Jamaica is reputed to be a Christian country, which is not to say that other religions are not practised on the island.

In coming to this conclusion, some persons make reference to the large number of churches found per square mile in the country. With such a situation, everyone is affected by religion and more-so Christianity. The politicians themselves too are also affected by the rich Christian tradition in our country.

The cynics will argue that politicians are the greatest 'waggonists' of them all, and will attach themselves to anything which translates into votes at the polls, including the dominant Christianity religion. However, others have asserted that they believe there are true Christians to be found among our politicians and that they just do not proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to further their own ends.

Many of our politicians, including a former head of state, is on record of as publicly declaring his rebirth in Christ. Others have quoted the Holy Scriptures, albeit erroneously at times, on several occasions. There are others, too, who have become witnesses by encouraging their fellow politicians to trust in and lean on God Almighty as He is the only rock.

God has also been featured in our election campaigns. Our two major political parties, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP), have used Christian songs and hymns.

But how far will these state officials go? Stories abound of politicians on both sides of the House, who, in their quest for religious guidance, have visited revival 'Mothers' and 'Seeyah men' and got their baths to help them along on their political career. Many have relied on these 'prophets' to boost their chances for success at the polls and for guidance and protection. No doubt, many of these soothsayers have made a fortune predicting the fortunes of politicians.

But several persons view this latter group of religious gurus as false Christians, claiming that whatever powers of divination they have, come from the devil.

True, devout Christians will tell you that taking the name of Jehovah God lightly or in vain is no joking matter. It is a name to be feared and revered, and politicians condemn themselves if they believe that anything pertaining to God and Christ is a joke matter.

It was Karl Marx, the German economist and a communist political philosopher, who wrote that "religion is the opium of the people". However, Christians in general do not countenance the suggestion that their religion is merely to appease, to produce a feel-good effect likened to a drunken stupor. Maybe there are politicians in this country who hold this viewpoint.

There is the tendency in Jamaica to view Christians as good and decent people who genuinely care for the welfare of others. The politicians know this, and some of them use this fact unscrupulously to their seeming advantage. How far will these politicians go? When will they stop this sacrilegious practice? God alone knows.

Questions, comments, observations? You can email me at elgin1225@yahoo.co.uk.