The Denomination of Religion -By Ogidan Ayobami

Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka

I read an article by a mentor of mine and it spurred me to write this. To the average Nigerian pagan, “Christianity” includes hundreds of denominations that disagree with one another in name, structure, doctrine, worship, and plan of salvation. Not to say Islam isn’t without its own denominations but just as we have various organisations, Christianity in Nigeria happens to have as much denominations akin to various football clubs in any given premiere league.

To identify with an organisation or belief is to shun and reject others so as to distinguish and differentiate ones self.

Now my thoughts are, if our daddy is one man, and we are his children, how can my brother tell me a specific pattern or method is the only right way to reach our daddy; when daddy himself makes me understand as long as I’m moral and civil I gain his ears. Sure I will need to conform with the family as a body so I know his likes, dislikes, and other prongs to be able to abide by certain rules and regulations so he can lend his ears. I also believe the way I treat my daddy will transcend to my friends daddy which will imply respect and vice versa.

I meet a brother who says come to my church yet I’m holding my Bible sweating since I just left one, does the devil occupy the church I’m coming from? I hear another tell me his denomination is better or even superior to another in terms of customs and I wonder, is the God they serve different from yours? I pick up a bible and no matter the version; I still see the same spelling for chapters and our Lord Jesus Christ. Even the Quran have similarities with the bible with reference to one supreme being and not two or more.

I opine if a mere game like soccer can admit all teams no matter your colour kick around the same ball; It simply means, if you catholic and I’m celestial or Pentecostal we sure serving the same God. I believe until we the saints stop the segregation in our churches; facing the sneers of tribalism is nothing but a witch hunt.

References
www.gospelway.com
David E. Pratte, 2001