The Editor, Sir:

I am not surprised that so many are either opposed to, or sceptical about the effort to bring God's Word closer to the heart language of people. Its availability will better serve the needs of those who yearn for its truth but are challenged by limited literacy and the sophistry of some preaching.

There are some realities that we must consider. First, there is still no consistent spelling in Jamaican patois. Second, too many of our people still struggle with reading.

The great fear concerning the spending of $60 million, on the translation of the Bible into Jamaican Patois, is that we may eventually miss an opportunity for spreading the good news by opting for print rather than audio as the means of distribution.

Effectiveness

I hope the Bible Society is not daunted in its efforts but pay attention to the effectiveness of the medium chosen for distribution.

Whether we acknowledge it, the principles of the scriptures have been the bedrock of stable, just, liberating and productive human endeavour throughout the ages and their source is the One to Whom we will all ultimately give account. It is only fair that we are all familiar with the standards against which we will be judged.

I am, etc.,

EVERAL EDWARDS

everal.edwards@gmail.com

Kingston 19

Via Go-Jamaica