Leaders should stop misleading people

JUST recently, the Constitutional Law Reform Commission (CLRC) conducted nationwide consultation regarding the proposal to make Papua New Guinea a Christian nation.
Individuals and groups have provided their views on the proposal.
The basis of this exercise is the influence of early missionaries.
Missionaries reached our shores in the 1870s.
They taught our great grandfathers and grandfathers Christian principles.
They taught our forefathers the virtues of life and how to live life according to Biblical principles.
Our forefathers were taught to participate in learning new things in the schools the missionaries established.
In 1873, the London Missionary Society established schools to help natives read.
After 1884, German and English missionaries established schools to teach Western concepts of morality, German and English languages, arithmetic and Christian doctrines.
The local culture had gradually changed since then.
There were no frequent tribal fights as forgiveness was preached and practised.
There were no traditional rallies and singings as these activities encouraged chest beating and boasting, which is against Christian principles.
Our nation’s founding fathers were educated with these principles.
They stood on these principles and charted the course of this nation.
However, the National Cultural Commission is contradicting these principles.
The commission is investing money to promote culture and tourism.
Yes, Papua New Guinea is diverse with different cultures in which we can promote to attract tourists and benefit from.
But is it morally correct? Will these activities solve the law and order issues? I believe that these activities are catalysts to social problems.
You can expect drunkard brawls, pick-pocketing and sexual harassment in show grounds.
So, where are we heading?
Are we following Jesus Christ or reviving the cultures that were destroyed by the Word of God.
The Government and the churches should make their stand clear.
They should provide a clear direction for the people this nation to follow.
They cannot sit on the fence and promote culture on hand and Christianity on the other.
Remember, God and the devil do not dine on the same table.
If we really want to promote Christianity, then we have to show that.
We should promote Christian rallies, crusades, praying and fasting.
While our children are in school, they should be grounded with Christian principles.
The motto of Aiyura National High School reads “God first, study second and others last”.
This is what our children need to be taught.
Remember, Christian principles brought light into the lives of our forefathers.
As far as my Bible tells me, Jesus Christ spent much of His time praying and fasting, teaching and healing the sick with the power of God.
His culture was attending church services.
I have never read anything stating that Jesus had organised or took part in a cultural singsing or sports.
Our leaders should stop misleading the nation by promoting two opposing principles.

Kenny Pawa,
Pom