POLITICS OF RELIGION OR RELIGION OF POLITICS?

As a Nigerian, you are probably unaware of the fact that recent trend in the field of politics and religion has made it impossible for us to make a sharp distinction between both concepts. As a keen observer, I have struggled to decipher its meeting point and I share my views. With the idea of the scramble for Africa, some religions were introduced cutting across cultural lines. In Nigeria, Islam was introduced in the North and the colonial masters struggled to mount their foothold in other parts of the country. Since the West had long learnt how to work with ideologies, the question that followed immediately was: “how can we better colonize?” Religion (Christianity) was a priceless tool to be employed. Needless to mention that countries/states and groups that attempted to revolt against the religions of their colonial masters were daunted, many of whom were killed. The close of the 20th century down into the 21st century is witnessing the resurgence of such relational ideology in our political drama. Religion on its own may not pose a problem but the misuse of it has been glaring. Have u asked yourself the reason(s) for the state association with particular religions based on the dominant group in a particular state? Why should there be a pastor or an Imam in every state house? The association of intending contenders for the presidential election with the Redeem Christian Church of God is an eye opener. The charismatic nature of its leader has made it possible to be one of the fastest growing Christian communities in Nigeria. Needless to mention that the church harbours over 8% of the Nigerian voters, not to mention other Christian communities that are offspring of the church. Little wonder, Buhari had to visit the man of God, Pastor Adeboye who has in practice over 6 million followers. The sudden friendship between the pastor and the presidency is not unconnected with some political gimmicks. That exactly is the rationale behind notable Nigerian politicians going before God to endorse their campaigns as God’s chosen leaders; kneeling before God in humility, while practically standing against God in pride. The import of this gimmickry is to the effect that we are one in Christ. It is because religion has proven to be the most potent form of deceit that the Dr. Segun Oshoba report that the government of Nigeria shall not identify herself with any religion (which means that in fact and in principle, there should be no state religion), never saw the light of the day. This is just a clarion call to all believers to wake up from their dogmatic slumber; do not be cajoled into thinking that though we are different economically we are one in God, it does not in any way tally with any pragmatic principle. Refuse to be swerved by those who constantly shift the goalpost of religion to suit their desires. If we cannot be one economically, then there is no magical transformation into oneness in God.

CONTROVERSIAL ARGUMENT: SCIENCE OR RELIGION?

Being at a seminar where comparison was made between science/technology on the one hand and religion on the other, I wish to share my candid opinion. It is said that science/technology is inclined to capitalism and should be viewed with caution. Hence, religion is to be preferred as that which brings out the oneness (equality) in humanity. But if our dumping of science is based on the notion that science and technology aligns with capitalism which seeks to exploit the individual, then religion’s flaws lies on the same logic. At the dawn of colonialism, the fundamental question was: “how can we better colonize?” and not “how can we better Christianize?” So Christianity was only a latter development, because in former times, it was primarily a tool of imperialism and by extension, an exploitative technique. Though religion (Christianity) was used as a tool, if its end is worthwhile after all, then does that justify the means? If by any yardstick the end of any scientific endeavour does not justify its means, then both religion and science end up in the same pitfall.