THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM delighted that society and the government recognise that the Church has a role to play in bringing renewal to the country. The Prime Minister said as much in a speech in Ocho Rios to a church group. So did the Minister of National Security in another forum.
The Church has been doing its part, albeit mostly out of the glare of public media and without seeking headlines. But recently, the Church in Spanish Town attempted a public show of force, and a prayer meeting/vigil was held at National Heroes Park, with both events covered by the media.
What disturbs me is the naiveté that attends the involvement of the Church in seeking to bring national renewal. The assumption is that the Church will (should) have a pacifying effect that would lead to a reduction in crime and violence. It is an assumption grounded in falsehood.
I am reminded of a remark made in a church history class 20 years ago by a respected Caribbean church historian. He sneered at Jamaican Christians who claimed that we need a revival. He indicated that those who call for and yearn for revival had no idea what they were calling for. To quote him: "You want revival? Prepare for a revolution." He then gave a very interesting reading of Jamaica's history.
The Sam Sharpe Rebellion, he said, was preceded by a series of church meetings (prayers, etc.) organised by Sharpe. In other words, it started as a religious movement that erupted into violent protest. The Morant Bay Rebellion was preceded by the 1860-61 revival that swept the country "like a mountain stream, clear and transparent as it sprung from the rock" (W.J. Gardner). And the 1938 labour riots followed on the Bedwardian movement, the founding of the City Mission Church, and the founding of the Rastafarian movement.
EASILY SPARKED
Religious fervour can have a 'disruptive' effect on society. One possible reason is that such fervour is high on emotions that can be easily sparked. More likely, it is that persons' sensibilities are on edge, and they become intolerant of perceived evils and wrongs, such as corruption and oppression. The slaves, with the realisation that they were created in the image of God, and that Jesus should be their only master, became intolerant of their beast-like status as slaves, and of the idea that another human being dared claim to be master of their lives.
It is often forgotten, either deliberately or out of ignorance, that Jesus' presence in Jerusalem was disturbing, so much so that the leaders plotted (and succeeded) to be rid of him. His message was seen as destabilising, his actions disruptive, his presence a threat and the people's fervour a powder keg.
So while I, like others, welcome the belated recognition of the Church's role, neither those within, nor those outside the Church, should conclude that the Church will bring peace.
I am, etc.,
ERON HENRY
eronhenry@yahoo.com
Falmouth, Trelawny
Via Go-Jamaica
