Good News from Nigeria: Lesson for America
Recently, so much bad news has emerged from Nigeria. Corruption in high places, kidnapping of children from school and a targeted killing of Christians acknowledged by many as “Christian Genocide”. While Nigerian government officials argue that it is not a genocide going on, it had not been disputed that more than 69% of christian deaths as a result of religious persecution worldwide is happening in Nigeria, making Nigeria the most dangerous place to be a Christian. This is bad news!
The good news is that Christianity is getting stronger in Nigeria. More and more people are coming to Christ as the distinction between darkness and light is becoming as clear as life and death. The refusal of Christian communities to renounce Christ in exchange for life on earth has become an inspiration to many. The deceit of the prosperity gospel has been laid bare and Christians in Nigeria are beginning to seek the true gospel that centers our faith on Christ and his grace. The words of Jesus - “If the world loved me, they will love you” ; “In the world, you will have trouble’; “love one another”, “the gates of Hell will not prevail over the church” - continues to echo in IDP camps and churches, strengthening believers in faith, love and hope. Now, Bible focused seminaries feel more empowered with a sense of urgency to raise Christ centered leaders who preach the true gospel faithfully, plant new churches and lead others to Christ. The joy of Christmas is raising hopes in different corners of Nigeria. This is good news!
The second good news is that there is something America can learn from the Nigerian experience. Religious violence triumphs when the government fails to act decisively and proactively to curtail it. Freedom of religion and worship of one group must be situated within the context of freedom of others to the basic right of life. When the Holy Book of a religion by default condemns others to death or second class citizens, that basic freedom to life has been violated. As America grows into religious plurality, proactive efforts must be made in protecting the right to life of its citizens against the potential rise of violent religious extremism.