Religious heads cite moral decay

RELIGIOUS leaders have expressed concern about the moral decay in society.

“For a considerable time there has been a great debate about the moral decay that is threatening the very roots of society,” said Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha.

“This kind of ‘immoral’ behaviour which seems to be permeating our society at the moment is a direct consequence of a lack of strong religious or cultural convictions.

“Religious leaders, in particular, are probably the most influential and highly respected leaders in society, and need, now more than ever before, to preach and instil strong religious and cultural values to arrest the decay.

“Parents are also in a strong position to influence strong moral values in their homes.”

Paul Lutchman, head of the Christian Revival Centre, said factors like stress, poverty, social media and drugs were fuelling moral decay in society.

Downhill

“As a leader, I am confused why we are rapidly going downhill and losing our culture. One of the reasons is that the family tie is no longer respected. The unity of the family is no longer there.”

Lutchman said social media was causing youngsters “to get out of hand”. “Young women are turning to older men, I can only see finance as a gain. Drugs are a huge problem.”

Lutchman described swinging as “unacceptable”. “According to the Bible it is one man to one woman until death do them part. Nowadays temptation is getting higher and higher, there is more liberty and choices and people are moving away from marriage vows.”

Lutchman said he had a fulltime marriage counsellor at his church. “It is a major issue in the church. On the surface it looks all lovey-dovey.”

Moulana Abdullah Khan of the Jamiat Ulama said judging by reports received by his office, moral degeneration was “very alarming”. “Re-look at our commitment, marriage; practise the teaching of our religious views and bring simplicity back into our lives,” he advised.

He said people needed to keep in mind that they will bear the consequences of their actions.