Want to explore a new religion? Or just brush up on your old one? Natasha Golding tracks down faith-based courses that will help you live and learn

Multicultural Singapore brings together many of the world’s religions in one easy-to-explore location. With places of worship on every street, there are plenty of opportunities to pray, praise and learn about your fellow citizens’ faiths. So whether you’re discovering something new or want to pay a little more attention to the faith you’ve always known, take advantage of these religious courses. Who knows, you might find enlightenment with your education.

Buddhism

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
The largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in Singapore offers an Exploring Buddhism course designed to provide factual knowledge about the path to enlightenment. Over three months, students will learn about the benefi ts of dharma (Buddha’s teachings) as well as karma and reincarnation. The course does not offer or suggest conversion and is open to all who are eager to absorb spiritual insights or further their knowledge of Buddhism. For those who prefer a less formal approach, the centre also offers books, CDs, DVDs and courses through its three Awareness Place bookstores. 

Christianity

The Alpha Course
Based on the book The Questions of Life by Nicky Gumbel (and founded by the same), the Alpha course was started nearly 20 years ago in England and is now available worldwide in more than 150 countries. Participants spend ten weeks debating and exploring the question, ‘Is there more to life than this?’ Focusing on the Christian response, they learn about Jesus and the Bible. The course is free with sessions once a week (which all include a meal), plus a day or weekend away. While the programme is hugely popular, it is not without controversy; some critics have commented that it doesn’t accurately reflect certain key tenets of Christianity. They say there is an evangelical and charismatic aspect to it that, at the very least, should encourage potential students to do some research before committing. But the course has also earned kudos from religious bigwigs, so make your own decision. Free. Various locations.

Hinduism

The Hindu Centre
The centre offers an introductory course to anyone who wants a further understanding of the Hindu faith. Throughout the three months, participants gain a solid grounding in Hindu scripture and philosophy. Taught classroom-style using Veda texts, there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions as you learn about Brahman, the Hindu God, as well as the religion’s universal and moral principles like truthfulness, compassion and modesty. The course does not aim to convert any participants and is run several times a year.

Islam

Darul Arqam
The Islamic faith is the second most-practised religion in Singapore and the Darul Arqam association acts as a support for all Muslim converts. The centre holds weekly orientation sessions every Sunday from 10am to 12.30pm, during which interested participants are given an overview of the faith. For those keen to go one step further, there is an 11-week Beginner’s Course (available in English and Chinese) covering topics like the Qur’an as the book of God, prayer and daily ritual. Both courses are free of charge and open to all comers, regardless of their desire to convert. For those who do wish to make the change to Islam, extra support and an actual conversion ceremony will be offered. The centre runs more than 15 additional courses on a wide range of subjects, including Qur’an recitation, Islamic rulings and practices, and even a marriage guidance course. 

Taoism

Taoist Mission
The mission aims to develop one’s understanding of Taoist culture and philosophy. A religious belief system where loyalty and filial piety are central principles, the faith believes humans can live a peaceful existence if they adhere to a pre-governed set of laws. The organisation is open to all and can provide one-on-one support and links to local temples, talks and events.