Faith And Modern Christianity In Nigeria

Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christianity in the world. His followers were first called Christians at Antioch, Acts 11:26. The disciples exercised high level of faith to maintain the teachings of Jesus Christ even after his death. They did not deviate from their belief and faith despite the harsh and terrible persecutions they faced in their time. The missionaries who believed and preached the gospel brought Christianity to Nigeria. In preaching the gospel, they also established schools and health centres to treat the locals. What would have been the nature of Nigerian education, if Christian missions had not come to Nigeria in 1842 and thereafter? Fatunwa, 1976.  The greatest contribution of the missionaries in Nigeria was in the field of education. The first known school in Nigeria was established by Mr and Mrs De Graft of the Methodist Mission, in Badagry and was “Nursery of the Infant Church”.
The church saddled with the responsibility of faith building is gradually becoming docile in some aspects. Materialism has been misinterpreted in some certain quarters. Christianity has unbreakable foundation which is Jesus Christ. Therefore, faith in Christ does not change because of development or technology. In short, faith helps one to strive for mastery.  In Nigeria, there are so many faith-building churches or organisations and the primary aim and objective of such Christian body should be teaching the biblical principles to members to reduce to the barest minimum, high level of atrocities witnessed in this modern time. Psalm 11:3 said “if the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do?”.  It is pertinent to hold on to the existing foundation which is Jesus Christ.
Indeed, it is worthy to make known that there is no modernity in faith with the earliest apostles. Yes, there could be changed environment or society due to science and technology which have given room to discoveries, inventions, and manufacturing of sophisticated products for use in this dispensation. Faith should not be run parallel from Christianity. The real practice of faith building should not be hinged on  denomination, doctrines, rather denominations should teach and enlighten members about the importance of living life according to Rick Warren, in his book, ‘The Purpose – Driven Life”, he says in Eden we see God’s ideal relationship with us: Adam and Eve enjoyed an intimate friendship with God. There were no rituals, ceremonies, or religions just a simple loving relationship between God and the people he created. According to Rick Warren, God is at work in the world, and he wants you to join him. This assignment is called your mission. God wants you to have both a ministry in the body of Christ and a mission in the world. Your ministry is your service to believers, and your mission is your service to unbelievers. Today, there are so many religious fanatics without real faith in Christ. They profess to be Christians, but they are not in faith practice; According to Martin Luther 1483-1546, as quoted by Roberts Liar Don, “I was born to war with fanatics and devils. Thus my books are very stormy and bellicose (war-like and belligerent). I must root out the stumps and trunks, hew away the thorns and brier, fill in the puddles. I am the rough woodsman, who must pioneer and hew a path”.
Christianity in Nigeria should be about uniting and building a united body of Christ that should not be viewed as  a modern life-style rather it should be a way of life ordained by God. Faith should be used to improve service in Nigeria and should not be used for selfish gains. The faith of our fathers should not be allowed to be in vain in Nigeria. Let us build a strong nation by faith. The song, ‘Give me the old time religion’ is gradually fading away; as many modern Christians are ashamed of practicing their faith publicly. Morality and holiness have been watered down and many are now moved by emotions. This must not be allowed to thrive.

By: Frank Ogwuonuonu
Ogwuonuonu is a free lancer with The Tide.