The Christian right (also known as the religious right and the evangelical bloc) is a term used predominantly in the United States of America to describe a spectrum of right-wing Christian political and social movements and organizations characterized by their strong support of conservative…
The Christian Right in the United States is known for its strong lobby to support public policies it views as being social conservative. Remember the name Jerry Falwell? There is also a strong Christian lobby in Australia and recognition of a growing Christian Right in Canada. One cannot help to envy the ease which people organize in those countries to promote common interest.
Last week in Barbados a raging debate was stoked by the controversial Anglican Reverend Charles Morris who asserted that no where does the bible address the issue of pre-marital sex. The hailstorm of opinions and analyses but moreso condemnation by Christians which followed his comment signalled to many that Barbados is indeed a Christian society, or regards itself to be. The normally taciturn Right Reverend Bishop John Holder was provoked to deliver a rebuke from the pulpit to Reverend Charles. We should expect that Reverend Charles will remain a priest who is unassigned a Church to pastor for a little while longer.
BU has observed the hypocrisy which we know exist in our society as a result of the Morris Pre-Marital Sex Debate. We have observed the disconnect between the Church and society if we judge by the action of many and reconcile their mouthings. There is one telling observation which the Charles Morris ‘outburst’ has brought to the fore, there is no cohesion within the Christian Community on what its role should be in Barbados. All talk!
Recently the management of STARCOM, the media house with the widest reach in Barbados made a decision to convert its lone religious station (FM97.5) to a Super Station spanning 7 countries with its base in T&T. Obviously STARCOM is in the business to make money and who are we to tell them what decisions to make to create wealth for their shareholders. In response to the dissapointment shown by its FM97.5 religious constituency CEO Vic Fernandes explained STARCOM would merge, “… the programming on its Gospel Station 97.5 FM with that of Voice of Barbados on 92.9.”
BU does not have the benefit of scientific information to support the marketshare penetration which FM97.5 had before it was cannibalized, anecdotally we believe it had a reasonably sized and loyal listenership. The children/religious programs which were strategically scheduled to meet children arriving home from school, now scheduled on FM92.9 in the night, has been the cause of heavy disappointment for children and parents alike. In a world where secularity rules the wholesome programming which FM97.5 offered was like a fresh breeze for someone living down wind from Mount Stinkeroo. The management despite many complaints has stoutly defended its position; after all the advertising dollar rules. Not for one minute does BU believe that the birth of the Super Station has anything to do with the exit of BBC Caribbean.
Here is what we don’t understand. Why is it if Barbados is the Christian society it professes to be its membership would not organize and lobby against the STARCOM decision? Why would it not come together and fund its own station? Why would Christians who are in decision making positions not withhold advertising spend by the companies they have influence? If Christians are so strong in their belief why not demonstrate it by showing some backbone?
Go figure!
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