THE EDITOR, Sir:

There is a wave of immoral and ungodly intellectualism which is sweeping the Western world. This philosophy suggests that it is only the backward and uneducated people of the world who are concerned about high moral standards.

More educated and advanced minds disregard ethical considerations and demonstrate a liberal attitude towards all ways of life and forms of conduct. This is reflected in the questions which appeared in the textbooks for the health and lifestyle curriculum for teenagers which, led to the protests of parents and some teachers.

I wish to congratulate the Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites, for immediately withdrawing the criticised textbook and for stating that Jamaica believes in certain moral standards, including monogamous marriage between a man and a woman.

Jamaica has been known to ape other countries, notably England and now the United States. It is my hope that in the matter of moral conduct, Jamaica will not ape any of the so-called 'developed' countries, but will be bold enough to go it alone, if necessary. We have shown that we can lead the world in athletics. We can also lead in moral values.

EARL THAMES (Rev)

earlthames@yahoo.com

Spaldings, Clarendon