I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today I want to critically examine the widespread issue of stupidity, false prophets, and demonic evangelists within the Nigerian Church. To understand this, we will look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theory of stupidity and analyze Acts 16:16-19.
Bonhoeffer’s Theory of Stupidity
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany, was perplexed by how an educated society like Germany could be controlled by Adolf Hitler, a man of limited intellect. He concluded that stupidity is not just a lack of intelligence but a conditioned state where individuals surrender their reasoning to a charismatic leader. When you try to free such people from their ignorance, they become defensive and aggressive.
This phenomenon is evident in the Nigerian religious sector, where educated individuals are controlled by semi-illiterates and self-proclaimed prophets. These so-called prophets thrive because their followers have outsourced their thinking, blindly following doctrines without personal discernment.
The Spirit of Divination in Acts 16:16-19
In Acts 16, Paul and his disciples encountered a girl with a spirit of fortune-telling. Many who claim to be prophets today are nothing more than fortune tellers operating under a spirit of divination.
True prophecy comes from God and is recognized over time. It is not about making vague predictions or stating already known facts. The prophetic ministry is distinct from teaching, evangelism, and pastoral work. When you see someone constantly announcing themselves as “Prophet This” or “Prophet That,” be wary.
Many so-called prophets use the word of knowledge to manipulate people: “There is a woman here whose husband left her,” or “You have been struggling financially.” These are not prophecies but statements about existing situations. A true prophet speaks of the future as though it were the past and brings edification, comfort, and caution.
The Rise of Demonic Evangelists
The girl in Acts 16:16 proclaimed, “These are the men of God; listen to them.” Despite speaking the truth, she was possessed by a demonic spirit. If this happened today, she might be made a church leader, prophetess, or pastor’s wife, spreading spiritual deception.
Just because someone speaks the truth does not make them a prophet of God. Even native doctors and sorcerers can predict events accurately. The spirit realm is like radio waves—both divine and demonic spirits operate within it.
The problem is that many people chase after signs and wonders rather than seeking God for themselves. They follow those who perform miracles without discerning the source of their power.
The Spirit of the Python and Commercialized Religion
The girl in Acts 16:16 was under the influence of the spirit of Python, associated with Delphi. Her owners profited from her abilities, just as many pastors today exploit their followers for financial gain.
If your prophet’s focus is always on money, prosperity, and material gain rather than righteousness and warning against sin, then that is a commercial spirit at work. The signs include:
Selling anointing oil, holy water, and other religious items
Charging for prayers and prophecies
Using gimmicks like “anointed handkerchiefs” or “miracle seeds”
These tactics are not of God. Some have even resorted to bizarre rituals, like licking people’s bodies or spitting on them, claiming it transfers anointing. This is foolishness rooted in deception.
How False Prophets React to Criticism
When Paul rebuked the demonic spirit in the girl, her owners became angry because their source of income was threatened. They used violence and legal systems to attack Paul and Silas.
This pattern is evident today:
False prophets react angrily to criticism.
Their followers rain curses on anyone who questions them.
They claim persecution to gain sympathy.
They use slogans and scriptures out of context, like “Touch not my anointed.”
Bonhoeffer noted that stupidity spreads like a virus when people stop thinking for themselves. Those who have a personal relationship with God and think independently are less likely to be deceived.
The Danger of Blind Loyalty
When followers wear uniforms, chant slogans, and exalt a man above God, they are caught in a cult-like system. Music is also used to manipulate emotions, making people more susceptible to brainwashing.
History has seen many such leaders, like Jim Jones, who led over 900 people to their deaths in Guyana. In Nigeria, many are blindly following charismatic figures without questioning their teachings or motives.
Conclusion
The Nigerian church has been invaded by demonic evangelists who colonize minds, extort money, and manipulate their followers. Their primary goal is control, not salvation.
We speak out because we care. The gospel was built on the sacrifices of true men of God, not charlatans who exploit people’s ignorance.
God bless you. Let’s expose deception and pursue true faith.
