'Sex in Church'

BASIL DAWKINS' play, A State of Affairs could easily be also called 'Sex in Church' as it deals with issues of sexuality of church members -young and old - and one of the settings is in the church office's counselling room. And though the main actor, Tony (Jerry Benzwick), is not a Christian, he seeks solace from counsellors in the church and also provokes sexual feelings in women.

Dawkins is not a trained theologian; he is a playwright of renown. However, it would be a mistake to believe that it is only ministers of religion who can theologise. It is always essential to get the viewpoint of play writers and other artistes, of how they interpret the Bible and understand God. About a decade ago, I heard Mutabaruka, a leading poet, telling a large audience in Zimbabwe that the church is so uncomfortable with sex, that it devised a scheme to say Jesus was born to a virgin when the passage from Isaiah could be translated a young girl and not necessarily a virgin.

In my research of native baptists of the 19th century, I discovered that although the native baptists leaders were not trained theologians they had an authentic understanding of God which led to political activism and agitation for social justice, led by National Heroes Paul Bogle and George William Gordon. And when my book, The Cross and the Machete in honour of native Baptists, was launched last year, the persons who were asked to reflect on the book, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and University of the West Indies Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris, were not trained theologians. However, it was Prof Harris who profoundly interpreted the destruction of Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea as a violent act. Therefore, Dawkins' interpretation of sex in church cannot be dismissed as the ramblings of an untrained theologian but must be understood as reflecting an authentic viewpoint and also helping to shape societal views about sexuality.

This Dawkins' play is a welcome dramatisation on sex and should help our society to discuss the matter. It is a sad commentary on the Jamaican society that issues of sexual harassment are swept under the carpet and not dealt with. There are loud whisperings about male politicians having sexual relations with underage girls but it is as if "a nuh nuten". Even in liberal Italy where prostitution is not illegal, president Silvio Berlusconi, a billionaire, is facing allegations and possible prosecution about sexual intercourse with underage girls. But that has never happened in Jamaica.

Afraid to discuss sex

And the church in Jamaica is not much better in discussing sex in the hallowed sanctuaries and among members. Whereas in many parts of the world priests are fessing up to illicit sexual relations with males, that has not reached Jamaica. And generally speaking, the Church seems afraid to discuss sex as a gift from God for procreation and the ultimate commitment of love. The Church shies away from dealing with sexuality and sexual urges. Thankfully, this Saturday, female missionary Jo-Ann Richards launches her book, GODINCIDENCES, which describes her journey as a missionary and in which she opens up on her sexuality as a single female.

Dawkins characterises persons within the church community as sexual beings with sexual needs and urges. This play deals with sex in church in a delightful and delicate way. The setting of a bedroom scene was thought-provoking and the unexpected twist at the end points to issues the church and society will have to deal with - virtual sex. The play is informative, entertaining and theologically sound. Hopefully, after the laughs, the patrons, in their own small groups, will discuss the issues and perspectives raised in the play.

Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. Send comments to columns@gleanerjm.com.