THE EDITOR, Sir:
BROADLY SPEAKING, the spiritual reality is the unseen reality. Spirituality contemplates issues related to the individual human spirit, the interconnectivity between individuals or groups of persons, and relationships with the Divine Reality.
Spirituality has four primary dimensions: the rational (thoughts), the emotional (feelings), the moral (principles), and the practical (actions). Practical spirituality speaks to how thoughts, feelings and principles translate into actions. From a religious perspective, spirituality also involves worship.
Jesus Christ is logos (word or reason) and he calls us to love and righteousness, therefore Christianity is a blend of the rational, the emotional and the moral. Though some seem to forget, Christianity has always been a practical religion.
NEGLECT OF SPIRITUALITY
Since Jamaica probably ranks second to none in worship and emotional spirituality, I posit that the neglect of the rational, moral and practical aspects of spirituality has contributed significantly to the erosion of the socioeconomic fabric of our society.
I understand the Prime Minister's call to the Jamaican Church to be an appeal for the inclusion of a practical, rational morality in national institutions. If I am reading her right, then I cannot see what all the fuss is about.
Rather than keeping our lights hidden under the 'bushel' of the sanctuary, the Church should make available, without hesitation, the individuals, both ordained and lay, who are capable of delivering this type of spirituality to the nation as a whole. Those who do not wish to participate are free to quietly decline the invitation.
The Christians who will 'log on' must remember though that after worship and prayers, someone still has to reason out the mind of Christ on the way forward and apply the practical solutions to national issues; for it is in fact true that 'faith without works is dead'.
I am, etc.,
STANLEY REDWOOD
stanley_redwood@yahoo.com
Middle Quarters P. O.
Via Go-Jamaica
