OPINIONS & COMMENTARIES
RELIGION
Nicholas Sengoba
http://www.monitor.co.ug/oped/oped05012.php
May 1 , 2007
An HIV+ lady allegedly seeking miraculous healing from a church in exchange for her car is heading to court because she claims the church has not delivered the promised cure.
Had the lady, Ms Frances Adroa – a friend – carried out an internet (google) search on the said controversial Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) probably she wouldn't have this dilemma on her plate.
Similarly, had the UCKG done its home work, they would have adopted the current dubious practice. Asking for cash or "seed money" (instead of a physical asset) to be "sown" in the Lord for the "fruit of His wonders" as is done by most sprouting religious organisations in Uganda today. This helps to avoid any traces, when the faithful (whom they usually short change) come knocking.
The exponential rise of phony churches which claim to have a base in the Pentecostal movement is quite alarming. Their ideology is usually founded on the principle that all human circumstances are the consequences of blessings or curses and demonic possession.
They practice exorcism, miracle healing, speaking in tongues, interpretation of dreams, prophesying and fortune telling etc at crusades, overnights, on radio and TV and conduct colourful worship ceremonies punctuated by music, dance and drama.
What makes them quite popular is that theirs is an exciting message of abundant prosperity through prayer and anointing administered by leaders of the church. Commonly prayed for are acquisition of "visas to America", spouses, jobs, money and healing of diseases especially those that have defied modern medicine like disability, cancer and HIV/Aids.
The leaders of these churches are very revered men and women with titles such as "prophet/prophetess", "evangelist" or simply " pastors." They are usually flashy and dapper with the gift of the garb which is complimented by theatrics in the delivery of the word of God. Their sermons are filled with testimonies of success and material wealth borne out of their anointing.
An impression is given, of having an exclusive special relationship with God; with whom they communicate frequently and casually unlike their followers. They do not encourage Christians to read and interpret the Bible on their own.
Intimidation
Their version of Christianity is made to sound as complex and unfathomable as rocket science whose codes only they can crack for their followers.
Consequently they become the focal point and appear larger than Christ himself. They intimidate, bless and curse as the situation may warrant and this is how they take hold of the faithful whom they cow into humility and submission.
In countries where the social safety net is literally full of holes, with for instance rife unemployment, a broken and inaccessible health care system and poor service delivery, the number of desperate people can only increase.
Since the state is weak and can't provide adequately for the redemption of its citizens, many find solace in the church which from time immemorial has provided charity to the needy.
With the a type of exciting and optimistic teaching that is not founded in the Bible, the self seeking "man of God" can then ready himself to exploit many of these distressed innocent people.
The Bible says in Matt 10: 7-8 when Christ was sending out his disciples he warned that "as you go, preach this message 'the kingdom of heaven is near' heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give!" Obviously the one who sells blessings has not read this.
Then Acts 8:17-21 tells the story of Simon offering Peter and John money so that he too could have miraculous abilities to which he was rebuked thus… "may your money perish with you because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this Kingdom…" It is important to read and understand this before parting ways with your money for a blessing!
Matt 7:21-23 cautions that not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me on that day, "did we not prophesy and drive out demons and perform miracles in your name?" Then I will tell them plainly I never knew you, away from me, you evildoers!"
Matt 24:23-24 further admonishes that at one time; if anyone says to you "look here is the Christ!" do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles!
Lastly Matt 7:15 reprimands Christians to "watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves!"
The eyes should be opened, not every church or pastor will lead you to heaven. Some may rob you and take you through hell on earth – even when they perform miracles.
nicholassengoba@yahoo.com
