THE EDITOR, Sir:

People are quoting this Bible verse now more than ever: "If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and heal their land."

But what Jamaicans need to realise - and what needs maximum attention - is that the country is badly polluted with material love. Materialism is taking over our country. Materialism is taking the place of God. It is a gigantic idol that is robbing us of peace and love and unity. It is robbing us of the respect for life and the real meaning and purpose for life. It is stagnant, it is like a bad sore that needs medical attention.

Jamaica is widely polluted with conditional love (the love gamble which can be very dangerous and risky) which is getting stronger and stronger in these bloody and apathetic days. Jamaica is severely handicapped because of the lack of brotherly love - the God-ordained love.

Jamaica is filled with many Christians and prayer warriors, many churches too. And some pastors are still hanging on wholeheartedly to their conditional love - the materialistic pursuit. They need to start loving people above material things, put people first and material things last. Are you listening? If we do this we will have a good and healthy conscience. And many who are emotionally depressed and are suicidal, will regain their zest for living and see that life is meaningful and enjoyable.

I am, etc.,

Donald Jefferson McKay

St Catherine