In a recent decision the Rwanda government closed down a reported 700 churches for various infractions, ranging from noise pollution, un-hygienic conditions, poor infrastructure and failure to comply with security regulations.
None of this is a bad reason. But that is not the basis of my agreement with this over-due government decision to close down churches gone amok.
For the record, I am neither a Christian- I detest organized religion – nor am I a believer. But I do respect others’ need to practice their faith. Remember Karl Marx’s words, “Religion is the opium of the people”? But I digress.
I do, however believe in the goodness of man. That works for me. To propagate the absurd idea that the Ten Commandments that the Bible tells those who believe in it is the foundation of Christianity, and all that is good, is absolute nonsense. This was not news to us before the coming of the White Man.
When churches become cash cows, we should all be concerned, and worried. The rise of alleged charismatic preachers able to perform miracles is an assault on common sense, as citizens flock to these newly found churches to be fleeced of their hard earned money so that “pastors” can live beyond their means.
While I do not think preachers or pastors necessarily need training in theology, this might be one way to curb run-away churches and dishonest actors. This is not a problem in Rwanda only, but a problem of seismic proportions here in America where preachers in so-called Megachurches live like millionaires.
This is nothing but roguishness of religious profiteers who act with such impunity that they are giving churches and what they stand for a black eye. These un-checked preachers are but dexterous tricksters performing alleged miracles in the name of Jesus Christ, the “son of God.”
What happens in many of these un-conventional churches where money is collected from worshipers and paid to pastors is like payment to witchdoctors, for personal spiritual attention and miraculous happenings. They even collect donations from organizations that link their success to divine favor. Such mindless musings.
On several of my visits to Rwanda, I am in shock that churches are filled to capacity on Sundays. I am constantly asking myself if people have completely forgotten the church’s complicity in the genocide against the Tutsi.
Being a son of a Bishop (may he RIP) and having grown in the religious tradition, I can imagine how many may mis-construe my opposition to these “fake” churches and organized religion in general. I confess, I have failed to make sense of how the man up in the skies, in whose name money is collected from worshippers every Sunday operates. Yet worshippers are constantly and vociferously reminded that “money is the root of all evil”
If these churches sprouting all over Africa are not for the mere purpose of enriching fake shepherds of the faithful, it behooves us to question why Sweden and Norway, known for being peaceful and progressive, both have less than 70 churches, total. And Rwanda had 700, plus?
Something is wrong with this story. I salute Rwanda for draining the swamp before it floods.
