Editorial :: The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer

We have just concluded the period of Easter consisting of a Holy Week, where we were once again confronted with the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners.

In our society which boasts of its belief in the Christian gospel, there are many people who live and die by the literal truth of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They believe in the life-changing effects of his gospel.

They believe in the redemptive power of his faith in his message. They believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God who came into the world to save mankind from sin and to equip them for everlasting life.

Many of the people who believe in Christ's gospel attest to the dramatic, even miraculous effects that it has on their daily lives and some of them ardently try to spread the message of God's grace to mankind.

Some people do not believe in the Christian gospel. These skeptics point to the dissensions in the ranks of the different Christian sects and wonder why the same faith could have so many different interpretations.

They also wonder at the frequent scandals which are often uncovered in the behaviour of some of the loudest advocates of the Christian faith. They also look critically at the lifestyles of some of Christ's advocates and wonder at the contrast between the simple life of the master and the flamboyant and often luxurious profiles of some of his professed messengers.

Above all, they wonder at the history of the Christian Church since Jesus Christ left the scene, and cringe at the revelations of the monstrous atrocities which were practiced in the name of Christ.

However, although much has happened to dilute the effect of the Christian message, it is an incontrovertible fact that when this message is carefully traced back to its original messenger, it becomes a message of peace, brotherhood and love among the children of God, made in his image and according to his likeness.

Traced back to its messenger, the Christian gospel becomes one of redemption and renewal. It is a message which bridges the gap between the willingness of the sprit and the weakness of the flesh, which drives men and women into waywardness. It is a message of salvation to those who are mired in the futilities of life and reach out for a lifeline to hold onto.

Periods like Easter and Christmas are fitting times to reflect upon what is positive in the Christian message and to cling to the faith of our fathers.