Although there are some humorous angles to the Tuesday STAR story under the headline, 'Pastor mobbed at court', it is doubtful that the persons in the enraged crowd which shouted demands, insults and threats outside the Mandeville Police Station on Monday were joking around.

The pastor was accused of taking money to ensure a miracle, which was not forthcoming. The people who mobbed the police station also claimed that they wanted back money from the gentleman.

Of course, this is not the first (and we daresay it won't be the last) time a man or woman of the cloth has been accused of being sticky in the fingers. In a deeply religious country, it indicates that a deep level of trust is often placed in the perceived representative of the Lord, a trust which is apparently often misplaced.

blessings are free

But while many blame the pastors involved in various schemes, which leave persons praying to recover their money, a lot of the blame must rest with the members of the flock as well. After all, they must know the story of the rich man, the camel and the eye of the needle, as well as the teaching that salvation and blessings are free.

In that case, how can they justify trying to pay for that which has already been given to them free and trying to buy their way into the Kingdom?

The people in the mob outside the Mandeville Police Station on Monday would be well advised to look at just what they intend to give to the Lord, their souls or bribes?