I was listening to an FRCN lunch-hour show in which two clerics were guests, an Uztas and a pastor. The subject was on religious conflict in the country. The atmosphere of the discussion was relaxed and gave the impression that Muslims are not at war with the Christians and vice versa. There was unpretentious camaraderie in their voice as they both made their submissions, citing verses from their Holy books. Also, they were unanimous on one thing, that religion is not Nigeria's problem. Instead, they averred, some disgruntled politicians are inciting restless and jobless youths to foment trouble in the country using the cloak of religion. The Boko Haram menace was a quick reference. That assertion is true on the face value. A deeper and closer look at our nightmares 'corruption and recurrent violence- would show how perverted religious practice has damaged us as a nation. A sentimental approach will only blind our eyes to the solution to our problems and we'll keep hunting shadows while the situation degenerates further.It is first a paradox that Nigeria, one of the most religious countries in the world, is also voted one of the most corrupt, crisis-prone nations on earth. It's a disgrace to God. It beggars the question of the essence of religion. Religion is supposed to bind, not split. Religion is supposed to strengthen ethics and morality of society, not weaken them. It is supposed to correct societal ills, not perpetuate them. Religion should promote good neighbourliness and the sanctity of human lives, not bloodshed. These are the elusive ideals. Religion itself has been muddled up and now reeks of corruption and to say it is not a problem is to play the ostrich in a bad situation.Today, materialism sits on the pulpit of many assemblies with monstrous bellicosity. Many pastors are vain pursuers of wealth who shifted business after several failed adventures, with the hope of lining their pockets with God's money. Their sermons are therefore pure motivational and psychological cook-ups that misinterpret God's Word to fleece unsuspecting and impressionable members. New ways are continuously formulated to expand profit and not the kingdom of God. The new trend is schools. Those not satisfied with the tithes and offering of their members are floating schools run and established with their members' money. Not too bad. But what annoys is that the children of these poor members don't get to attend the schools because of their exorbitant school fees. So much for conscience and justice. Many of the corrupt political leaders are not pagans. They worship God in churches. They drop fat envelops during annual harvests and funds raising programmes. They take front seats on Sundays. And the man of God instead of telling them the truth that corruption is evil and will damn their soul in eternal hell, heaps undeserved encomium upon embezzlers and national criminals. The message for the day has to be changed and dedicated to a corruption laden worshipper drabbed in ostentatious regalia. Thieves steal and pay big tithes and nobody raises eye brows as long as the ministry is moving. No piercing message to rebuke them, it's all stories and highfalutin lies. It is high time EFCC began investigating the pastors of convicted political thieves. Many pastors have a hand in our problems and lack the moral justification to criticize any politician when they can't use the natural platform of their pulpit to preach and practice social justice. Few churches make exceptions.Islam is one of the most organized religions in the world. Ever since the advent of the religion by Prophet Mohammed (SAW), many adherents have learnt to fear and respect their imams because they are God's mouth piece. However, some men of questionable character are misusing this enormous religious power to undermine national security. Sometimes, it is the message of abuse and name calling of government functionaries, other times it is open attack of other religions and seditious, inflammatory remarks that completely fly in the face of the creed of the Holy Quran. to be continued'Folarin is a serving corps member in Ebonyi State. He wrote in via childofdkingdom@gmail.com
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