The Editor, Sir:

The article in The Sunday Gleaner of August 6 under the heading 'The Arab/Israeli crisis', submitted by the Public Theology Forum, a group of local ministers of religion from different denominations, was very informative. I am looking forward to them dealing with other local and international issues not only in a reactive way, but in a more proactive fashion.

They made a point that "there is a historic theological consciousness that is very active and alive in the subconscious psyche of Jamaican people that Israel, being regarded as the 'chosen people of God' or God's people, can be excused constantly for any misdemeanours."

Embedded perception

The Jews, in my view, have this deeply embedded perception of themselves and consequently they feel that they have a right to do anything that they feel is in their best interests and they are amazed when others are repulsed by some of their actions.

I am wondering if the Public Theology Forum would see a historic theological consciousness that is very active and alive in the subconscious psyche of the Jamaican people which says that we are the descendants of Ham, who was supposedly cursed, and consequently we are doomed and our actions more or less conform to this perception. 'Nutt'n nah gwaan' will soon be our national motto.

It is this racist European Christian theology that many of us have bought into that has brought us to this point.

I am, etc.,

WAYNE COKE

purecoke@hotmail.com

6 Jonfine Place, Kingston 20