Vonnie E James is a Public Theologian and Faith-Based Consultant, who mixes faith with intellect and 'Intercourse' theology with journalism to address social, political, and theological issues.
This is a paper reflecting the author's own personal musings on Grenada's 50 Anniversary of Indep... more This is a paper reflecting the author's own personal musings on Grenada's 50 Anniversary of Independence using the 'Exodus Event' - 'Let My People Go’ (Exo 7:16b)- as a motivational and spiritual thrust for envisioning Grenada completing its political independence process.
This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbe... more This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbean Church to propagate the Gospel because Reggae has widespread popularity, a history of addressing socio-economic and political injustices and oppression while embracing an Afrocentric-Caribbean-self-identity and simultaneously extolling virtues of independent and industriousness. Additionally, it argues that Reggae’s ability to unify cultures, nations, and causes makes it an excellent tool for this project in view of the Caribbean diverse communities and cultures. Significantly and finally it argues that Reggae carrying the Gospel message embedded in text and email can reach Caribbean Millennials in a way that traditional church has not, because text and email are Millennials’ preferred modes and media of communication.
ABSTRACT “JPIG” is a Just Peace paper on peace as defined by the IEPC/DOV standards. It is also a... more ABSTRACT “JPIG” is a Just Peace paper on peace as defined by the IEPC/DOV standards. It is also an acronym for Just Peace Initiative, Grenada (JPIG), a proposed project to be carried out by the forming of this new ecumenical organization in Grenada. Just Peace Initiative Grenada (JPIG) will be the basis and point of entry for its member bodies to introduce the Just Peace concept in their cultures and expressions of worship. This project is localized for the Grenada context but can be retrofitted for any Small Island Developing States (SIDS) particularly in the Americas and Africa. It is especially geared towards countries that experience a culture of violence (COV) through anarchy or ignorance but wishes to find a practical contextual solution to peace. Like many other IEPC/WCC/DOV projects, an open discussion between religious, economic and political actors will be pursued. Sharing of practical and positive approaches will be in the form of consultations and workshops using religious groups, governmental and NGO’s. This will be done using all available media technologies including online forums, social media direct presentations and surveys. Recognizing that there can be no peace without a holistic understanding of the term, the project will closely be related to the “Decade to Overcome Violence or DOV (P301)” process (IEPC) and its “Declaration on Just Peace.” Keywords: Violence; Just Peace; Ecumenical; DOV, COV, WCC; Grenada.
This is a short paper on a panel discussion, which sought to answer the question about whether ec... more This is a short paper on a panel discussion, which sought to answer the question about whether ecumenism (church uniting across the region or around the world for common causes) was a problem or whether in this philosophy of ministry expression, it was something that congregations could be involved together.
The focus of this paper is to encourage the church in Grenada to formally join the conversation o... more The focus of this paper is to encourage the church in Grenada to formally join the conversation on climate change and to work with governments and FBOs/NGOs in Grenada and the Caribbean to continue the call for justice in the area of climate change surrounding the climate crisis.
This paper is an attempt to interrogate Scholar’s song, “Breaker” (Song of Resilience) using a mi... more This paper is an attempt to interrogate Scholar’s song, “Breaker” (Song of Resilience) using a mixture of Judeo-Christian Biblical strategies including, form, genre, historical and literary criticisms as a way to honour Scholar, inform the author’s theological reflection and demonstrate the benefits of engaging ‘other’ Caribbean music for the benefit of a wider audience. Grenadian cultural icon Scholar (Finely Jeffrey, B.Ed. M.Sc) wrote and performed the song ‘Breaker’, (2020) with his daughter Zaedel Jeffrey. The song is about six minutes and twenty-five seconds (6.25) in length and it contains three (3) stanzas. Paul Thomas of Mt. Zion Studio in Grenada produced it. Further, the song was mixed and mastered at Mt. Zion Studio. In the genre of Caribbean music, it falls in the class of a Calypso. It is a spiritual ballad that tells the story of Grenadians and Grenada’s resiliency, resolved and revolutionary hope in light of the challenges COVID-19.
