Church, big businesses must learn to coexist

Fr Sean Major-Campbell, Contributor

When I read Ian Boyne's insightful piece, 'Church horsing around' in The Sunday Gleaner of February 5, 2012, I thought, "How pertinent! Often we in the church become so preoccupied with moralising as if this will be an affirmation of our holiness.

I must hasten to note that my thoughts here do not reflect the position of the the Church of which I am part. I am not a bishop, and as such take some liberty to share my unorthodox views.

The Church must seize the opportunity to do (1) more teaching on matters of responsibility and (2) it should place a premium on moving away from much of its dead, stale, and irrelevant approaches to worship, social commentary, and sometimes assumed authority on fiscal prudence.

We all know that the abuse of salt is detrimental to physical health. Does this therefore make salt a subject for condemnation and ecclesiastical outcry? Would there not be more value in educating people on a more enlightened use of sodium?

Won't stop churhgoers

While I love horses, it has never occurred to me that I should go to the racetrack on any day of the week. People who wish to go to church will not be deterred by horse racing, regardless of its schedule.

What, therefore, is the issue? The day, or the sport? Well, more than 25 years ago I enjoyed a good bingo party from time to time. I have refrained from doing so since I know it would be a cause of discontent for some members of the Church. Do I believe that I sinned? A resounding no!

Of course, some acts of gambling are a little more polished and, therefore, acceptable. That is why some churches will have a gate prize and not a raffle!

It seems to me that we will have to truly engage what we believe we have in Jamaica. Is it a democracy or a theocracy?

Church, the herald of hope

The Church has an obligation to teach what it considers to be 'a certain hope' or faith in Jesus Christ. It has an obligation to teach people to count the cost when it comes to certain activities, be it horse racing, shopping in the equity money market, or sending their children on a school or church trip! It seems to me that all these involve some gambling, whether with money or with lives.

When the root causes of poverty are being effectively held in check; a sound theological, ethical, sensible philosophical thesis informs the debate; and the Church becomes a larger reality in the lives of the populace, maybe we will find more persons making more informed decisions regarding the subject of gambling.

Sometimes a cold beer among friends may be much more fellowship-enriching than Holy Communion with hypocrites. But then I am one of the hypocrites, and so I find that I must continue attending Mass where I will be challenged by God's Word and nurtured by the Blessed Sacrament!

We need the Church. We need the various economic interests. We need to continue the dialogue.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com.