Syncretism Is The Bane Of The True Worship Of God In Africa -By Nwokeabia Ifeanyi John

Each time I cross the bridge of Ezu River on the boundary between Amansea and Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra, I noticed that there is a confluence at the right hand side of the river if you are going to Ebenebe from Amansea.

This confluence is noticeable because the two rivers meeting at that spot have different colours. One has brownish colour like the popular sandy soil, while the other has darkish colour like loamy soil. Despite their meeting at that spot, they remained peaceful and maintained their respective colours which I see as retention of one’s dignity. These waters co-existed peacefully, and it has happened since time immemorial.

However in Africa, we have witnessed the fusion of beliefs by adherents of different religions.

An individual is a member of Catholic on Sundays, a member of Pentecostal on weekdays and a traditionalist on emergencies. He or she in his or her efforts to fortify himself or herself against the forces of the world, spread legs and arms to different religions and denominations. He or she seeks for solution from all religious angles in other to live. Just because they wanted fast solution in all challenges.

But what we fail to understand is that no matter how we mixed milk and tea, they must taste differently. Just like the case of Ezu River, they are two waters, but each maintained its colour, yet live peacefully. If you are a Christian, why not remain one? If you are a pentecostal, why not remain true to it? If you are traditionalist, why not live true to your belief? Why do we always run like troubled snakes?

Instead of running helter-skelter, the solution to your problem has its cure in any religion you belong to. It all needed you to stay true to it, and you will see its manifestation. Just seek your God in your chosen religion. Remember, rain falls for all of us, same as sun and other natural gifts from God. They do not observe any form of discrimination.

I understand the superiority war amongst the religions of the world. One believes that its adherents are the only ones that will make it to heaven, while others will wrath in hell. But one thing remains, no one has seen those two hemispheres (heaven and hell). We can only do our best here, and wait until we get there. You can serve God truly in whichever religion you accepted in your heart. No religion preaches evil, except a wrong teacher in such religion does.

Syncretism is more reason why most of us in Africa are still confused on who God is. Instead of you to remain true to one belief, you are confusing yourself with the fusion of different belief systems, just to satisfy your personal gains. Can someone tell me more chameleons? That may be the best animal to describe the actions of African worshippers and Nigeria in particular.

A man struck by Agwu of his ancestors, who could successfully do wonders in the traditional religion will ask that such power should be transferred to him in Christendom? My brother! My sister! When has Jesus Christ become Ogwugwu? Why not remain true to yourself, and do your thing in your line of calling?

If you a Christian, be a Christian. If you a Traditionalist, be a Traditionalist. Let the goal be to remain humanists in heart.