I was interested to read the letter on religion in The Gleaner entitled 'Is religion good for society?' I would answer this question, "Yes and no." Religion may serve as providing a temporal moral compass for humans; however, in the final analysis after this life, all religion will be weighed in the balance and found wanting.

Religion as therapy or religion as a moral compass or as something to pacify the guilty conscience serves no benefit whatsoever to the individual person in the long term! It actually brings great harm, because it is used as a substitute for the real purpose for which we are all here: to glorify and enjoy our creator, God, both now and forever through a redemptive relationship with the historical person, Jesus, who is God the Son.

Great benefit

The gospel of Jesus Christ, as opposed to religion, meaning the Good News is received by faith alone. God has provided a way for a sinful and unrighteous humanity to be declared perfectly righteous and perfectly holy, just as if they had never sinned. this good news provides great benefit to society and to mankind both now and in the life to come.

My prayer is that Ian Boyne and all Jamaican people will know the difference between religion and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that they will embrace this Good News and by faith put their trust and hope in Jesus alone, and thus will enjoy an infinitely happy future destiny.

I am, etc.,

Rev BILLY MCKILLOP

billymckillop@gmail.com

Coral Gardens

Montego Bay