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An Investigation of HowChristianity Impacts theLives of Individuals in

the Community of Somerton

Name of Candidate: Amelia Reid

School: Herbert Morrison Technical High

Subject: Sociology

Centre No. : 100047

Candidate No:

Teacher’s Name: Mrs. Reid - Williams

Date: 2013

Table of Content

Title Page

Introduction 3

Statement of Problem 4

Aims and Objectives 5

Literature Review 6

Research Design 8

Sample 10

Data Collection Instrument1 16

Presentation of Data 17

Analysis of Data 26

Findings, discussion of FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 29

1 Table of ContentsPage | 2

Name of Candidate: Amelia Reid

School: Herbert Morrison Technical High

Subject: Sociology

Centre No. : 100047

Candidate No:

Teacher’s Name: Mrs. Reid - Williams

Date: 2013

Bibliography 33

IntroductionStudy has shown that Religion is one of the most prominent

institutions across the globe, where Christianity most dominant

religious practice within the Caribbean.

According to the New Steps in Religious Education, Caribbean Book 1,

Christianity embodies various denominations and has been one of the

main aspects of positive influence among children, and adults in the

Caribbean, as persons benefit moral, spiritually, socially and

physically from and religious teachings in churches. Members are

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also expected to make positive contributions and abide by the codes

enforced by the church.

The districts of York land and Industry, in Somerton community,

runs approximately eleven miles from the capital city Montego Bay

and prospers with numerous Christian believers of different

denominations. For many years the churches have contributed to the

community in more ways than one, this involving discipline moral and

societal conduct. Thus the reason for my choice in topic as an

effective accumulation of data is at hand as well as intelligence on

the significance of religion to society.

Statement of Problem

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By what means does Christianity positively impact the lives of

individuals in the community of Somerton?

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Aims and

Objectives

To determine the importance of Christianity in society in

contrast to the community of Somerton.

To disclose the functions of Christianity in society in

comparison to the community of Somerton.

To determine the effects of Christianity from varying

denominations on society as opposed to the community of

Somerton.

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2 Literature ReviewsAccording to Emile Durkheim, the secret of societal cohesion was

by socializing, a collective science was internalised by

individuals to the extent where “Society becomes present in individuals.”

He stated that religion emphasises the importance of society and

social obligations and promotes social unity and consensus,

because of the need for reproductions and its elevation by

religion into a sacrament of marriage.

Similarly, Christianity greatly influences the behavioural

conduct of both believers and citizens surrounded by the

religion. The example is best illustrated in the archives of

Jamaican history, where Jamaica’s first encounter with

Christianity was by the conditions of the Spanish Colonisers who

introduced the repartimiento and Encomienda systems for social

for social order.

2 File//: The Real Crisis in Jamaican Christianity November 3,2011

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Since November 4, 2011, Celebrity personality, Ian Boyne has

consecrated a portion of his Focus Column on the perceived “Demise

of Christianity” as with the decrease of supreme world powers, it is

believed that Christianity will regain its former distinction as

the world’s greatest unity mark among humanity. According to

Boyne, Christianity has resisted society’s tests and continues to

persist as a societal instigator for approximately 2000 years.

A published census for 2001, centralized around Jamaican

churches, also showed Christian development, as interests in

Christianity have remained high for long periods with

approximately 200,000,000 Jamaicans expressing connections with

the church. Membership increased in Protestant churches with the

largest numbers among Seventh – Day Adventists.

Reverend Ernle Gordon, informed The Jamaica Observer, in a letter

to the editor about the educational contributions that Christians

have made in society.”

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3“I was informed that Pentecostal churches have students attending Jamaica School of

Music and are producing the most qualified musical conductors in Jamaica.”

Gordon continued to say churches are perseverant in uncovering

the musical reservoir in society.

“I learned that Pentecostals have dance groups which have become a revolutionary

trend.”

He told the newspapers.

Likewise, a majority of the churches in Somerton enforced

disciplinary conduct, by contributing social and artistic groups

which constitute good moral behaviour, social order and change in

society.

3 File//: The Real Crisis in Jamaican Christianity November 3,2011

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4 Research DesignThe researcher conducted an investigation on the effects of

Christianity in the Jamaican society, and how the religion has

escalated and impacted the lives of individuals over the years.

Questionnaires were distributed to citizens in Somerton and

information extracted from internet websites to justify the

positive functions and effects of Christianity in the Jamaican

society, compared to the study area. Browsers such as Studymode,

Google and Answers.com were used.

