Controversial pastors on the rise in Nigeria amid economic hardship,
By Marlikberry,
As the activities of self-proclaimed men of God and prophets remain on the raise in Nigeria, some concerned Nigerians are worried about the true status of these acclaimed ‘men of God’. While adherents and supporters of some of the pastors believe they are as real as ‘God Himself,” others have kicked, saying they are fake and only after fame and money.
Nigeria, known for proliferation of churches tolerates all kinds of religious practices with little or no regulation in place.
Many Nigerian pastors have been accused of deviating from their true calling, and are focusing more on enlarging their personal ministry, influence and wealth with no regard to public criticisms.
The allegation had led to the ‘tithing’ controversy by some Nigerians and On-Air Personality, OAP Ifedayo Olarinde a.k.a, Daddy Freeze which stirred diverse reactions amongst Christians.
Freeze, a staunch critic of payment of tithe and offerings in the Church had challenged popular pastor and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye to a debate on the issue.
He maintained that “Tithe is a false doctrine for Christianity and Christ never collected tithes, neither did his disciples.
The issue of Tithing was also criticised by an acclaimed Anambra prophet, Odumeje who said God does not need tite.
According to him, asking church members to pay tithe is ‘criminal.’
But tithing is only an aspect of many questionable things that go on in churches unchecked.
Recently, some pastors have emerged, focusing their activities on controversies such as spraying of money on their followers, allegedly raising of dead people, and performing many miracles, the type not seen even in the Old Testament… My people beware of fake people in the world not only pastors..