This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbe... more This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbean Church to propagate the Gospel because Reggae has widespread popularity, a history of addressing socio-economic and political injustices and oppression while embracing an Afrocentric-Caribbean-self-identity and simultaneously extolling virtues of independent and industriousness. Additionally, it argues that Reggae’s ability to unify cultures, nations, and causes makes it an excellent tool for this project in view of the Caribbean diverse communities and cultures. Significantly and finally it argues that Reggae carrying the Gospel message embedded in text and email can reach Caribbean Millennials in a way that traditional church has not, because text and email are Millennials’ preferred modes and media of communication.
This is reflective response based on a statement by a blogger that "Women Have A Rebellious Sin N... more This is reflective response based on a statement by a blogger that "Women Have A Rebellious Sin Nature In Them."
In this piece, I reflected on Reggae icon; Luciano music and in particular one of his most meani... more In this piece, I reflected on Reggae icon; Luciano music and in particular one of his most meaningfulness and significant contribution to music and art, the tune, “Sweep Over My Soul.”
The focus of this paper will be to reflect on biblical theology within a Caribbean context, and i... more The focus of this paper will be to reflect on biblical theology within a Caribbean context, and investigate whether the Caribbean Theology Project should rewrite, reshape, and reconcile its theological landscape in lieu of its present ineffectiveness in the socio-economic, political, and religious spheres of the Caribbean.
The ecumenical movement in its principle and faith praxis presents to the world an alternative pa... more The ecumenical movement in its principle and faith praxis presents to the world an alternative paradigm for human system of economic interaction and cohabitation, which operates on the biblical ethics of neighbourliness and love. The New Testament writers presented this concept as the Kingdom of God. Using the both the Hebrew and New Testament scriptures, this paper attest that the Church should address the culture of greed and where possible eliminate this culture by presenting the Kingdom of God as the ethical standard by which people exist.
This paper will attempt to present the biblical and theological argument for reparation and will ... more This paper will attempt to present the biblical and theological argument for reparation and will encourage Caribbean spiritual and religious leaders to be deliberate, intentional and reconciliatory in their support of the Caricom Reparations Justice Program (CRJP), as established by the Caribbean Reparations Commission (CRC) of 2013.
This is an attempt to examine Rasta Theology, Reggae Music and Empire System in the context of Bo... more This is an attempt to examine Rasta Theology, Reggae Music and Empire System in the context of Bob Marley song, 'Rasta Man Chant'(1973).
This is a paper reflecting the author's own personal musings on Grenada's 50 Anniversary of Indep... more This is a paper reflecting the author's own personal musings on Grenada's 50 Anniversary of Independence using the 'Exodus Event' - 'Let My People Go’ (Exo 7:16b)- as a motivational and spiritual thrust for envisioning Grenada completing its political independence process.
This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbe... more This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbean Church to propagate the Gospel because Reggae has widespread popularity, a history of addressing socio-economic and political injustices and oppression while embracing an Afrocentric-Caribbean-self-identity and simultaneously extolling virtues of independent and industriousness. Additionally, it argues that Reggae’s ability to unify cultures, nations, and causes makes it an excellent tool for this project in view of the Caribbean diverse communities and cultures. Significantly and finally it argues that Reggae carrying the Gospel message embedded in text and email can reach Caribbean Millennials in a way that traditional church has not, because text and email are Millennials’ preferred modes and media of communication.
ABSTRACT “JPIG” is a Just Peace paper on peace as defined by the IEPC/DOV standards. It is also a... more ABSTRACT “JPIG” is a Just Peace paper on peace as defined by the IEPC/DOV standards. It is also an acronym for Just Peace Initiative, Grenada (JPIG), a proposed project to be carried out by the forming of this new ecumenical organization in Grenada. Just Peace Initiative Grenada (JPIG) will be the basis and point of entry for its member bodies to introduce the Just Peace concept in their cultures and expressions of worship. This project is localized for the Grenada context but can be retrofitted for any Small Island Developing States (SIDS) particularly in the Americas and Africa. It is especially geared towards countries that experience a culture of violence (COV) through anarchy or ignorance but wishes to find a practical contextual solution to peace. Like many other IEPC/WCC/DOV projects, an open discussion between religious, economic and political actors will be pursued. Sharing of practical and positive approaches will be in the form of consultations and workshops using religious groups, governmental and NGO’s. This will be done using all available media technologies including online forums, social media direct presentations and surveys. Recognizing that there can be no peace without a holistic understanding of the term, the project will closely be related to the “Decade to Overcome Violence or DOV (P301)” process (IEPC) and its “Declaration on Just Peace.” Keywords: Violence; Just Peace; Ecumenical; DOV, COV, WCC; Grenada.