Industry and York land district were visited, both comprised of

approximately 300 households. Approximately 200 of the houses had

extended families; meaning more than one questionnaire could be

distributed to each house. At least 25% of both districts were

required to complete the investigation. (25% of 200= 50)

4 http:// jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Christianity-s-immortality_12974978#

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50 questionnaires were distributed to 20 houses and five each to

a Pentecostal and Adventist church.

Citizens often refused to answer the surveys and wanted to know

the basis of the investigation. Also survey repossession was

problematic as persons refused to respond unless given additional

time. Questionnaires were left overnight with citizens and the

researcher had to wait for days before recollecting.

Name: Amelia Reid

Address: Somerton, St. James.

Contact: 481 – 5254

Reason for instrument: The researcher chose this method of data

collection as it less time consuming. It ensures privacy for

respondents, and it is an effective means of gathering

statistical information.

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SURVEY OF THE POSITIVE IMPACATS IF CHRISTIANITY IN THE COMMUNITY OF

SOMERTON.

Dear responder,

You are in possession of a survey constructed in Somerton to

uncover the incontrovertible effects of Christianity in the area.

This application is an assignment for the advancement of my

Sociology course. All questions must be answered truthfully as

your identity will remain confidential. Answer questions by

placing a check mark the boxes as shown. Only one answer is

required for each question.

Yours sincerely,

Amelia Reid.

Sample questionnaire1. What is your gender?

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Male

Female

2. To which ethnic group do you belong?

Indian

African

Chinesse

Mixed descent

Other___________________________________

(Please Specify)

3. What type of family are you are member of?

Nuclear family

Extended family

Single parent family

Reorganized family

Sibling family

4. What type of union are you/your parents apart of?

Common law union

Legal union

Visiting relationship

None of the above

Other_______________________________________

(Please specify)

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5. To what age group do you belong?

10 – 18yrs

19 – 27yrs

28 – 36yrs

44 – 52yrs

Other___________________________________

(Please specify)

6. How many years have you been a Christian?

Over 10yrs

6 – 10yrs

1 – 5yrs

Under 1yr

7. To what denomination do you belong?

Baptist

Anglican

Adventist

Jehovah Witness

Pentecostal

Pokomania

Methodist

Other________________________________

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(Please specify)

8. The dominating amount of members attending your church are:

Elders

Adolescence

Adults

Toddlers

9. How often do you attend church?

Every Sunday

Every Saturday

Once every month

On religious holidays

Other___________________________________

(Please specify)

10. How were you introduced to the denomination?

Parents\guardian\grandparents

Friend

Neighbour

Pastor

Sibling

Other__________________________________

(Please specify)

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5

11. What position do you hold in the church you attend?

Minister

Pastor

Usher

None of the above

Sunday school Teacher

Other______________________________

Deacon

(Please specify)

12. What extracurricular activities do you participate in at

your church?

Bible competitions Sign

language

Bible study

all of the above

Choir

Other________________________________

Performing Arts

13. Does the church you attend enforce rules?

Yes

5

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No

14. I yes, what types of rules are enforced in the church?

_____________________________________________________________

__________

_____________________________________________________________

__________

_____________________________________________________________

__________

15. Would you consider your community as being an organized and

secure environment?

Yes

No

16. If yes what do you think is the main cause of this societal

cohesion?

Type of family

Type of education

Type of religion

Type of socialization

17. What lessons involving human beings are taught in sermons at

the church you attend if you are a member of any

denomination?

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Humans are physical beings Humans are

Sociocultural beings

Humans are spiritual beings All of

the above

Humans are moral beings

Other_______________________________ (Please specify)6

18. In what ways does the church you attend contribute to your

community?

Fund raisers (Charity events)

none of the above

Bible camp

All of the above

Community meetings

Other___________________

Distribution of Biblical items (Bibles, Pamphlets, etc)

(Please specify)

19. How often does the church you attend contribute to the

community?

Once every week

Every day of the week

Once every month

Once a year6

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Never

Other_________________________________________

20. What is/are the main reason/s you attend church?

Provides members with a sense of identity and belonging,

Establish codes of conduct

Relieves fear, anxiety and frustration by assuring divine

intervention in times of disaster

Provides answers and give reasons for man’s existence

Provides focus for life’s journey

All of the above

Other______________________________________________

(Please specify)

21. What form/s of Negativity is/are present in your community?

(Tick option in bracket)

Abuse (Sexual/ physical/ verbal /emotional)

Teenage trafficking

Teenage pregnancy

Drug trafficking

Juvenile delinquency

Lottery scamming

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Street children

All of the above

Murder

None of the above

Praedial larceny

Other_________________________ (Please specify)

22. In what way/s do you think your church positively impacts

your community?

