Why are Nigerians so Religious? Part 2

‘It is amazing that people's understanding of God is reduced to the workings of a magician who turns tricks at their every demand. Nigeria has to do more to truly educate children otherwise it simply bolsters a cycle that leads to degeneration. Progress will require citizens who will think critically, ask the right questions, listen to the opposition, make the right demands and stand their ground when they need to. Ethical citizenship requires work. I often say I have no idea how Nigeria can be changed right now but education must be a huge part of the change that we hope for in the future’. – Jo

This article is inspired by the above comment left on my previous article ‘Why are Nigerians so religious? ‘.

When I read the comment, it struck me, another reason why Nigerians are so religious is due to our Cultures and Traditions.

Growing up, we were thought never to question any cultures or traditions passed down to us by our parents. Most times, we imbibe these cultures and as we grow older, we modify them to suit our lifestyles. This is exactly what has happened with Religion.

From generation to generation, religion has been passed down to offsprings with modifications applied here and there. Religion has been modified in Nigeria severally that we have lost the essence and true purpose of religion.

A quick reference to when missionaries from the UK brought religion to Nigeria and we will realise that it was all about service to humanity. They built us schools, hospitals and churches and cared for the needy in the society. They preached about loving our neighbours as ourselves.

 In their country today, they have continued the practise of true religion via charity organisations where the citizens volunteer in cash and kind to help the needy in the society.  Generations to generations have passed the true meaning of religion to their children as their citizens are always quick to offer help to anyone in need by donating cash and volunteering their time. The young ones have also imbibed this culture and always go the extra mile to support any cause they are passionate about.

Charity and volunteering is an industry on its own and religious organisations are registered as charities, with their accounts checked annually by the government to ensure that no one takes advantage of the needy to amass wealth. 

You know the sweetest part of it all? They never expect anything  in return for any act of charity. They continue to develop their countries using their God given brains to come up with new innovations daily which we have the privilege of benefitting from.  Above all, which is the most important to God, all citizens are treated with respect, from the Cleaner to the Prime Minister.

However, in Nigeria, our generation has turned God into a magician that listens to and answers to our every demand no matter how inconsequential it is. We spend hours praying and months fasting about blessings, miracles and material things, forgetting that true religion is charity and service to humanity. The bible clearly states 'Love your neighbour as yourself'. When last have we volunteered at a charity organisation? when last have we fed hungry neighbours without expecting anything in return. Our desire for material gains to oppress the next person has hit an all-time climax that I am sure God can tell a Nigerian from our prayer points. The irony of it all is that we look down at people beneath us; we treat our subordinates, house helps and drivers badly with our children watching. In short, we segregate and not everyone is treated with respect. We have one of the worst attitudes in the world, and when people hear a Nigerian is in the building, they want to jump out through the window (bitter truth).

Our grandparents taught our parents patience and praying about all situations, our parents passed this on to us. This has led to the situation we currently find ourselves in our beloved country today. We can’t boast of a single innovation from our country that is accepted and used all over the world, yet we import cars, phones, laptops, mobile phones and all forms of technology.  As it stands, we are waiting for God to come down and help us develop our country. I almost did a back flip recently when a friend told me the issue of corruption in Nigeria is spiritual. (Apologies my dear friend, I just had to say this)

Now, thinking deeply, which of the two countries stated above is God likely to bless without anyone bombarding him with prayers 24 hours a day? The answer lies in the state of the countries at the moment.

As asked by the commentator above, are we going to pass this same attitude to our children? What are we teaching them? Are we teaching them it’s OK to pray about every situation without taking actions?  Are we teaching them that religion is for selfish reasons or service to humanity? Are we teaching them to be innovative and aim for the skies in all that they do? Are we teaching them to be critical thinkers and use their God giving brains in every situation?

Therefore, the big questions today

·         Are we going to fold our arms and pass this attitude on to the next generation?

·         What will Nigeria’s fate be in the next 30 years if things continue this way?

·          Do we desire change?

Thanks for reading.

Mena

Twitter: @triflections