DURING a recent drive across the island I observed that there were three entities that dotted Jamaica’s socio-economic landscape more than anything else: churches, rum bars and Chinese shops. In practically every nook and cranny of this troubled paradise these facilities are to be found. Already, it has been established via the Guinness Book of World Records that Jamaica has the most churches per square mile in the world.

But, while churches continue to proliferate in the country, many rum bars have been closed or opened occasionally, no doubt because of the harsh economic realities out there. In the meantime, Chinese businesses, with very few exceptions, have been doing very well catering to the needs and wants of citizens who find their prices to be far more reasonable than those at shops run by black Jamaicans.

Indeed, the story is told that while the Chinese band together and buy in bulk, others do their thing separately, hence having to expend more on goods procured and then pass on the cost to consumers. This scenario needs to be the subject of detailed study by one of our established universities to explain why Chinese businesses do so much better than black businesses, even in the worst of times.

On the other hand, while the churches are reaping big bucks selling hope and spiritual rewards, the rum bars have difficulty dispensing enough spirits because of the high cost of living. Notwithstanding this fact, many Jamaicans are turning to the spirits, rather than to the Spirit (Holy), for solace, comfort and a temporary escape from their stressed-out lives. One may well ask, against this background, if the Churchcum-religion is failing to “rescue the perishing and care for the dying”.

To many world travellers, Jamaica is the closest to being a paradise on Earth given its natural beauty and wonderful climate. Unfortunately, what the Arawaks affectionately called “land of wood and water” (Xaymaca) has become a land of violence and corruption. Almost daily, people are killed or seriously maimed by seemingly bloodthirsty inhabitants; guns that cost much to purchase are in the hands of young men who cannot afford their next meal; indiscipline and chaos abound, especially in urban areas; family life has broken down at an alarming rate; and political tribalism determines, for the most part, the fortunes of the masses who continue to put their trust in God and the politician (not necessarily in that order).

In all of this, my main concern is the role of religion in seeking to heal this sinsick nation. Various descriptions in quotes about religion oftentimes bring to the fore that the worshipping of God — whomever or whatever we presume Him/Her/It to be — may well highlight the various perceived inadequacies or expectations in terms of prescriptions. Perhaps Mahatma Gandhi said it best: “God has no religion.” He stated further: “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”

“Religion is the opium of the people” is undoubtedly one of the most frequently referred to statements from German economist Karl Marx. In fact, the full quotation reads: “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” An expanded interpretation of this viewpoint would suggest that in the same way some people use a drug to escape from the cruel circumstances of their existence, religion provides such a choice to flee from worldly ills and be washed in the blood of the Lamb. “When my pilot comes I’ll take an aeroplane ride, I will be so happy with Jesus by my side…”

Let me state unreservedly and unapologetically that I believe in God and I do believe that He sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus, to save us from eternal damnation. However, my beef is with many Christian practitioners in Jamaica, where Christianity is the primary religion, who behave mainly as business moguls using salvation as a commodity not just to win souls, but to fatten theirs and their churches’ bank accounts.

I have often asked myself, if Jesus were to return to earth today, how He would relate to those who are supposed to be the shepherds taking care of the flocks. Some of the richest and most affluent pastors preside over congregations that comprise hordes of poor people. And, it is among such flocks that the most heinous crimes are committed, not to mention that many churchgoers “live worse than puss and dog”. As one snooty so-called Christian declared, “We may go to the same church, but we don’t sit in the same pew.”

History has shown that religion can be very divisive causing wars, segregation, intolerance, condescension and persecution, not to mention cynicism. How often do Christians practise what they preach? And, are Christians in Jamaica being true to their calling or is the Church just another big business venture preying on the fears and distresses of the people in the same way that music can make you forget your troubles and dance?

Far from berating Christians — who am I to see the splinter in someone else’s eye when there is a plank in mine? — it is my contention that the Church, collectively, is not doing enough to salvage Jamaica socially, spiritually and economically. Space does not allow, but I am prepared to debate this topic with anyone, anywhere, anytime, because I do believe that more proactive and productive efforts by the Church can make a tremendous difference in the lives of many Jamaicans. Staging marches, mass rallies, and keeping big tent meetings may bring in more “customers”, but such public relations stints end up, most times, being merely cosmetic and transitory.

By his deeds must a man be known. Christians must love their neighbours regardless of who or what they are, and, most importantly, they must lead by example, not just mouthing scriptures and behaving like Sadducees and Pharisees.

In a country where corruption is rampant, greed exceeds need and violence remains the first-response mechanism to any personal or community crisis, Jesus must be one of the main solutions to our problems.

In this vein, I close with a quotation from Abraham Lincoln: “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Nuff said!

Lloyd B Smith is a member of Parliament and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the People’s National Party or the Government of Jamaica. Comments: lloydbsmith@hotmail.com