There is nothing new in this article.
Africans strong link to the African traditional type of worship is entwined with the western type of worship (Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Pentecostals etc). Embedded in our DNA is the way our ancestors or forefathers (whichever term you chose) saw worship. We readily threw our beliefs aside without a fight when the "white man" stated "you are worshipping the devil - stop it." Were we really doing that? At least from the part of Nigeria I hail from, we have one supreme God (just like Christianity) who we took as our all knowing and all seeing God. Then there were the lesser gods we had - again like in Christianity we hear of the messengers of God like the angels. The Chinese kept to their traditional way of life so much so that Chinese traditional religion/medicine is a big thing now - for example, acupuncture. This is now something used all over the world to treat different ailments - especially in Europe! The Tibetans have their monks. England have their Druids. Nigeira, no Africa as per norm threw everything God given away and for what?
We have thousands of Nigerians still following traditional religion which I personally have no problem with however it is done in secrecy (in the dark) whilst in the brightness of the day they attend a "Christian" church. In some European countries, people openly attend psychic shows on TV etc. Nigerians find that hard to do but will attend a "church" when they learn a "pastor can see tomorrow." And so they attend this "church" in the hope they will be "seen" and be given a "message."
Nigerians should watch this programme. It brings tears to your eyes - Branded A Witch. It was shown on BBC3 on the 21st May 2013.
In this one-off documentary, Congo-born Londoner Kevani Kanda travels to Africa to shed light on the Congolese belief in witchcraft, or "kindoki". She sees "possessed" children beaten by smiling pastors, and meets others accused of harbouring evil spirits. One is her own cousin. Kevani implores her relatives to consider the veracity of kindoki, or at least the necessity of abuse as a solution, but they can't, or are perhaps unwilling to. A disturbing portrait of a culture that believes routine child torture to be morally justifiable.
In some of the poorest parts of Nigeria, where evangelical religious fervour is combined with a belief in sorcery and black magic, many thousands of children are being blamed for catastrophes, death and famine: and branded witches. Denounced as Satan made flesh by powerful pastors and prophetesses, these children are abandoned, tortured, starved and murdered: all in the name of Jesus Christ.
We are living in a world which does not seek nor worship the true God in spirit and in truth. Godlessness and materialism have taken over the soul of humanity. Thus the word of St. Paul cannot be truer in any generation. "For Jews demand miracles (signs) and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, (1Corinthians 1:22-23)." Satan has set up his kingdom as Temples and Miracle Centres in our land and his agents as pastors and miracle workers are winning souls for him, even those of the elect. The scripture must be fulfilled. "If any one has ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 4:23). You are free to get the miracle you seek. But remember these words of Christ. "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." (Mtt. 24:24). I shed tears for my people of Nigeria where these false prophets and deceivers are groomed, adored and canonised alive as HOLY MEN OF GOD by ignorant people who claim to be wise. Many will see themselves disappointed on the last day. "Those who have ears let them hear."(Rev. 2:17)
Posted: at 22-05-2013 10:10 PM (11 years ago) | Upcoming |
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