We don’t assume authority is always right. That’s why we believe in checks and balances and seek to build the Kingdom of God, not a kingdom of men.
Right now, in Canada and much of the West, politicians are pushing a Net Zero agenda, hoping to make environmentalism the new global authority. You can no longer “pollute” or use energy freely—you must produce only what the authorities approve. If you disobey, you risk being censored or cancelled.
The Danger of Man-Made Authority
When we embrace man-made systems of authority as if we are in control, we begin to censor alternatives.
In many Western nations, we’re now facing what I’ll call the Islam problem—a clash of religious law and liberal society. Singapore doesn’t have to deal with that because, as Lee Kuan Yew said:
“You are free to practice your faith, but you cannot use your faith to divide our society.”
As a Christian, I’m thankful to have observed Muslims and Hindus up close rather than bullying them into submission. In the open marketplace of ideas, the power of my God speaks for itself. Islam and Hinduism cannot compete with the living God of the Bible—and Hinduism even predates Christianity.
Both Hindus and Muslims believe in censorship, which aligns with Lee Kuan Yew’s “Asian values.” He didn’t want religion dividing Singapore, and he succeeded. While the West stagnated, Singapore’s economy soared.
But here’s the problem: depression. Many atheistic or agnostic societies—Japan, China, Singapore—produce disciplined, wealthy, but emotionally weary citizens. When your human authorities become your gods, there is nowhere higher to look. The best you can do is wake up, work, and hope retirement brings meaning.
Christ and the Question of Control
As Christians, we’re told to spread the Word of Christ. Yet in Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore, the state decides when we’ve overstepped our boundaries—and that could include writing this very article.
The devil doesn’t mind offering riches and stability. He’s patient. He’ll slow-walk you into hell, saying: “Here’s your beautiful economy—just keep Christ out of it.” That’s the trade-off behind “Asian values”: family, discipline, and respect for authority become more important than faith in God.
Respecting the Jewish Covenant and Christian Freedom
We must also be patient with our Jewish brothers and sisters. They are God’s chosen people, following their own covenant and set of values. We should never force them to accept Jesus Christ.
But for Christians wondering why we emphasize free markets and capitalism so much—it’s because, truth be told, Lee Kuan Yew borrowed from Christian civilization and gave it an Asian twist.
Lee described himself as agnostic, though he was born into a Chinese Buddhist family. He attended mission schools and was exposed to Christianity but rejected organized religion. Ironically, the freedom that shaped his mind and his policies came from Christian civilization—from the moral space Christ made possible.
Christian Roots of the Free Market
Asian nations understand market economies well. But capitalism as we know it—built on honesty, voluntary exchange, and moral restraint—is a Christian creation.
It would never have developed if the moral compass of the world had remained under atheistic, Islamic, or Hindu systems—or even under old feudal kings. Protestant Christian values broke the chains of censorship, hierarchy, and economic stagnation.
Under “Asian values,” before anything could be done, one must first honor family, discipline, and respect for authority. That’s noble, but dangerous.
As Christians, one of our weaknesses is that we “live and let live.” Lee Kuan Yew allowed freedom only within his rules. You could live—so long as you didn’t question his authority.
Authority vs. Free Will
As Christians, we understand that we must allow our children to grow independently. We guide, influence, and teach—but we do not enslave them under man-made systems. Forcing people to obey temporary human rules may preserve order for a time, but it ultimately crushes the soul.
That’s why, even though I respect agnostics, I also pity their emptiness. Still, I have great respect for the late Lee Kuan Yew, who proved that “Asian values”—family, discipline, and respect for authority—can indeed build a prosperous nation.
But my God is not depressing. My God creates diversity, innovation, and joy. He does not burden His people with censorship or silence. Yes, some Christians need to re-read Scripture to understand His true power—but that’s part of the beauty of our faith. We don’t know everything, and we don’t worship money or economics.
We learn from other cultures, but we give God the glory. I appreciate family and discipline, but the only authority I obey is God Almighty.
When man-made authority opposes God, and I cannot break it by my own strength, I will pray for its destruction, because no Christian should ever bow to Satan.
Any authority Satan holds is only temporary.
Final Invitation
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.