The Bible introduces early prophetic figures like Abraham and Moses, with Moses famously described as having spoken to God "face to face" in Exodus 33:11. Over time, other prophets, such as Samuel and Elijah, acted as intermediaries between God and the people, delivering warnings, guidance, and predictions about future events.
In later prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, prophecy evolved to take on more complex and often apocalyptic themes, foretelling the fate of nations and the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 53). These prophets not only warned of impending judgment but also offered hope for restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34.
However, while prophecy is revered, it has also sparked considerable debate due to its potential for misuse. History is replete with figures who have used prophetic claims to influence and guide their followers, sometimes with dire consequences.
For example, the Jonestown massacre in 1978, led by Jim Jones, serves as a stark reminder of how prophecy can be exploited. Similarly, Nostradamus and Joseph Smith have made prophetic claims that have drawn both devotion and skepticism.
Notably, the Great Disappointment of 1844, where followers of William Miller awaited the Second Coming of Christ only to be left devastated when it did not occur, underscores the fallibility of those who claim to foresee the future.
Despite frequent failures, some prophetic leaders maintain their influence, often exploiting the concept of prophecy for personal gain. For instance, L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, has been accused of using prophecies to amass wealth and control followers, illustrating how prophecy can be manipulated for self-interest rather than genuine spiritual guidance.
The allure of knowing the future has made people susceptible to these predictions, often abandoning reason and critical thinking in favor of blind faith.
This issue is not confined to a global context; it has also affected regional countries, including Rwanda. For instance, several individuals in Rwanda have been blamed for delivering misleading prophecies. Some have been accused of defrauding people by soliciting money in exchange for promised miracles.
31 believers of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church were apprehended in Kayonza District in July 2023, for spreading false rumors about an impending apocalypse. These individuals, who defied government measures related to Covid-19, tax collection, and children's education, claimed these measures were unnecessary burdens because "the end of the world is imminent."
Such incidents underscore the importance of caution when interpreting religious teachings. Misleading prophecies can have severe consequences, as evidenced by historical events like the followers of William Miller in 1844 and those who sold their properties ahead of the year 2000, expecting the world to end. Despite these lessons, some continue to fall prey to such predictions, leading to personal and societal setbacks.
In light of these incidents, worshippers are urged to exercise caution when interpreting religious teachings to avoid being misled by unfounded apocalyptic messages.
With visionary leadership that oversees the interests of citizens, Rwanda is aware of possible societal ruin if the public follows religions blindly and institutes policies to ensure religious denominations remain compliant with legal norms to protect the public.
Efforts are evident through recent decisions to shut down non-compliant churches that attracted mixed reactions.
In August 2024, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) revealed that 59.3% of over 13,000 inspected churches had been closed due to non-compliance with regulations, translating to approximately 7,709 churches.
At the time, RGB explained that while some closed churches lacked minor requirements, others required significant adjustments. Additionally, there were churches operating without proper authorization, with individuals or groups opening places of worship without the necessary permits.
Despite the large number of churches in Rwanda, RGB emphasized that the issue is not the quantity but whether they meet required standards, including whether the leaders of these congregations have the qualifications mandated by law.
President Paul Kagame, addressing newly sworn-in parliamentarians recently, expressed concern that some churches were established primarily to exploit the limited wealth of Rwandans for the founders' benefit.
He criticized absurd claims by some pastors, such as receiving divine apparitions, and warned that following "insane" individuals jeopardizes the country's progress. President Kagame urged Parliament to ensure that churches comply with legal requirements and to stop those exploiting people under the guise of religion.
This issue is not limited to Rwanda. Last year, a Kenyan pastor 'misled' his followers, ordering them to starve to death in order to meet Jesus, resulting in over 300 deaths.
These latest developments remind us of the foretold Doomsday in the year 2000, which never materialized. Those with agile hearts who fell for such prophecies ended up selling their properties at giveaway prices and suffered the consequences of their decisions, believing they would not need them after the failed end of the world.
In the midst of these scenarios, should we continue to allow such practices to persist? As the Rwandan adage goes, "Imana ifasha uwifashije," meaning "God's help begins with individual efforts." The answer lies within each of us to distinguish right from wrong but it is clear that a balance between faith and objectivity is necessary for the well-being of individuals and society at large.
Théophile Niyitegeka
