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I asked the Lord and He said, “No”

I say, “Why no?”

I hear you’re happy but it does not show

Where wild things are, I dare not go

I say, “Why Lord?” I say, “Why?”

Gimme strength, gimme patience

Gimme will to survive

Where the wild things are, I dare not go

At first they make you happy this I know

But then they make you feel so low

Black money pays for suffering

I don’t need it

I may be happy but it does not show

Where wild things are, I dare not go

I say, “Why Lord?” I say, “Why?”

I seen the fire and I touched the flame

And given the chance I’d go right back again

Hot summer rain burn me on the wheel

Baptize me with fire

Black money pays for suffering

I don’t need it

I say, “Why Lord?”

(‘Ask the Lord’ -Hipsway)

The bizarre demise of Pastor Kevin Smith on Monday (October 25) as a result of a motor accident shocked Jamaica with many questions still remaining unanswered. He is not absolved but is now not legally liable for any transgression laid at his feet having, as they say, gone to meet his maker.

Smith led the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries where, earlier this month, two members of his church were killed, their throats cut in a human sacrifice ritual. He was being transported to Kingston to face charges in relation to the incident.

Ascribing divine powers to himself, he managed to convince congregants in Montego Bay that, under his leadership, he could bring them closer to God and make their lives meaningful.

It is now being said that he presided over a cult, but there are more disturbing matters here.

Talking of cults, Christianity was deemed a cult more than two millennia ago, at a time when Judaism was the world’s oldest monotheistic religion. Jesus Christ’s claims and deeds made him no messiah.

But how was Smith allowed to perpetrate this charade for so long? How is it that up-standing, intelligent, well-grounded Jamaicans were so befuddled by this ‘prophet’? Did people really think that they would be able to abrogate their responsibilities and duties once shepherded onto his ark?

How was Smith able to fraternise so openly with leading politicians, police and other society figures? He has been called out now as a charlatan but that wasn’t the case before the tragic events in Montego Bay.

Religion remains a powerful force in Jamaica and it is said to be the opium of the masses. With little faith in political leaders, a raging pandemic, economic turmoil, pervasive crime, many people are looking for salvation and are turning to unconventional benedictions.

Against this background, it will be an arduous struggle to get many Jamaicans to take the vaccine and get the country to the 70 per cent target by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

There’s more chance of  the second coming than that happening!

Let’s face it, more of these self-titled preachers have more influence and command greater attention than any elected leader or the elites.

“The power of Christ compels you!”

Kevin Smith said his power came from above and many still believe him.

He may well shock the nation again by making an appearance during the course of today, having risen on the third day after being proclaimed dead. A case of ‘And still I rise!’

If you haven’t seen the video of Smith in police custody yet, it sure makes for outlandish viewing. You may not find anything better on Netflix.

Talk about Squid Games, get a look at this fella!

Pastor Smith, referencing his stature as a deity proclaimed in ceremonious tones, “Pharaoh tried to bring me down, but I am that I am. All you people of the world, I came to you and you received me not. I am the fountain of life… I have fulfilled all things.”

Note the first-person narrative, the favoured mode of all nutcases and those “Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs”.

Smith is no ordinary angel here, he is the big man himself, sent to show us a better way. Funny though, I didn’t see his long white beard!

An elderly gentleman from Romania once told me in a bar in Portugal that there are three benefits of religion:

1. Promoting ethics and good morals

2. Inner strength and courage to do the right thing

3. The message of forgiveness

Pastor Smith met none of these criteria. What he presided over was evil incarnate and unsuspecting Jamaicans who placed faith in him had their lives laid to waste.

Of all the lessons we have learnt  during this pandemic, the most vital is ‘do not worship or give your allegiance to false prophets’.

The impact of those who claim to be otherworldly on Jamaican folk is disturbing and, should Smith rise again today, then, brother, we have a real problem.

I want a life that’s bigger than me

‘Cause I’m crushing myself to death

Give me a vision please

And I don’t mean heavenly

(Hue and Cry, Ordinary Angel)

I’ll be seeing you but I fear not in the clouds!