Letter of the Day | Be more Christlike, for Christ’s sake

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Hark! The herald angels sing! It’s Christmastime, a period that culminates on December 25, when many celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ. A debatable date that coincides and traces its roots to pagan celebrations. But undebatable is the fact that this historical figure existed and lived an exemplary life, which has impacted most of the world through the teachings of Christianity and Islam.

As a Christian country, Christ should be a central piece for faith in action. A question that should oft be on the minds of his adherents is: What would Jesus do? The simple answer is, he would put faith in action; in other words, he would be a social worker. The social work of Jesus is a transcendent theme right across faiths. He was always seeking to develop the human capital of all those he engaged with. So, are the churches and other faith-based groups capturing the spirit of the mission of Christ? Not quite, I would argue; and others would say ‘not at all’, but the undeniable truth is that all should and could do more.

Churches across our island are strategically placed and could offer well-needed social services to the people. Interestingly, its closest rival in ubiquity, the rum bar or the more socially palatable sports bar and grills have been much more faithful to its cause of intoxication than the Church to its social work and indoctrination. Rum bars have emerged over the years as the counselling centre of choice for many Jamaicans, predominantly our endangered male species. But how can churches compete with the now crowd favourite? A place that opens its doors near 24/7 to its faithful, offering a listening ear, an encounter with spirits, and your favourite drinks for your offerings? Well, simply giving the people more for what they have given would be a start. I wouldn’t dare venture near the politics of offerings, but I would cautiously suggest it can do more for those less well-off.

Additionally, the interdenominational coming together can now move past their ‘kumbaya ’ conventions phase and look at actual social issues they could tackle, or even lobby the Government for training and technical support to offer their communities the social services they need. Last but not least is the concept of mediation and justice centres. Imagine if we had all churches and their leaders readily engaging communities before conflicts got out of hand. I would gladly sing this season, ‘peace on earth and mercy mild as church and sinners reconciled’.

WADE BROWN

A Jamaican Muslim