By Nneka Okumazie
Some people worry a lot about too much religion in Africa – as a barrier to development. The debate is sometimes about its prioritization while seeing other stuff rot.
It is possible that there are places and situations that religion has held back progress, but for most of what is possible, religion – in the broad sense – is not responsible for Africa’s underdevelopment.
Religion is responsible for Africa’s underdevelopment as music is responsible for it.
It is possible to focus on different stuff at different times ensuing they all go well – for example, home stuff and work stuff, the same way is the possibility for religious alliance and development seriousness.
Though some have said religion is part of the culture and many believe in the higher purpose of what religion represents, but religion can – maybe – hold back those who have nothing to offer.
One established religion across Africa is Christianity. Some of the churches are incredibly successful, but the explosion of churches in Africa can be traced to just over four decades ago.
There were different kinds of churches before then, but as Africans got to lead more and formed more of theirs – it became attractive.
Many leaders knew that growth is good, so they made efforts in the direction of growth.
Though fakes abound and those who have used Christianity for evil or worse, there are lots of pastors who deliver brilliantly.
Some often ensure to have new things to say, new observation or analysis of enlightenment grade.
It is possible to not act or not believe, but there is extremely sensible productivity from many pastors.
This creative quality also contributes to why churches grow.
In some ways, certain messages are like art. They can be concepts of one or a few, but delivered without say traditional supply chain of an industry.
A writer may work alone. A music person or group may use a small team, those in theatre art same. A painter or sculptor may also operate without much help.
This is different from other fields – where teams, tests, markets, etc. are necessary to succeed.
So, in general, religion became like small group apparatus, with the belief – and then boom.
Though would be great if people became more honest, fair, selfless, courageous, not envious, not evil or wicked because of messages, if they are not, it is not to say ‘and this person is a this’, but to remember that people are people.
[Proverbs 19:6, Many will entreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.]