THE NIGERIAN JUNK RELIGION
By Akin Ojumu For the vast majority of Nigerian church folks, getting rid of the traditional native pagan religion mindset is a tough ask. Although many of these people claim to have converted to Christianity, nevertheless, they are unable to purge themselves of the beliefs and practices of their pagan background. What you often find in many Nigerian “Church” settings are pagan religious customs syncretically incorporated into Christian liturgy and worship. Regardless of the size and influence of the denomination, what obtains is that traditional pagan religious practices have been Christianized and adopted as the norm. Featuring prominently in this odd scenario of syncretism is a few powerful men and women who have been elevated to godlike status. There is almost always an unshakeable belief in witches and wizards, perpetual fight against enemies of destinies, and incessant prayers against eaters of flesh and drinkers of blood. People who belong to these denominations are often f...