Is Pentecostalism Too Noisy? | Visiting Hadambu Monastery

As I wander through the peaceful surroundings of the Hadambu Monastery, a place of stillness and reflection, I can’t help but draw a contrast with the Pentecostalism many of us are used to. Here, the quiet is profound, and the simplicity is humbling. There is no noise, no chaos—just an atmosphere that encourages deep thought and reverence.

This serene environment reminds me of the old hymns with their deep, meaningful lyrics. You need a place like this to absorb such inspiration. In contrast, Pentecostalism can sometimes feel like a cacophony. Our loudness, our expressive worship, and our fervor, while meaningful in their own ways, can sometimes overpower the essence of quiet reflection. There are times when our faith needs the space to breathe, to be pondered upon in silence, and this kind of calm is what I often find missing in our culture of worship.

You see, our African culture has heavily influenced our religious practices. We are a vibrant people, expressive in all that we do. Our festivals are intense, filled with loud singing and dancing. This energy seeps into our worship too. We believe strongly in spiritual warfare, fighting battles with prayers against demons, sacrifices, and witches. Yet, the Bible tells us that Jesus is the final sacrifice, but we often still feel the need to add our own offerings. I wonder if some of this is our attempt to blend tradition with religion.

In this culture, we also emphasize individual responsibility toward our environment and community, a concept that sometimes feels lost in the noise of ritual and the sensational. We must remember that our faith is meant to influence our daily lives, not just in church, but in how we interact with society and how we care for the world around us.

As I look around at the natural beauty, the simplicity of life here in Europe, it becomes clear why these people have achieved so much. They’ve had centuries of stability, order, and reflection—a place where innovation and discovery are natural extensions of the peace they’ve cultivated.

Some people wonder why I share these videos and insights. It’s because I want to inspire you, to stir your curiosity, to show you the beauty of a life enriched by learning and experience. This isn’t arrogance; it’s the reality of 40 years in medicine, business, and teaching. I hope that my journey—my reflections on faith, culture, and progress—encourages you to think about life a little deeper.

We have an online webinar, Becoming a Person of Influence, coming up on the 8th and 9th of November. If you’re interested in exploring how you can grow your influence, join us by sending a message to +234 82121 9262. Let’s learn together, find purpose, and perhaps even a bit of the quiet inspiration we all need.

God bless you

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