Wednesday, April 15, 2009
God and Nigeria
Discussions about God and human beings are unfortunately not just that.
They quickly degenerate into arguments and sometimes fights.
Sometimes, deaths occur. Other times full scale wars over who and what God is erupts.
Basically, Man's relationship with God has been a love - hate relationship.
I think one's relationship with God, or lack of, is a personal thing and should be kept as such.
In Nigeria, we have 2 distinct religions - Christianity and Islam and a fast depleting 3rd, traditionalists (Juju). Atheists exist but they are rather too few to be measured.
In most parts of the country, they have lived together in peace with a few exceptions.
Religious clashes between muslims and christians have occured almost entirely in the northern part of the country.
I was listening to a radio program recently where users call in to confess publicly to whatever issues they were dealing with and the only suggestion the radio host could give was "you should talk to your pastor".
It suddenly struck me that we do not have the same social structure the western culture has.
If your child has issues understanding things or is slow in talking or walking at an early age?
- Take him/her to your pastor. Deliverance may be in order. Forget the fact that it could be autism.
If you have difficulty in having kids?
- Go see a man of god. An ancestral/generational curse may have been placed on you. Forget the fertility clinic.
If you have marital issues with your spouse?
-Why haven't you seen the evangelist all this while? Wetin be marital counselor? What do they know?
-Go for 40days dry fast with prayers. Psychiatrists have no idea what they are dealing with.
As a start up business man, if you suddenly suffer a huge loss?
-Somebody from your village must be after you. Go to church and pray for your enemies to "Fall down and DIE!" Forget the fact that you made an error in judgement and should have gone to entrepreneurial school.
When you suddenly need a large amount of money for whatever?
-Sow a BIG seed/offering in church. The more you sow, the more you reap. Banks ask for too much collateral anyways and their interest rates are killing.
If you feel down and out and need inspiration?
-Where best to go to than a church mid-week or Sunday service/mass. Inspirational speakers don't know 'diddly squat'
Mental problems and even physical health issues?
-Go for deliverance. God first, doctors or shrinks next.
Combine this with the Nigerian entrepreneural tendency and you get:
Its amazing how very intertwined with God our daily lives as Nigerians are.
We see God everywhere.
Is this extreme? Or is this what it should be?
They quickly degenerate into arguments and sometimes fights.
Sometimes, deaths occur. Other times full scale wars over who and what God is erupts.
Basically, Man's relationship with God has been a love - hate relationship.
I think one's relationship with God, or lack of, is a personal thing and should be kept as such.
In Nigeria, we have 2 distinct religions - Christianity and Islam and a fast depleting 3rd, traditionalists (Juju). Atheists exist but they are rather too few to be measured.
In most parts of the country, they have lived together in peace with a few exceptions.
Religious clashes between muslims and christians have occured almost entirely in the northern part of the country.
I was listening to a radio program recently where users call in to confess publicly to whatever issues they were dealing with and the only suggestion the radio host could give was "you should talk to your pastor".
It suddenly struck me that we do not have the same social structure the western culture has.
If your child has issues understanding things or is slow in talking or walking at an early age?
- Take him/her to your pastor. Deliverance may be in order. Forget the fact that it could be autism.
If you have difficulty in having kids?
- Go see a man of god. An ancestral/generational curse may have been placed on you. Forget the fertility clinic.
If you have marital issues with your spouse?
-Why haven't you seen the evangelist all this while? Wetin be marital counselor? What do they know?
Looking for a husband, wife, business opportunity, handout, free food?
-Go to CHURCH. The LORD will answer your prayers there. Thats the best place for social networking.
-Go for 40days dry fast with prayers. Psychiatrists have no idea what they are dealing with.
As a start up business man, if you suddenly suffer a huge loss?
-Somebody from your village must be after you. Go to church and pray for your enemies to "Fall down and DIE!" Forget the fact that you made an error in judgement and should have gone to entrepreneurial school.
When you suddenly need a large amount of money for whatever?
-Sow a BIG seed/offering in church. The more you sow, the more you reap. Banks ask for too much collateral anyways and their interest rates are killing.
If you feel down and out and need inspiration?
-Where best to go to than a church mid-week or Sunday service/mass. Inspirational speakers don't know 'diddly squat'
Mental problems and even physical health issues?
-Go for deliverance. God first, doctors or shrinks next.
Combine this with the Nigerian entrepreneural tendency and you get:
Its amazing how very intertwined with God our daily lives as Nigerians are.
We see God everywhere.
Is this extreme? Or is this what it should be?
27 comments:
Religion thrives in our society for many reasons..one of which is the need for people to have HOPE. That said, ignorance and religion is a recipe for disaster.
Yes prayer is good for the soul but sometimes we need doctors, counsellors and tests to keep our bodies alive
Life without a balance tips towards extremism.
How are you Mr Man?
Yes prayer is good for the soul but sometimes we need doctors, counsellors and tests to keep our bodies alive
Life without a balance tips towards extremism.
How are you Mr Man?
