The Editor, Sir:

This is an open letter to the Body of Christ and, in particular, to the leaders of the Church. I urge us not use this debate on casino gambling to prove "the world" right in believing that we are "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good". Let us not allow the critics to label us as fanatics, spouting off religious rhetoric without objective reasoning.

Now I do not profess to be a biblical scholar. However, I have done what I would consider a fair amount of studying of the Word of God over the years, and I have not seen any clear rule or commandment set out in the Bible against gaming. Yes, there are many activities that lead to moral and spiritual decay that the Bible does warn us against, particularly when it comes to excess in these areas.

Decadence and immorality

They would be what could be described as 'vices' or indulgences that lead to an increase in decadence and immorality in society. However, even if gambling has been proven to lead to increased levels in crime, immorality and general corruption, let us look at the following facts before we get on our 'high horses' of religious pontification!

(1) Crime: It has been argued that there is an marked upsurge in crime in countries that have introduced casino gambling, but based on our record, I sincerely doubt that they can compete with us! As a nation, we have to date, surpassed 1,000 murders for the year. The Church should be crying out from the 'highways and byways' lamenting the alarming crime rate and calling day and night for repentance as a people and demanding a solution from the Government.

(2) Immorality: We tolerate gaming in all forms, from slot machines and lotto to 'drop pan', forms of gaming that if any serious research is done, it will show these to be the most threatening and addictive to the most vulnerable in our society, as well as the most undesirable forms of gaming in existence. We have seen a prolific increase in 'go-go' clubs and prostitution of all kinds.

(3) Corruption: Where is the voice of the Church in demanding justice for the poor in the midst of the many government scandals that have been exposed or intimated over the years? Where is the cry against the police injustice and corruption within the police force? Isn't it our role to defend the poor, even it is defending them against a particular political party we may support by speaking out against corruption and speaking out for truth and justice?

What we are in desperate need of in our nation right now is spiritual revival and a transformation of our hearts and minds that we would become a people that once again fear our God and do what is right in His eyes. Only true repentance will lead to a reformed society. Only love and forgiveness will turn this nation around.

I am, etc.,

PAULA KERR-JARRETT

Montego Bay