Nigeria, often referred to as the "most religious country in the world," boasts a staggering number of churches across the nation. However, despite the proliferation of these religious institutions, the country continues to grapple with high crime rates and widespread political corruption. This raises questions about the role of churches in shaping the moral landscape of the nation and their influence on addressing societal challenges.
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018 found that 46% of Nigerians attend church services at least once a week. Yet, the same country is plagued by rampant corruption, ranking 149 out of 180 countries on the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index. Additionally, Nigeria faces alarming crime rates, with kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes remaining pervasive.
Some argue that churches have become overly focused on promoting prosperity theology and accumulating wealth, neglecting their responsibility to address the societal ills that plague the nation. With pastors living lavish lifestyles and amassing fortunes, it is reasonable to question whether these religious leaders are genuinely committed to advancing the well-being of their congregations and communities.
Moreover, churches in Nigeria have historically shied away from directly confronting political corruption, often focusing on spiritual matters while avoiding engagement in political discourse. However, as institutions with significant influence and reach, churches have the potential to serve as powerful platforms for addressing corruption and promoting good governance.
Here are some scriptures that can be relevant to the topic at hand:
Matthew 7:15-16 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits."
Romans 16:17-18 - "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people."
1 Timothy 6:3-5 - "If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain."
One Pastor Abel Damina and an online ministry called The Solution Place-D'Sopla Kingdom on Facebook has tackled pastors collecting tithes in their teachings that have painted tithing scam, in response to this teachings, many general overseers of big ministries have been attacking them massively, Abel and Sopla responded to their attacks that Jesus had never for collected in his ministry era he gives to the poor instead, he fed the multitude without collecting from them, he said Jesus instructed in Matthew 10:8 "freely ye have received, freely give" therefore, Nigerians should find time to meditate in the words Jesus spoke and run away from the words of these pastors who do not believe in Jesus himself.
As Nigeria navigates its complex challenges, it is crucial for religious institutions to reflect on their role in shaping society and addressing its most pressing issues. By moving beyond a focus on individual prosperity and actively engaging with political and social challenges, churches can become catalysts for positive change and contribute to building a more just and equitable nation.
I’m Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise known as Ultimate Equal, President One Love Foundation