This is a short paper on a panel discussion, which sought to answer the question about whether ec... more This is a short paper on a panel discussion, which sought to answer the question about whether ecumenism (church uniting across the region or around the world for common causes) was a problem or whether in this philosophy of ministry expression, it was something that congregations could be involved together.
The focus of this paper is to encourage the church in Grenada to formally join the conversation o... more The focus of this paper is to encourage the church in Grenada to formally join the conversation on climate change and to work with governments and FBOs/NGOs in Grenada and the Caribbean to continue the call for justice in the area of climate change surrounding the climate crisis.
This paper is an attempt to interrogate Scholar’s song, “Breaker” (Song of Resilience) using a mi... more This paper is an attempt to interrogate Scholar’s song, “Breaker” (Song of Resilience) using a mixture of Judeo-Christian Biblical strategies including, form, genre, historical and literary criticisms as a way to honour Scholar, inform the author’s theological reflection and demonstrate the benefits of engaging ‘other’ Caribbean music for the benefit of a wider audience. Grenadian cultural icon Scholar (Finely Jeffrey, B.Ed. M.Sc) wrote and performed the song ‘Breaker’, (2020) with his daughter Zaedel Jeffrey. The song is about six minutes and twenty-five seconds (6.25) in length and it contains three (3) stanzas. Paul Thomas of Mt. Zion Studio in Grenada produced it. Further, the song was mixed and mastered at Mt. Zion Studio. In the genre of Caribbean music, it falls in the class of a Calypso. It is a spiritual ballad that tells the story of Grenadians and Grenada’s resiliency, resolved and revolutionary hope in light of the challenges COVID-19.
This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbe... more This paper argues that more Rastafari theology via Reggae music should be embraced by the Caribbean Church to propagate the Gospel because Reggae has widespread popularity, a history of addressing socio-economic and political injustices and oppression while embracing an Afrocentric-Caribbean-self-identity and simultaneously extolling virtues of independent and industriousness. Additionally, it argues that Reggae’s ability to unify cultures, nations, and causes makes it an excellent tool for this project in view of the Caribbean diverse communities and cultures. Significantly and finally it argues that Reggae carrying the Gospel message embedded in text and email can reach Caribbean Millennials in a way that traditional church has not, because text and email are Millennials’ preferred modes and media of communication.
This is reflective response based on a statement by a blogger that "Women Have A Rebellious Sin N... more This is reflective response based on a statement by a blogger that "Women Have A Rebellious Sin Nature In Them."
In this piece, I reflected on Reggae icon; Luciano music and in particular one of his most meani... more In this piece, I reflected on Reggae icon; Luciano music and in particular one of his most meaningfulness and significant contribution to music and art, the tune, “Sweep Over My Soul.”
The focus of this paper will be to reflect on biblical theology within a Caribbean context, and i... more The focus of this paper will be to reflect on biblical theology within a Caribbean context, and investigate whether the Caribbean Theology Project should rewrite, reshape, and reconcile its theological landscape in lieu of its present ineffectiveness in the socio-economic, political, and religious spheres of the Caribbean.
The ecumenical movement in its principle and faith praxis presents to the world an alternative pa... more The ecumenical movement in its principle and faith praxis presents to the world an alternative paradigm for human system of economic interaction and cohabitation, which operates on the biblical ethics of neighbourliness and love. The New Testament writers presented this concept as the Kingdom of God. Using the both the Hebrew and New Testament scriptures, this paper attest that the Church should address the culture of greed and where possible eliminate this culture by presenting the Kingdom of God as the ethical standard by which people exist.
This paper will attempt to present the biblical and theological argument for reparation and will ... more This paper will attempt to present the biblical and theological argument for reparation and will encourage Caribbean spiritual and religious leaders to be deliberate, intentional and reconciliatory in their support of the Caricom Reparations Justice Program (CRJP), as established by the Caribbean Reparations Commission (CRC) of 2013.
This is an attempt to examine Rasta Theology, Reggae Music and Empire System in the context of Bo... more This is an attempt to examine Rasta Theology, Reggae Music and Empire System in the context of Bob Marley song, 'Rasta Man Chant'(1973).
