The perception of the church as a secret cult is wrong and it demands our attention and reflection.
Transparency and Truth:
People often want the status quo to remain, and they come up with all kinds of reasons to suppress the truth. However, the truth has a way of liberating itself before setting others free. I want to make it clear that I do not attack the church. Instead, I believe that the church should not operate like a secret cult or a confraternity where we hide our wrongdoings. If the church is to be a beacon of light, it must be transparent.
The Role of the Church:
The church is like a lamp lit and placed on a hill for all to see, much like lighthouses of old that guided ships safely to shore. This visibility makes the church subject to analysis and scrutiny. Unfortunately, there is a tendency among us to fear scrutiny. When we do engage in analysis, it often turns abusive. Throughout history, anyone who raises concerns about the church is attacked. During the Inquisition, people were tortured for their beliefs—a practice that was profoundly wrong.
Lessons from History:
If Nigerian and African Christians had written the Bible, they might have omitted the stories of David’s adultery and treason or Paul’s letters calling out the seven churches. This selective silence is problematic. It turns us into mute dogs—unable to bark, bite, or even speak up. We must remember that many ministers and churches will face scrutiny. The era of religion being the opium of the people is gradually fading because people are tired of a comical approach to faith.
The Era of Enlightenment:
This is the era of enlightenment, human rights, and the ability to question the status quo. People are beginning to question the belief systems they have been taught. This change is not limited to Christianity; it will also affect Islam and other religions. The time for blind faith is over. It’s time for introspection and accountability.
God bless you.
