Render unto Caesar ...
published: Sunday | October 9, 2005

The Editor, Sir:

This letter is for Bishop Herro Blair.

Dear Bishop Blair:

I can quite understand your desire to consider quitting as the chairman of the Peace Management Initiative. As a minister of religion, you need to give some thought regarding to whose service you have been employed. If you are committed to the furtherance of the gospel, then you should indeed dedicate yourself to that. Your tenure in this position illustrates clearly that you cannot serve God and Mammon.

No matter our individual beliefs, it is becoming more evident that politics and religion are as compatible as fire and water. This does not even need spiritual discernment; it is a question put to bed by Christ when he told Peter, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." Christ was not belittling government, but illustrating that God and governments rule separate kingdoms. You cannot reconcile them.

Please devote yourself to doing the work to which you profess you have been called. And if you want to help the Government, please urge your congregation to pray with you for those who rule, that we may live without fear and without the despair that has engulfed this island nation. Your talents are best utilised in this arena.

I am, etc.,

ELAINE MURPHY

elimurf@hotmail.com

Rosedale, NY

Via Go-Jamaica