The EDITOR Sir:OUR SOCIETY is going through challenges and changes and many of them impact in some way on our morals and values, our principles and standards. There are institutions that have been put in place to uphold these positions such as the Church, Service Clubs, the Media and even the Government. The Church is seen as a place for such hallmarks to be kept. It fails at times, but is endeavouring to carry out that responsibility which sometimes is stymied by other sectors of the society that have influence.
MORAL MIND AND LIFESTYLE
Take for example, our children in the Church through the Sunday/Sabbath Schools and the education system in general are taught values and attitudes for a moral mind and lifestyle. We have them sing choruses and hymns and carry out activities for clean minds and utterances. But the Church is unable to keep them from hearing or even reading music, lyrics and prose that we believe soil the minds. Listen to our radio stations in the afternoons between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., a time when most of our children are going home in cars or buses. They are even encouraged to be part of the programmes with the games and the quizzes.
DEGENERATION IN
THE MORALS
The Youth sections of the newspapers have the lyrics of some of these popular lewd songs, printed for the children to read. Is it any wonder that the children seem to know these songs better than that taught to them in church and school? Isn't it possible then that these and other influences are bringing about a degeneration in the morals and standards of our society?
Why can't the print and electronic media find a way to tone down or desist from playing these lewd songs and showing their equally lewd music videos? People may say that what we see and hear is of the society - but is it the society that is moulding the minds of our children? Society is made up of its peoples and their influences. It is said that the end of the stream is dirty because the top of the stream washes it down.
SOCIETY MUS TAKE
ON THE CHALLENGE
The influential in the society must again take up the challenge of lifting the principles and standards of the society. This congregation takes a firm stand against the type of lyrics being played and printed in and through the media and urge that those who are influential in the society and desire to have a nation built on morals and values to also take a stand with us. We urge the media to review its programming and what it airs and prints, if not for the society then for our children.
I am etc.
REV. BARRINGTON SOARES
Rector
Church of the Holy Spirit
2 Cumberland Road, Cumberland
Gregory Park P.O., St. Catherine.