Hey Tobenna, i don't think i've commented here before.I certainly agree with you about the overwhelming consciousness of God in Nigeria but i have a different take on it. I'll use christianity as my example.
I think what we're seeing is a uniquely Nigerian (maybe African)way of doing religion. We are traditionally very spiritual people as is evident from looking at the culture of any of the tribes. It seems to me that we've taken that traditional consciousness and applied it in a different context.
Pastors have effectively replaced oracles and are expected to perform a similar role but in a more personalised way. This means that they become vested with an incredible amount of power that ordinarily can be dangerous but is particularly so in the hands of unprincipled individuals. I don't think spirituality is an inherently bad thing or an indicator of ignorance but like many other human characteristics, it is open to exploitation.
Minor point: some of your examples e.g. church for social networking, apply universally. I recently read of a man in the US who was laid off and found another job through networking at church.
I think what we're seeing is a uniquely Nigerian (maybe African)way of doing religion. We are traditionally very spiritual people as is evident from looking at the culture of any of the tribes. It seems to me that we've taken that traditional consciousness and applied it in a different context.
Pastors have effectively replaced oracles and are expected to perform a similar role but in a more personalised way. This means that they become vested with an incredible amount of power that ordinarily can be dangerous but is particularly so in the hands of unprincipled individuals. I don't think spirituality is an inherently bad thing or an indicator of ignorance but like many other human characteristics, it is open to exploitation.
Minor point: some of your examples e.g. church for social networking, apply universally. I recently read of a man in the US who was laid off and found another job through networking at church.
@ Mizchif: deserves a slap from God? You are so totally on your own.
@WM: Your point is well noted Ms Woman. I am keeping well, thank you.
@ Baraal: As a Christian, I actually share your view, I was only trying to stimulate discussion on this and to be as objective as possible.
@WM: Your point is well noted Ms Woman. I am keeping well, thank you.
@ Baraal: As a Christian, I actually share your view, I was only trying to stimulate discussion on this and to be as objective as possible.
OMG! Where did you find that picture? *dead*
'If you have marital issues with your spouse?
-Why haven't you seen the evangelist all this while? Wetin be marital counselor? What do they know?' OR - your wife/husband is a witch. OR - the pastor already told you this man/woman is not for you, that is why you are having problems.
"When you suddenly need a large amount of money for whatever?
-Sow a BIG seed/offering in church. The more you sow, the more you reap. Banks ask for too much collateral anyways and their interest rates are killing." - I call them auction churches, where the preacher won't stop until the 17 people that God told him would give $300 come to the front with their check or IOU.
It's our reality,and it's sad. This is not what Jesus wanted. Churches today are turning into traps for people who can't think for themselves using the wisdom that they so fervently ask God for. Church has now become a crutch and a fix-it-quick-with-an-offering-or-two.
'If you have marital issues with your spouse?
-Why haven't you seen the evangelist all this while? Wetin be marital counselor? What do they know?' OR - your wife/husband is a witch. OR - the pastor already told you this man/woman is not for you, that is why you are having problems.
"When you suddenly need a large amount of money for whatever?
-Sow a BIG seed/offering in church. The more you sow, the more you reap. Banks ask for too much collateral anyways and their interest rates are killing." - I call them auction churches, where the preacher won't stop until the 17 people that God told him would give $300 come to the front with their check or IOU.
It's our reality,and it's sad. This is not what Jesus wanted. Churches today are turning into traps for people who can't think for themselves using the wisdom that they so fervently ask God for. Church has now become a crutch and a fix-it-quick-with-an-offering-or-two.
Tobenna!!, there ain't nothin wrong with seeking spiritual counsel/help when you are in trouble or facing challenges...God pass them all. But u are a funny guy sha!!!..lol
Yay!
I can leave comments again.
WTH!
what baptism 400 bucks!
who are these people?
I thank God for my orientation.
Fine- there are spiritual sides to things, but if you as a person cannot decide on the measures to take in any situation with God backing you- then that's where the problem is.
It gets me when they say every cat that crosses the street is demonic.
I can leave comments again.
WTH!
what baptism 400 bucks!
who are these people?
I thank God for my orientation.
Fine- there are spiritual sides to things, but if you as a person cannot decide on the measures to take in any situation with God backing you- then that's where the problem is.
It gets me when they say every cat that crosses the street is demonic.
I was very disheartened to read about another religious crisis in Nigeria. The sad part of it is that its not as if these people are so so religious and care about God, they are just doing it for themselves. I mean if nigerians are truly religious as we claim to be, shoudnt we be like the best country in the world.
and you are not serious!
u can network in church, get inspiration, marital counseling etc in church.
but even the Bible is quick to point out that Faith without works is deadsometimes people take the faith thing to an extreme because they like shortcuts. Would rather prefer a miracle than actually working for something.
and you are not serious!
u can network in church, get inspiration, marital counseling etc in church.
but even the Bible is quick to point out that Faith without works is deadsometimes people take the faith thing to an extreme because they like shortcuts. Would rather prefer a miracle than actually working for something.
lol!
