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7 Ugly Facts in Nigerian Christianity

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Caveat: These signs are not particular to any denomination. No.1 – Falsehood: This would include the pulpit lies during sermons and preaching, all in a bid to convince people. The Word of God that is alive and active does not need to be assisted with lies in order to bear fruit in people’s lives. God is truth and preachers owe their congregation the truth. Once falsehood creeps into the life of the community, then that community would constantly live in the tension of being exposed. I bet you, devil loves this type. No. 2 – Fake Miracles: This is related … Continue reading 7 Ugly Facts in Nigerian Christianity

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#SV – Come & Save Us

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

It is said that “the God who did not consult us without creating us, will not save us without consulting us.” Once we are created, we are given the gift of freedom. But this freedom is at the service of doing God’s will, which is for our own good, our own salvation, our own redemption. Cooperating with God is what we are called to do. This is especially the case with Christians. It is therefore disheartening to see Christians at the forefront of dehumanizing others. It is a shame to see Christians promoting injustice in the world, or even becoming … Continue reading #SV – Come & Save Us

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#SV – Utopia?

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

While preparing this piece of reflection last Friday morning, I was mortified as the news poured in concerning the ‘dance of shame’ that was happening in Nigeria. An activist, publisher and politician, Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested and incarcerated for 126 days for calling for revolution in the country, and who granted bail under stringent conditions, appeared in court that Friday, after he was released less than 16 hours by the DSS. In the court, the same DSS swooped in an re-arrested him, creating chaos in the court. Shame! Yet no one is ashamed. The President under whose watch human … Continue reading #SV – Utopia?

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Borders on Crime

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

After watching his interview over his autobiography with Oprah Winfrey, I decided to patronize Trevor Noah. The book is titled, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (London: John Murray, 2016). I must confess that I have not had the time to read the book until today. Witty! Brilliant! I want to share the content of pages 85-87 with you. And I would like to know if it raises any questions in your mind. If so, what are the questions, the concerns and your reactions. I would please love to see those in the comment section. Here we go: … Continue reading Borders on Crime

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#SV-Highest Mountain

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

It is the first Sunday of Advent and we are called to prepare for the coming of the Lord (Christmas). The prophecy of Isaiah alludes to mountain climbing, the encounter at the highest mountain, where the Lord establishes a kingdom of peace, love, righteousness and unity. Interestingly, the activities on the mountain, though spiritual, has political consequences. It has consequences on the relationship between/among nations. Rather than wars – nuclear war, tribal war, civil war, trade war, diplomatic war, and so on – peace, collaboration, partnership and friendship is to be the norm. It has consequences on the economic development … Continue reading #SV-Highest Mountain

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#SV – The King’s Vinegar

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Well, as a leader it is not a enough that you are mocked. Being mocked is not a measure that you are on the right. But the questions are: Why are you being mocked? And who are the ones mocking you? Are you being mocked for doing the right thing or for doing the wrong things? Are you being mocked for defending the poor, the less privileged and for speaking for the oppressed? Or are you being mocked for making yourself a demi-god, silencing opposition, and privileging the rich and powerful like yourself? Are you being mocked by the poor … Continue reading #SV – The King’s Vinegar