Sex in the Church
Author: Winston Bell
Reviewer: Tanya
Batson-Savage
Publisher: Time Out for Jesus Worldwide Ministries
ALTHOUGH MANY know him as an actor and others know him as a pastor, on Wednesday night Winston 'Bello' Bell added another title to his name: writer, with the launch of his first book Sex in the Church at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston.
The evening saw the exploration of Bell as a young boy and a friend, while the book itself was also examined for its merits.
The chapter headings for the book were used as backdrop for the event, pointing to the various angles from which the text attempts to tackle a subject which for many is taboo.
The launch was hosted by Dr. Orville Taylor, who spent the night wading neck deep in sexual innuendos, many of which were 'winks and nudges' about homosexuality and oral sex.
By the end of the night one woman could contain herself no longer. "What a dirty host!" she exclaimed after Taylor's nth innuendo.
INSIGHTFUL MIND
The night, however, was fortunately not merely about making sex jokes.
Dorothy Noel delivered the words of her husband, Keith Noel, whom he had discovered as "a likkle yute beating drum roun di back of di class."
Taking liberties as the reader, Dorothy Noel spliced her husband's words with her own experiences as she explained that she had taught Bell English while he was a student at Camperdown High.
"What I remember is an insightful mind, that analytical mind," she said, and as such she is not surprised that a book resulted from that mind.
Her reading and reminiscences painted the image of a vibrant, multitalented young boy.
Additionally, as she attempted to describe the play Sandra that the group of young thespians at the school had been involved in, she asked Bell to remind her about the song he had written for the piece.
As a result, the audience was treated to Bell's skill as a singer.
MAINTAIN CONVICTION
Owen 'Blakka' Ellis then took the time to describe his decades of friendship and work with Bell.
He explained that though he and Bell had known of each other through a mutual acquaintance since 1972, they did not formally meet until 1976.
Ellis noted that despite underserved criticism, Bell has been able to maintain conviction to his faith and his profession as an actor.
"I've seen Bello in various positions and all of them noble and all of them worthy of description in decent company," he said.
Ellis further argued that daring to associate sex and the Church in Jamaica is a rather brave attempt.
"I know he's not trying to create controversy," he's said. "He's trying to create light. And that's a good position."
The duty of discussing the book's value to the society fell to Dr. Leahcim Semaj, cultural scientist, who explored the relationship between culture, religion and sex.
IMPORTANT TEXT
Although he questioned some of the statements made in the book, noting that they needed further explanation, he noted that the text was an important start to a much needed dialogue and bout religion and sex.
Semaj noted that the text will hopefully elevate the debate about sex and religion.
Joan Andrea Hutchinson added her perspective on the book, as its editor.
"I bear the name of editor on this book but my work on this book is precious little," she said.
Praising the clarity and simplicity with which it was written, she argued that the fullness of the work will be revealed in time.
Bell began his response by addressing one of Semaj's questions.
He explained that he believed that any consensual act in the marital bed was not a problem to him from a pastoral view point.
Later, he would explain that the book was dedicated to his wife as a testament to her importance to his sexual life and his maintained fidelity.
"The sex is good," he said.
CRITICISM OF CHURCH
As his talk continued, Bell levelled much criticism against the modern Church.
"The Church is a stamping ground for illicit sexual behaviour," he said.
He noted that some Christians use their religious position to "cloak" sins.
Bell further argued that the Church is currently being run by the Church rather than by God.
"God is far different from the Church," he said. "Church is something that man mek. Righteous living is required by God."
Bell explained that the first draft of the book was done in three weeks and believes that was possible because it came through him, not by him.
In parting, however, he could not help resorting to humour.
"Buy the book," he told the audience, "support Bello, so me cyan drive a Escalade out of it."
