THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A regular reader of The Gleaner, I realise that it must be a challenging task to fill your pages with worthwhile information - newsworthy events, inspiring articles, educational features, and some more for the laugh rather than the light.
I was therefore quite surprised when I saw the article by Andrea Hopwood on 'Measures to deter duppies' on Page B12 of The Gleaner of Thursday April 20.
At first I chose to ignore it, but then I thought to myself that it must be a satirical piece, some kind of spoof! Not so ... it provided some 'instructions' to all your unwary readers on what any wise person should not practise.
One of the pieces of 'advice' included passing a young child over the parent's dead body in the coffin. Not only does this traumatise the child, but ironically and tragically also opens them to demonic activity which the guardian was hoping to avoid in the first place! Spiritual bondage and mental slavery of the worst order.
The Lord says it most succinctly - "My people perish for lack of knowledge" (Hos. 4:6a) and "You are in error (being deceived) because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God" (Matt. 22:29)
While these practices are not unique to our culture or era, it is really disappointing that someone could say after reading this article, "It's true man! That's what you must do - I saw it in The Gleaner!"
We are therefore well advised to heed Apostle Paul's admonition to Timothy - "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." 1 Tim. 4:7.
In this vein, I look forward to The Gleaner making its contribution in helping to instil those values and attitudes which are worthy of emulation and to eschew those that are not. Kind regards.
I am, etc.,
ANDREA D. THOMAS
Kingston
Jamaica