OMG..so ridiculous!
faith w/o works is dead. I believe in turning to God for everything, bt people need to understand that Gos also gave us these psychaitrist, doctors, banker for a reason. he cant physically come down to help us!
bt Nigerians r ridiculous when it comes to christianity...its become a fast-money scheme....
OMG..so ridiculous!
faith w/o works is dead. I believe in turning to God for everything, bt people need to understand that Gos also gave us these psychaitrist, doctors, banker for a reason. he cant physically come down to help us!
bt Nigerians r ridiculous when it comes to christianity...its become a fast-money scheme....
very funny. very true.....at least some of it. a slight correction though...the main religion was traditional b4 oyinbos brought all their wahala. though it is used more for wicked reasons, a lot of good can come from it as well, ie herbal treatment. God is all
Saw the pix on another Naija-centric site and it was plain hilarious... Thanks for stopping by mine man!
Is that advert real? Don't doubt it sha, and to think that they usually have a large market, wonderful.
oh my... pure hilarity. Thanks for this laugh, my broda. how una dey?
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I dunno about it being extreme, but I know there are some cases where being practical wouldn't hurt. Most people fail to see this..
I remember the first time I saw that. Hilarious!
Lol.
I totally agree with you man. As in, I don't compromise the involvement of God in any aspect of life, but the answer to the prayers you've been saying may be that you should see a specialist about your problem. You dig? It was God who inspired them to come up with the Medical solutions, and the ideas that can heal your marriage anyway.
People (Nigerians) need to understand that Science and Technology don't defy God you know?
Lol.
I totally agree with you man. As in, I don't compromise the involvement of God in any aspect of life, but the answer to the prayers you've been saying may be that you should see a specialist about your problem. You dig? It was God who inspired them to come up with the Medical solutions, and the ideas that can heal your marriage anyway.
People (Nigerians) need to understand that Science and Technology don't defy God you know?
I Have seeing a notice like that before.
We definitely go overboard with church & pastor in 9ja.
Pls can any1 help stop noise making in the name of religion.
We definitely go overboard with church & pastor in 9ja.
Pls can any1 help stop noise making in the name of religion.
@ O'dee: lol! My uncle had a bookshop on a street in between a church and a mosque. The noise was horrible - from both...
HAHHhhahhhhhahahahhahahhhahahhaha! my God! that notice is hillarious...
Neways its crazy that everylittle problem, the drug prescribtion is God but thats the way it is, God knows evri and has an answer to evri even b4 we have the issues...
Neways its crazy that everylittle problem, the drug prescribtion is God but thats the way it is, God knows evri and has an answer to evri even b4 we have the issues...
ROTFLMAO!
Bamtisim? for real?
Tobenna, I am goind to do N150 bamtisim so that u will start visiting my blog again...lol ah ahn, dont u know i have "milssed u"? (in the spirit of bad english...hehe)
how is J?
I've been meaaning to write a post about sth like this , indian magic! i'll get to it one day.
Seriously though, naija peeps can so feel familiar with God! so much that armed robbers probably pray b4 an operation, i won't be surprised.
Bamtisim? for real?
Tobenna, I am goind to do N150 bamtisim so that u will start visiting my blog again...lol ah ahn, dont u know i have "milssed u"? (in the spirit of bad english...hehe)
how is J?
I've been meaaning to write a post about sth like this , indian magic! i'll get to it one day.
Seriously though, naija peeps can so feel familiar with God! so much that armed robbers probably pray b4 an operation, i won't be surprised.
@ Sirius: I think the sign actually says "BAMTISM"!!!!
Actually, it's "BAMITISM"...
Nigerians r over-religious,short & simple. Worse part is we take pride in it. We love 2 sound holy & in tuned 2 God. Dia was one time i stopped going 2 church & people were like 'why don't u go 2 church' as though i'd committed an unpardonable sin. So i counterattacked 'u dat sleeps in church,wot difference has it made in ur life'. & daz how we r in nigeria. We've all perfected d act of talking d talk but not walking d walk. These days i don't even get in religion convo again. Like my dad says 'it's in heaven dat we'd know who was wrong or right'.
OMG. bamitism? ordenary? donations HAPPILY received. i wonder who falls for those obvious fallacies. desperation drives man crzy they say. lol. very funny though
I've never understood our fixation with God either..........
Aloofar is on tap today at Nigerian Curiosity. Check him out.
naija peeps sef. but its sad how its so true. everything is 'spiritualised', even the mundane.
Abeg where did you see dat kain notice??? LIke WTF?
My naija ppl will never cease to amaze me.
It's funny how every Tom, Dick & Harry is so quick to claim God, yet there is still so much wrong in our society.
I believe even God allows certain institutions, just to make our lives easier.
Imagine a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, being told by her family to ignore the doctor and have faith...she then proceeds to go from one church to the next prayer house until her metastases are to numerous to do anything about!
Me thinks in such a case, if and when she dies, she deserves a better slap from God first before HE even asks any questions!