Before I came to Jamaica, I read there were a lot of churches on this small island and, boy, they weren’t wrong; the Guinness Book of Records states that Jamaica has more churches per square mile than anywhere in the world other than the Vatican. They range from tiny little churches in small communities like the one above, to pretty Victorian stone chapels that might have been transplanted from England, to large, modern open-air domes full of swaying arms and bodies. On a Sunday, its a common sight to see older ladies in their Sabbath best: conservative mid-calf dresses, sensible shoes, fancy hats and handbags on their forearms. Running ahead are their adorable grandchildren, all dressed up in lacey fineness with matching shoes and ribbons. I want to take their pictures but its not appropriate. It can feel like I just stepped back into 1950. The children are adorable but something in me feels uncomfortable….I think it is the religious messaging I see.
Unlike most other Caribbean nations, the vast majority of Jamaican Christians are Protestant, with a relatively high percentage being from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, nearly a fifth of the entire country—18.5 percent—is evangelical and another 11 percent is Pentecostal and growing rapidly.
I am not a religious person, although I do respect the religious beliefs of others. But these statistics explain a lot of about the “fire and brimstone” religious messages that are so common here.
I don’t particularly like the warnings of a vengeful God that I see relayed everywhere. I don’t like the hateful LGBT messages published in the newspapers. The church and its warning to sinners show up everywhere in daily life.
Books stores I’ve visited seem to sell mainly religious books. There are religious pamphlets on every store counter. Its all a bit much for my secular eye and I like to believe that if there is a God, it is a loving one. I know there are religious groups here that do so much to help those in need, but I don’t see them, they are in areas deemed too unsafe for me to visit. So what is visible to me is religious fury and I don’t like it.
Not an actual sign from Jamaica — but exactly the type of thing I am seeing.
Wright Outta Nowhere 
I absolutely agree with you, Caroline! Since we have been living here the evangelical Christian culture has grown much stronger and more influential in society – but they are all focusing on the wrong issues. I think Jamaica has always been rather conservative in its Protestant ways but these fire and brimstone people take it to another level. I am also not religious, and I find it difficult sometimes negotiating this – for example, when at the beginning of a meeting we are all told to “bow our heads in prayer.” I think, why should I? Ah well…
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Yes, and mixed in with the crazy, hateful stuff that’s going on in the States its even harder to see.
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This is very interesting to me and shows a different Jamica than where we honeymooned 36 years ago when there was no evidence of this religious fervor . I’m curious when this fire and brimstone developed or if it is just more prevalent where you are.
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I think my friend Emma (petchary) –who commented on this post– has the closest answer to this that I know. It seems to have grown from evangelicalism over recent years.
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