Dear Editor
Carnival is a sin in the sight of God, and the Government of Jamaica should not encourage its continuation each year, for God has placed them in a position of authority to promote what is good in His sight, and to punish what is evil in His sight. (See Rom.13:4).
Why is Carnival a sin?
Firstly, God made clothes for the first man and the first woman, which means that there are certain parts of the body which should not be exposed. (Gen.3:21) This is also why the altar was not to have steps for the Jewish priests to step on, lest people be able to look under their robes as they stepped up higher and higher to the top of the altar. (Ex.20:26) This is also why the Jewish priests were to wear linen underpants from their waist to their thighs, under their robes. (Ex.28:42-43)
Secondly, God does not want anyone to cause other people to lust after them or desire to commit fornication or adultery with them, as a result of seeing the parts of the body that should have been covered up. (1st Jn.2:15-17; compare Matt.15:19)
Thirdly, God does not want any movement of the body that may cause lust. This is called “wantonness”, which is a translation of the original Greek word, used in Rom.13:13, “aselgeia”, which may also be translated as “indecent bodily movements”.
Fourthly, God does not want any music, that is words and rhythms that stir up the onlookers to want to engage in fornication and adultery. This is why God encourages us to “flee also youthful lusts”, that is, to avoid desires to do what God has forbidden. (2nd Tim.2:22)
Therefore I am encouraging the Government of Jamaica to make a law that prohibits the practice of carnival. I am also encouraging the nation of Jamaica, and other nations, to refrain from going to and participating in carnival.
I am,
Joseph Buckland
