Description

Where's the line between faith and a cult? Are they the same? In Jamaica, three people were left dead and others injured after a ritual sacrifice ceremony in a small congregation that believed wholeheartedly the words of the man at its centre. That man is now dead, having died in a police car accident while in custody. You can't make this up. Why are people drawn to the bizarre promises of such cult leaders? Isn't it clear that something is amiss, when someone makes themselves the centre of worship? Then again, isn't that what religion is often about? Miraculous deeds; adoration of those persons and objects deemed divine; and obedience to doctrine in the hopes of reward; are these not normal in our legitimate everyday faiths? So, what sets a cult a part? On this segment, we ask whether the tragedies could have been avoided and whether within the predominantly Christian Caribbean, we can define the difference between a cult and a church.

The host is Kieron Murdoch. The guests are:

1. Desmond Allen, founding editor of the Jamaica Observer. He is a former President of the Press Association of Jamaica. He’s been a journalist for many years.
2. Paul Scavella, Pastor Paul Aldai Scavella is an administrator, evangelist and a family life expert and author. He joins from The Bahamas.

This programme first aired on NewsCo Observer Radio 91.1 FM on October 31st, 2021. Get the latest news from Antigua and Barbuda at the Antigua Observer online.