_____________________________________________________________

___________

_____________________________________________________________

___________

_____________________________________________________________

___________

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Data Collection Instrument

50 questionnaires were distributed by twos to 15 houses in the

districts of York land and industry, 8 in York land and 7 in

Industry. The remaining ten questionnaires were handed in fives

to both a Seventh Day and Pentecostal church.

The researcher was unknowledgeable about the present status of

household members and where members were absent, had to continue

on to an alternate house, this soon became tiring. Problem

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encountered by the researcher included, refusal to respond

inquisitions about the researcher’s authorizations to conduct the

investigation, thus the researcher had to seek other respondents

and also the Retrieval of surveys left overnight at different

houses, respondents extended the time for which each was to be

returned.

Presentation of Data

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As questionnaires were returned, the researcher apprehended that

churches contributed to the community by offering social

activities, religious education, and financial assistance to

other institutions Seventh Day Adventist denomination as they

were better able to function in churches which offered

hospitality. Justifications for their preference were because

churches participated in community activities which benefitted

both church members and other citizens in the community by

establishing codes of conduct and problem solving.

Fig1: Proportionate Bar Chart Showing the GenderPercentage of Respondents in the Community of Somerton

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0.36

0.640000000000003

Male Female

Numb

er o

f Re

spon

dent

s

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Figure 1 displays the gender percentage of respondents in the

districts of York land and Industry. A maximum of 64% were

females and 36% were males.

Fig 2: Bar Chart Displaying the Different Types of

Marriages in the Districts of Industry and York Land

Legal Union Common Law Relationship

Visiting Relationship

None of the Above

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%

60%

16% 14% 10%

Types of Marriages

Perc

enta

ge o

f Re

spon

dent

s

As the Christian religion encourages couples to complete the

sacrament of marriage, a majority of the population in both

districts had concluded the requirements, a maximum of 60% of

citizens participated in a legal union to legitimize their

connection.

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Fig 3: Histogram Showing the Number of years each

respondent in Industry and York Land Has Attended

Church

Over 10 Years

6 - 10 Years

1 - 5 Years

Under 1 Year

0%

20%

40%

60%

Number of Years each Respondent Attended Church

Perc

enta

ge o

f Re

spon

dent

s

Figure 3 illustrates the length of time each respondent in both

districts has attended church. A majority of respondents have

been associated with Christian beliefs for over 10 years which

automatically accounts for their conduct in society.

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Fig 4: Pie Chart Showing the Percentage of Respondents

Attending Different Denominations

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Seventh Day

Adventist46%Pentecosta

l30%

Baptist9%

Jehovah Witness11%

Anglican2%Pokomania

2%

A majority of the respondents in the community were members of an

Adventist church where the 46% of respondents have confessed to

having preference to the denomination in comparison to alternate

beliefs such as the Pentecostal, though experiencing high

attendance rates which exceed to 30% and Baptist at 15%.

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Fig 5: Pie Chart Showing the Activities Practised by

Members of Different Churches in York land and Industry

Bible Competition14%

Bible Study18%

Choir30%

Performing Arts16%Sign Language

10%

All of the Above12%

Figure 5 exhibits the activities that interest members of

churches in both districts, a majority of respondents were

participants of both the choir which advances to 30% and Bible

studies at 16%. 12% of the members participated in all activities

as it kept them occupied and provided lessons on moral behaviour,

also resulting in modes of conduct.

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Fig 6: Pie Chart Showing the Reasons why each

respondent in York land and Industry attend church

provides a sense of

identity and belonging

15%Establishes codes of conduct12% Relieves fear

and anxiety by assuring divine intervention in

times of disasters

12%Provides focus for life's journey

4%Provides

answers and give reasons for man's existence

14%

All of the above43%

A majority of respondents confessed that they attend church for

all reasons presented on the surveys. Surveys displayed that most

of the respondents attend because Christianity provided members

with a sense of identity. Percentages exceeds to approximately

50%.

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Fig7: Table Showing the Lessons Taught in Different

churches in York land and Industry

Lessons Taught by

Churches

Number of Respondents

Humans are physical beings 1Humans are spiritual beings 14Humans are moral beings 7Humans are Sociocultural

beings

6

All of the above 22Other 0Figure 7 displays the different teachings present in churches in

the districts of York land and Industry. A majority of 22

respondents communicated that all lessons of the Christian Code

were enforced in the churches. However, most of the respondents

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stated that the main lesson in their church declared that humans

were primarily spiritual beings.

