Dear Editor,

“Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned, everywhere is war.” Reggae icon Bob Marley echoed these profound words from Emperor Haile Selassie, which thump through our collective consciousness, urging us to destroy divisive ideologies.

In these tumultuous times I call upon my fellow Jamaicans, especially our Christian community, to uphold this ethos of peace and unity and to critically evaluate our allegiances in global conflicts.

It is paramount we remember that being against bad leadership is not against our faith. Our religious heritage, deeply embedded in the scriptures, provides ample testimony of leaders who have strayed from the path of righteousness and justice. Take, for instance, the biblical narratives in the books of Kings, which chronicle the reigns of various leaders of Israel, many of whom led with oppression and immorality.

We all should know the story of King Ahab, who, under the influence of his wife Jezebel, notoriously led Israel into idolatry and injustice, most vividly demonstrated in the wrongful execution of Naboth to seize his vineyard. A historical echo resonant in the current struggles over land in Gaza.

Such acts of greed and corruption were not isolated to Ahab, they were also seen under King Manasseh’s reign, which was marked by idolatry and atrocities, including child sacrifice, a gruesome mirror to the alarming number of children who are casualties in the genocide in Gaza today. It is crucial to note that these accounts serve as warnings against blind allegiance to leadership that contradicts the fundamental principles of justice and righteousness, values that are at the core of our faith.

The Bible does not shy away from criticising its leaders, nor should we. These stories are reminders that even those who lead in the name of Israel can be evil.

The Jamaican Government’s timely recognition of the State of Palestine stands as a commendable example of striving to be on the right side of history despite our faith and friendships. It reflects a commitment to fairness and the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

As Jamaicans, and particularly as believers in the divine, we must embody these principles. We must question and critique rather than blindly support any State or leader whose actions mirror those villainous figures in the sacred texts we hold dear.

In a world rife with conflict, let us be champions of peace. Let us remember the lessons of the book of Kings and stand firmly against oppression, corruption, and injustice. Let us, together, be on the right side of history, embodying the words and spirit of our faith and our beloved Marley’s call for unity, equality, and peace.

Wade Brown

wade.brown00@gmail.com