Dear Christine,
I have been a long-standing reader of your column and I would like to congratulate you on a job well done.
I am writing, however, not to share a personal problem but to make an observation.
I am a Christian and have been concerned with the problems you deal with daily – problems too common in the homes of our nation. We need to pull together to solve them. Fornication and adultery are too prevalent.
Many claim to be Christians but their way of life is a contradiction because they do not obey the high moral standards which Christ stressed as being of the utmost importance.
One real problem is that the older generation does not teach the younger not to have sexual intercourse before marriage. That the older generation has learnt by the way of “sad experience” should encourage the older adults to warn the young ones in their care.I do believe that this is where we as Barbadians have failed.
We must teach our children in our schools, churches and homes about moral cleanliness, commitment and responsibility.
Christine, I would like to hear your opinion on this matter.
– S
Dear S,
I agree with you that there has been a decline in the moral fabric of our society and that the church, home and school must play greater roles to correct this.
I also agree that not many older folk who have learnt by experience actually share with the younger generation. Instead, some of them look down on and criticise them. Likewise, the lifestyles of some older members of our community are no example to anyone.
Despite this, there are still those among us who live morally clean lives but who must help in bringing about change. Those who are intelligent enough to understand and have access to all the information on the results of careless living should be able to find the moral strength to reject that which is detrimental to them – body and soul.
Sadly, many in our society (like others the world over) have strayed far from following God’s way of living, as you mentioned in your letter. The good news is we can always return to God and He will accept us.
Each individual has a built-in mechanism (our conscience) which tells us when we are doing wrong. Sadly, some of us compromise our own conscience and reject what is right.
Thanks for sharing your letter.
– CHRISTINE
