In places like Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, the rise of revival churches is impossible to ignore. They grow like mushrooms after rain, offering promises of healing, wealth, and success. But at what cost?
Religion vs. Spirituality
Many people now say they believe in God, but not in religion. They've met others from different backgrounds and realized that kindness and love don't belong to one religion. "Religion is a big scam," said one observer. "We believe in God, yes, but shouting in church doesn't make Him hear us better."
There is a difference between religion and spirituality. Religion often controls, while spirituality connects you directly to your Creator. This difference matters, especially in Africa, where religion has become more about power and money than truth and love.
Pastors or Businessmen?
In many African communities, churches have become businesses. If a pastor needs a car, the congregation is asked to contribute. But when an ordinary member is in need, the best the pastor offers is prayer. Religion has been turned into a way to exploit people's pain and ignorance.
People are not encouraged to read the Bible or Quran for themselves. Instead, they are told what to believe by leaders who benefit from their ignorance. And yet, in scriptures like Hosea 4:6, it says, 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.' True connection with God doesn't need a middleman.
The Dark Side of Faith
In Rwanda, during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, over 90% of the population identified as Christian. So how did such atrocities happen under the watch of religion? This tragic example shows that simply being religious doesn't make a person righteous. Many love the gifts God gives, but not God Himself.
In truth, most people turn to God only when they need something. They seek miracles, jobs, spouses, and success. But once they receive it, they disappear. This kind of relationship with God is not based on love, but on selfish desire.
A Tool for control
Research and observation suggest that the most religious people in Africa are often the least educated or most isolated. In such places, religion becomes a way to control the masses. It replaces real solutionsâ€"like education, work, and healthcareâ€"with promises of miracles.
As some critics say, 'Prayers can't pay your bills.' While churches multiply, factories close. While other countries build industries and entertainment centers, Africa builds more churches and mosques. Religion keeps people busy, hopeful, and distractedâ€"but not always empowered.
A call for rethinking
This article does not reject God or faith. Instead, it calls for a deeper understanding. God is not the problemâ€"religion as a system might be. Africans are encouraged to read holy books for themselves, ask hard questions, and seek truth over tradition.
When people are busy with work and purpose, they don't have time to sleep in churches waiting for miracles. True development comes from action, not just prayer. Spiritual growth should lead to change, not just louder worship.
It's time to rethink the role of religion in Africaâ€"not to throw away faith, but to stop using it as a tool of control. Instead of more churches, maybe what the continent needs are more schools, factories, and leaders who put truth before tradition.
Gaba Carlos
Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/religion-in-africa-a-blessing-turned-tool-of-manipulation
