Religion in its various ramifications is gradually losing its spiritual relevance and influence on the social character formation of the present century. There is also the multiplicity of Christian sects which is primarily due to the penchants of Christians to define religion in terms of belief.
A closer conversation with a cross section of Nigerians of different religious denominations would convince one that the compulsive framework of their religious worldviews has been drastically altered. They have lost the sense of respect and reverence for the diver and the sacred. As a result, they cleave to every opportunity, which their religious position offers them for personal material gain. Thus, religion has lost its compelling sacred aura. Along the streets, under every uncompleted buildings, people use religion to create the opportunity for exploitation. Instances of religious swindles abound. People have been told to kneel down for prayers and in the process their money and other valuables disappeared. Some are told to use money to wave for Jesus after which they will put the money (not in their pockets) but in the basket for God to multiply. Is this not the height of religious commercialism, a situation where religion has become a commodity? To be ‘born again’ in some religious sects, does not imply living an ascetic life of poverty and prayer (like the Buddhists, Monks), total withdrawal from materialistic inclinations. Rather, to be Born-Again is to do the wishes of the ‘Pastor’, to be a dedicated member of the religion. They live in the illusion that for one to be religious, one must have a religion.
The religious vision and mentality is misplaced and totally mundane, money and wealth have taken the place of God and heaven. Where money is God and wealth is heaven. For many Nigerians, to pray is to pray for money, quick wealth, progress and protection. It is such that church seats are being arranged according to ones financial capability. The front seats are reserved for the prominent people while the rest can seat behind. Sometimes, the so called prominent figures may be thirty minutes to one hour late but their seats would still be vacant until they come. It seems worshiping God inwardly (preferably at home, even on Sundays), adhering strictly to the dictates of whatever Holy Book one likes and doing what one ought to or deem right while refraining from vices.
