Easter and renewal

Wayne Campbell, Contributor

RELIGION HAS always been, and continues to be, very important to Caribbean people. The people of the Caribbean, and in particular Jamaica, have used religion for varied reasons over the years. These range from using religion to explain the supernatural to a means of comforting individuals during times of bereavement and distress. Religion has also been used, and continues to be used, as a form of social control.

Religion can be defined in its most simplest form as a set of beliefs and rituals associated with that which is sacred. Most, if not all, civilisations have a set of sacred beliefs and rituals. Jamaica is known for having the most churches per square mile, (surpassed only by the number of bars per capita). These denominations range from the more traditional ones, such as the Roman Catholics and Moravians, to the less traditional ones, for example, Rastafarianism. As a society, we are very receptive and welcoming of new ideas. This is not necessarily a bad attribute, since a society should always be dynamic. It is said that Jamaica is a religious country, however, despite this, secularism and secular activities are thriving in this so-called religious society. We are indeed a plural society. On one hand, believers commemorate Passion Week, while on the other hand, non-believers revel in carnival.

Secular world

It appears as if the secular world is far more united in what they stand for than the church community. With each denomination having its own doctrine and interpretation of the Bible, we are seeing far too many divisive traits among the church community. Would we not be better off if we were to unite around the core values of Christianity - that is Christ's birth, crucifixion, burial, resurrection and second coming? We become considerably weaker as the body of Christ with our squabbles and inter-denominational differences while the devil has become embolden and bolder. Evidence of the adversary's boldness can be seen not only here in Jamaica, but in the wider international community. We now live in a post 9/11 world, which is characterised by an ever present threat of terror, higher stress levels and uncertainty. If ever there was a time for Christians to unite, this would be the time. Our society is haemorrhaging; we are tired of the murders, the abuse of our women and children, the seemingly widespread corruption in all sectors of the society. 2 Chronicles 7 verse 14 says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek my (God's) face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Don't you think we are now at that point for us to truly turn to GOD in order for healing and restoration to begin in our troubled society? Is it not time for the believers to come together? The Bible tells us that the labourers are few, why are the labourers few? The labourers are few because of the disunity and corruption among the believers.

Easter significance

Easter has a special significance for Christians; it symbolises Jesus Christ's victory over death. Christ's resurrection emblematises the eternal life that is granted to everyone who accepts Him as their personal saviour. It should be noted that Easter also has a pagan side. The feast day of Easter was originally a Roman pagan celebration of renewal and rebirth in honour of the goddess Easter it was common practice to have offerings of coloured eggs presented.

Easter should be a time for restoration, renewal and healing. We need to be our brother's keeper. We need to be proactive Christians and productive members of our various denominations.

Easter has a special significance for Christians; it symbolises Jesus Christ's victory over death.