There is a need for Social Justice as indicative of the ethical, moral, cultural and spiritual di... more There is a need for Social Justice as indicative of the ethical, moral, cultural and spiritual dilemma that the world and Jamaica in particular faces. Dr. Anna Perkins, Catholic Theologian in Jamaica, described the Jamaica situation as a Moral “Dis-Ease.” This dis-ease affects all spheres of the Jamaican landscape, including the Church. This is also true for the majority Caribbean. In this paper/presentation, the writer believes that the issue of Domestic Violence (DV) sometimes referred to as Domestic Abuse is one the major dis-ease that affects the Christian community too, in some extremely negative ways.Social Justice must be espoused and actioned.
Highlighting four interlocking ideas, this article will use on a theological conceptual framework... more Highlighting four interlocking ideas, this article will use on a theological conceptual framework of morality and political justice – using qualitative approaches, historical methods, and literature reviews – to examine Josiah’s reform in the Bible during his rule. The paper is also approached from socio-historical perspectives. The paper revealed that when the reform of Josiah is examined considering the political and religious impact, it had on the religious and socio-political life of Israel. Josiah’s legacy as a faithful and pious king has no equal; hence, the style of his reform needs to be adopted in reforming or redrafting the Grenada Constitution to bring morality and justice to a codified Constitutional product that all Grenadians can identify with; being built by Grenadians, for Grenadian and it makes space for all people.
A reflection of our Caribbean economic reality and how the church can use its influence to enable... more A reflection of our Caribbean economic reality and how the church can use its influence to enable the Caribbean to achieve food and nutrition security.
This paper is part of special theological project research written for the MINTS site in Grenada ... more This paper is part of special theological project research written for the MINTS site in Grenada (GITE) that seeks to draw attention to the church in Grenada via a Caribbean Theology lens. The writer uses observations, educated guesses and general statistics, to give a socio-theological reflection on the church in Grenada, its ministry and missions endeavours and its current approach to theological education. The paper makes recommendations for a Caribbean theological approach to reimagining its praxis so that it can be impactful and transformative for the new millennium.
This paper proposes that the formation of the Caribbean Conference of Churches was to be the prop... more This paper proposes that the formation of the Caribbean Conference of Churches was to be the prophetic voice to address socio-political, economic and religio-cultural issues within the Caribbean region in an ecumenical framework.
This book will represent a major contribution to the emerging concept of
Emancipation Theology a... more This book will represent a major contribution to the emerging concept of Emancipation Theology as proposed by Rev’d Dr. Devon Dick of the Jamaica Baptist Union, a Caribbean theologian. The book will bring together some of the most talented young Caribbean theologians grappling with the Caribbean crises, using theology as a way to advocate, argue and address these moral ‘dis-eases’ and political rhetoric. Further, this book will be an invaluable resource for Caribbean political leaders who are seeking to transform the lived reality of Caribbean people everywhere but currently do not have a contextual, ethical and theological framework to do so. Lastly, the hope is that a compilation like this will act as a stimulant to pastors and theologians of the early Caribbean theology project to pursue this project and that it will inspire young Caribbean theologians to be faithful to those who have gone before us.
This book is an attempt to address the issues of sexuality and spirituality as a single theme wit... more This book is an attempt to address the issues of sexuality and spirituality as a single theme within a specific context; the Caribbean Church space. It calls the Church of Jesus Christ not to shy away from the lived realities of Caribbean people, particularly Christian youth and young adults. This is an except from Chapter 1.
Established, during biblical times, sexual ethics served to protect victims, women, and girls. Th... more Established, during biblical times, sexual ethics served to protect victims, women, and girls. This paper looks at Mark 6:14-29, arguing that there are challenges and conseqiences in the advocacy for sexual justice.
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Emancipation Theology as proposed by Rev’d Dr. Devon Dick of the Jamaica Baptist Union, a Caribbean theologian. The book will bring together some of the most talented young Caribbean theologians grappling with the Caribbean crises, using theology as a way to advocate, argue and address these moral ‘dis-eases’ and political rhetoric. Further, this book will be an invaluable resource for Caribbean political leaders who are seeking to transform the lived reality of Caribbean people everywhere but currently do not have a contextual, ethical and theological framework to do so.
Lastly, the hope is that a compilation like this will act as a stimulant to pastors and theologians of the early Caribbean theology project to pursue this project and that it will inspire young Caribbean theologians to be faithful to those who have gone before us.