EDITORIAL - Return to basic spiritual values
There are times that we are reminded of our mortality and it is at those times that we must humble ourselves before God and thank Him for the life that we are living – whether we are rich or poor, healthy or weak.
Even though we in Barbados often boast that we are a close-knit society – mainly due to the country’s size – occasionally we still encounter challenges dealing with each other. However, it is comforting that at the end of it all, in the time of crisis and/or sadness, we come together and there is always a sense of brotherhood that we must embrace and encourage even when life is ‘good’.
During the past few weeks Barbadians witnessed incidents that were unusual in this country’s culture, and many complained again about the importation of the negative aspects of other cultures into this island, and the increase in violence and crime as a result.
These complaints have merit, but what is needed more than ever is an island-wide return to basic spiritual values. There have been ongoing improvements in technology and hence the standard of living, but with these improvements the threat of “increased secularism” is seeping into our midst. The trend continues toward a “modern and multi-cultural society”, but it is important for us to “always maintain a respect for those traditional values and cultural expressions that more aggressive forms of secularism no longer value or even tolerate”.
We have made many strides in our economic, technological and social development, but the traditional spirituality that governed the actions of previous generations is less evident than it was in decades past. In fact, there are children who are not knowledgeable about the teachings of the Bible, which offered the necessary guidance to their forefathers. Perhaps this is because of their reduced exposure to religious knowledge in schools.
Appearances before the courts for escalating acts of aggression and senseless behaviour are challenges that the country has to deal with, and even though Barbados does not have the volume of offences that are apparent in other countries in the region and around the world, there is still a dire need for some solutions to these problems here, and soon.
We must get back to the basics. It is disturbing that some of us focus more on what ailments or what unfortunate events have befallen others, instead of offering unconditional support during their trying time. Let us deal with matters of this nature differently moving forward.
Our brothers and sisters in neighbouring islands are now dealing with the fallout from Hurricane Irma, and we must do everything we can to support them at this time. With the help of social media, we can see the devastation and the suffering in high definition. Even though for some the intentions are good, as far as we have been taught, our compassion and capacity to love fall short because the spirituality that has been the backbone of this country’s success has now been put on the back burner by those who do not understand or have decided that this value is not of consequence.