Fig 8: Bar Chart Showing the Different ways that Churches in both Districts Contribute to the community

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

Types of Contributions

Perc

enta

ge o

f Re

spon

dent

s

Churches unequivocally impacted the lives of citizens by making

offerings to the community. In that 36% of respondents stated

that, the church they attend contributed to citizens and

congregation members by all the means presented on the survey, as

through their actions, they enforce social unity and consensus.

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Fig 9: Pie Chart showing persons’ opinions on how both

districts function

Type of Family16%Type of education

12%

Type of religion

52%

Type of socalizat

ion (peers/adults)20%

When asked their opinion on the main influences of societal

conduct in communities today, 52% of respondents believed that

this was due to persons’ affiliation with the church

Fig.10: Proportionate Bar Chart showing the type of Negativities present in both Districts

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0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Praedial LarcenyAbuseJunvinile DelinqeuncyTeenage pregnancyLottery scamNone of the above

Axis Title

Figure 10 shows the types of negativity in the community, where 56% of respondents stated that their community was not affected by any of the crimes presented on the questionnaire. The main form of illegality practiced in their surroundings involved lottery scamming, a common crime among citizens in today’s world,this however was communicated by only 16% of the respondents.

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7 Analysis of Data

The researcher learned that approximately 70% of respondents

were members of Seventh - day Adventist and Pentecostal churches.

However Adventist churches appeared to have more attendances

compared to other denominations in York Land and Industry. In

those, at least 50% of respondents were members of a Seventh –

day Adventists, mainly because of the effective connections made

between members, as where one has feelings of belonging and

identity, the place becomes a fundamental aspect of one’s life.

According to Doctor Rualston Nemphard in The Real Crisis of Jamaican

Christianity, a census on Jamaican churches showed increases in

church affiliations, where more than 100,000,000 of the

population have had some religious acquaintance. He also declared

a boost in Pentecostal churches as more citizens are attending

churches in their communities, which has benefitted their lives

immensely. Significantly, Adventists seem to have more members

compared to other denominations. Nemphard believes that this is

because the denomination provides social change by enforcing

7File.128992011//: The Real Crisis in Jamaican Christianity November 3, 2012

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conduction codes for citizens, disciplines persons to be aware of

order in society and develops education.

According to the, History of Christianity, the lessons constituted in

the religion teaches persons to have a positive attitude toward

the world, whether in favourable or poor situations. Numerous

respondents stated that the primary lesson apprehended during

sermons revealed the spiritual value of the self, which accounts

for the way in which one thinks of as one learns to accept

oneself as an individual. Persons then become cognizant of their

identity and values. For example, respondents in both districts

communicated the main reasons they return to church, this 8was

primarily because the church provided answers and gave reasons

for man’s existence as well as the essence of belonging and

identity.

The compatibility between churches in both districts and others

in the Jamaican society, points to the fact that the religion

offers educational improvements, most commonly in the context of

religious and social education. A letter to the editor, posted in

the Jamaican Observer shows how the Pentecostal denomination has8 http://jamaicaobserver.com/letters/-p-Congrats--Pentecostals--p---_8230074#

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provided religious and social discipline to members and non

members of the congregation where the Reverend Canon Ernle Gordon

informed the editor about the improvements he has witnessed over

the past two years. He broadcasted that Pentecostal churches now

have students who are attending the Jamaica School of Music and,

like the Adventists, is persistent in exposing their musical

reservoir, as they have organized several dance groups which have

become a revolutionary trend in society.

Also in America, one hundred of the first one hundred and ten

Universities were founded for the express of propagating the

Christian religion. Likewise the Ephesus Basic School in Somerton

was formulated around Christian inspirations, and disciplines

students from the stage of a toddler where they continue the good

moral behaviour to the stage of adulthood.

Emile Durkheim believed that all aspects of society have its own

function and maintain order in society. The Christian faith

encourages persons to complete the sacrament of marriage prior to

sexual intercourse as it is perceived a sin to engage in any act

of fornication. The researcher discovered that a majority of the

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respondents had participated in a legal union and later started a

family, the institution which sequels that of religion. This

therefore suggests that the Christian faith had played its role

in aiding the functions of society by encouraging a disciplined,

family life, reproduction and later, education as it often fuels

the development of other institutions.

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Findings, Discussion of Findings and Conclusion

Statement of Findings

As surveys were distributed and returned, the researcher learnt

that the Christian religion was one of the primary influential

aspects in the Community of Somerton. In that:

A majority, of 60% of respondents participated in a legal

Union.

