MY VIEW OF BOLT FROM DAY 1

Bolt and creation theology

Published: Tuesday | September 15, 2009

The Editor, Sir:

People who read this letter, might be wondering how can Bolt be connected to theology and he is not a theologian. We notice that whenever Usain is victorious, he points to the sky and utters "To the world" . This gesture is neither about self-praise, nor self-approval, but he is demonstrating that the talented Jamaican athletes are called to be co-creators with God.

Creation theology, which takes precedence in the Caribbean and not fall-redemption theology, speaks of transformation and the need to be transformed. This was very evident in the manner in which Bolt related to his American rival, Wallace Spearmon, while walking to face the starter for the 200 metres. Both athletes, one Jamaican the other American, were laughing and sharing jokes. The commentator, was unaware that he was doing theology, when he remarked that Usain Bolt has transformed athletics by bringing a new dimension to the sport, which manifested the love for humanity and not hate. He hugged Spearmon, as if the American was victorious in the 200 meters.

Agent of transformation

Victory for Usain is to make others happy and, as a French female athlete indicated, Bolt, Asafa, and Tyson Gay are raising athletics to a level that has never been seen before. It was also interesting to notice that in the 100 and 200 metres, the lightning speed of Bolt inspired all the athletes to run their best times ever. Theologically, Usain is not only the major agent of transformation but has inspired Asafa to think, he can beat him.

We should also notice that the Jamaican athletes were comfortable with their spirituality and publicly, sought to meditate before entering a race. They reflected a type of Boltian extrovert meditation,the art of meditation. Our athletes should be commended for being missionaries in Berlin because they were not fearful of the post-modern philosophy, which is very obvious in the European culture - that is all things are relative and nothing is sacred.

Usain showed us that human beings portray the original blessing of creation and not original sin as taught by Augustine of Hippo. Humanity is not always sinful but is capable of divine manifestations and exceptional talent. To be truly human is to be truly divine.

I am, etc.,

ERNLE GORDON

(Rev Canon)

gordfm@yahoo.com

Kingston 20