The Editor, Sir:I consider myself a Christian but I must say that some days I feel like hanging my head in shame, covering my face in embarrassment, or simply shaking my head and walking away dumbfounded.
I refer to the recent media reports that church leaders are calling on 10,000 Christians to take to the streets for a massive cleanup in anticipation of Cricket World Cup.
Aside from the fact that this action implies that the Church endorses the misguided notion that Cricket World Cup is going to have a long-lasting, positive effect on the country (which is almost sure to be proven untrue), this call to cleanup simply misses the point as to what 'living the faith' is all about.
There is nothing wrong with cleanliness. In fact, it has been said that it is second only to godliness. And that is the issue. As human beings and children of God we are first obliged to be 'godly'. Succinctly, that means 'doing the right thing' on a daily basis.
Years ago the prophet Micah reminded us that to be godly is to 'act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly'. Christ himself condensed it into the simple admonition to 'love God with heart, soul, and mind, and your neighbour as yourself'.
God-like characteristics
I will shed my veil of shame and embarrassment when the Church steps out in faith from its wall of silence and disengagement and begins to demonstrate some of these God-like characteristics. What a proud day it will be when even 100 people of goodwill and faith have the courage to demand accountability and a cessation of corruption from our leaders and politicians. What a proud day it will be when even 100 people of goodwill and faith have the courage to demand that those given the responsibility for the safety and welfare of our children, mentally ill, and aged simply do their job and carry out their duties as the law requires.
What a proud day it will be when even 100 people of goodwill and faith have the courage to engage their communities in initiatives of justice, reconciliation and conflict resolution. What a proud day it will be when even 100 people of goodwill and faith have the courage to live, free from fear and prejudice, in a way that uplifts each other and shows respect and love for all.
My suspicion is that not only would the cleanliness of the streets take care of itself, but we would be well on our way to a quiet and positive revolution that would result in a 'godly' society.
I am, etc.,
ARNOLD GOODHART
Kingston 10
