We are all aware that religion has established a firm footing in the Jamaican public space, is embedded in the Jamaican psyche, and is the source of the lack of critical thinking and the inability to analyse situations and formulate viable solutions to the nation's problems.

And for too long the media, unopposed, have aided and abetted the cause of religion by shoving primitive ideas and concepts as if they are incontrovertible facts down the throats of the ignorant, the illiterate and the gullible, controlling the populace and keeping them cowering in a state of fear of the wrath from an angry God.

Challenge needed

The dogmas of local church denominations need to be challenged, as the Church should hold no position as a moral authority in the land. We have only to look at recent incidents of deviant and repugnant behaviour by church officials to acknowledge that many of them have no intention of themselves abiding by the rules they wish to impose by influencing legislation on the rest of the society.

Their preaching has continued to stultify minds from childhood with a poison that has rendered the nation paralysed. They will need to have their fangs removed, and the legitimacy and authenticity of their ridiculous claims proven fallacious at every turn.

Formidable resistance

An organised effort could provide formidable resistance to the continued efforts by the Church to enslave the minds of the majority of the populace. Those among the population who are at a crossroad regarding their religious beliefs need to be reassured that they are not alone, that they will be provided support as far as morale is concerned, and that there is absolutely nothing wrong in questioning the fallacies they have been force-fed since childhood.

Our group, The Emancipation From Mental Slavery (EFMS), intends to initiate a massive pushback to debunk the myths of religion in our midst. We will oppose any intention of the Church or other religious organisations to hijack the seat of authority in the land and impose any further their destructive judgements and pronouncements upon an ignorant and unsuspecting public.

I am, etc.,

ALFRED BUCKLAND

buckram2003@yahoo.com

Atlanta, Georgia