One is not sure if that analysis is correct, but what it does reveal is a mindset among persons that it is not cool, or correct, to mention God in public discourse as reflecting one's orientation, position or principle. Furthermore, God should not be a factor in public policy or private-sector business approach and aim.
The speculation that Yendi missed the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas probably is fuelled by a similar incident earlier this year when it was claimed that Miss California, from the United States, opposed same-sex marriages on the basis of her belief that God intended marriage to be between a woman and a man. There seems to be an intolerance to God in much of mainstream media, movies, music and fashion. It appears that God is stereotypically made out to be an old-fashioned, out-dated person or a killjoy. There is rarely a movie that treats God and religion in a sensitive manner. Religious persons are usually portrayed in a negative light and ministers of religion are given minor roles. It says something about our local media, that a documentary on the Muslim faith, which I viewed some months ago at the invitation of an arm of the US Embassy, has never been displayed on local television. This bias against religion is also demonstrated in the lopsided coverage of New Year's Eve balls compared to watchnight services though more people attend the latter.
A world without god
And if we throw God out, what are we left with? A world in which the fittest survives in this rat race of life. It is to have might determining what is right and the minority powerful having the influence. Humankind could become little gods to determine what is right and then what is right for one might be wrong for another. It sounds like chaos.
Elizabeth Russell in a letter to the editor on Monday does not want "righteous education", but argues for practical education. She wants many different religions to be taught to our children. However, there are a thousand different religions in the world. It is impractical to teach the beliefs and practices of all to make a child educated. I doubt Elizabeth Russell knows all religions. In my book, Rebellion to Riot: The Jamaican Church in Nation Building, I identified about 600 different denominations. It is difficult to understand the differences within Christianity much less the various religions and their vagaries. Therefore, to attempt to teach about all religions and atheism to children will not enhance critical thinking.
Education has a context. So we teach children about our national heroes. We do not teach about all the heroes from all Caribbean territories and all the heroes of Latin America and the Western Hemisphere and the world. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in teaching about the Christian God and our understanding of how He has operated in Jamaican history.
Furthermore, national heroes such as Sam Sharpe, Paul Bogle and George William Gordon engaged in critical thinking, proposing ideas which were different from what many Christian missionaries were proclaiming. And through their critical thinking, based on their interpretation of the Bible and understanding of God, came the liberation of Jamaicans. This is one component of righteous education that we need.
We should not be ashamed of or seek to relegate God to private personal expressions or devotional exercises only, or be intolerant of God in our public debate, political decision making and educational system. As Solomon said in Proverbs 3:6, "In all thy ways, acknowledge Him ... ."
Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church and author of 'The Cross and the Machete: Native Baptists of Jamaica - Identity, Ministry and Legacy'. Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com.