Jamaican Seventh Day Adventist like those in Somerton were

most popular for societal influences, this involved both

Social unity and change which were a result of the

conduction codes established in churches, the activities

offered and the different contributions made by church

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The primary Christian contribution in both Jamaica and

Somerton included educational improvement. More than 50% of

the respondents befitted academically from Christianity,

which established religious facilities in communities.

Approximately 60% of the respondents were members of Seventh

Day Adventists and Pentecostal churches in York land and

Industry.

More than 50% of respondents stated that churches mainly

made positive contributions to the community by offering

Biblical teachings and items outside of the church and

creating activities for members of congregations

Christian affiliations in Somerton far exceeded the negative

activities which were only at an approximate 44%.

9 Discussion of Findings

Though there were different institutive influences in Somerton,

citizens, appeared to be solely affected by the impact of

9 http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/The-real-crisis-in-Jamaican-Christianity_12899201#

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churches in their community, which most often than not, made

contributions to the other institutions by assisting with

development and offering religious teachings.

More than 50% of the respondents were also legally united by

Christian beliefs as the Christian code constitutes that persons

annex prior to sexual intercourse. By completing the sacrament,

couples often move on to other stages in their lives, this

involving reproduction which therefore constructs the family

institution in society by the order of the church. 50% of

respondents in both districts participated in a Legal union and

later started their own families as almost all respondents were

of an extended or nuclear family type

Both the Jamaican churches and those in Somerton were common for

their societal influences, and enforced social unity by making

financial, religious and social contributions to the community,

which greatly benefitted the citizens. In that, more than 30% of

the respondents were participants of a church choir, and more

than 12% participants of Bible studies. As Durkheim believes,

that socialization is the basis of societal cohesion and unity,

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contributions made most commonly by Pentecostal and Seventh Day

Adventists, often involves societal interaction which most often

connected members of the community who later become lifelong

companions or even assist neighbours.

However the most significant contributions made by churches in

Jamaica were educational improvements, his was also common in

Somerton where churches taught citizens in both bible

competitions and studies. When asked the positive impacts by the

churches in their communities, a majority of the respondents

claimed that these were oftentimes social activities, and the

only basic school in the area, called Ephesus which was inspired

by a Pentecostal church.

Conclusion

The history of Christianity is inseparable from the history of

Western culture and society. For almost one hundred centuries,

Christian beliefs, principles, and ideals have imprinted the

deliberations and feelings of man. The practices have left its

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mark on the improvement of religious welfares and the total

endeavour of man. The aspect has manifested itself in the forms

of social intellect, art, literature, politics, science, law,

economics and love worldwide.

Likewise, churches in Somerton, most commonly, like Jamaica, tend

to maintain some forms of social order in the community by making

contributions to members and non members of the church. This is

often in forms of art, socialization and love as the researcher

has observed that the churches in both Somerton and Jamaica have

organized dance groups to keep young adults preoccupied in their

spare time and away from negative activity. The churches, most

commonly Seventh – day Adventists, also contributed to social

order by enforcing codes of conduct for members of the church,

one of which includes completing the sacrament of marriage, which

decreases the chances of overpopulation, child neglect, visiting

relationships, and negativities such as teenage pregnancy, in

that a majority of the respondents were legally engaged in

Somerton. It also contributed to other societal intuitions, such

as the family, as the sacrament of marriage, promotes the need

for reproduction, which often results in a stable family life. Page | 42

Other institutions benefitted from the churches in both Jamaica

and Somerton as the researcher learned that more students in the

Jamaica School of music are producing qualified conductors and a

School constructed by the inspirations of a Pentecostal church in

Somerton.

According to James F. Williams, Christianity has suffered

periods of persecution and divisions within its own ranks. It has

been the cause and the victim of war and strife. It has assumed

forms of astonishing variety. It has been confronted by

revolutionary changes in human and social outlooks and subjected

to searching criticism. The culture of our own time, indeed, has

been termed the most completely secularized form of culture the

world has ever known. We live in what some have called the post-

Christian age.

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Bibliography

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/The-real-crisis-in-Jamaican-Christianity_12899201#ixzz2D4qWxvdX

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Christianity-s- immortality_12974978#ixzz2D4pERcSy

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/letters/-p-Congrats--Pentecostals--p---_8230074#ixzz2C7kSZ6I4

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/500-years-of-Christianity-in-Jamaica_11339616#ixzz2C2XNDUQX

: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/letters/-p-Congrats--Pentecostals--p---_8230074#ixzz2C7kSZ6I4

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