The statement of a Catholic priest has caused a debate online, as he addressed a very touchy subject about how religion is viewed in the country.
Christianity is one of the three major religions in Nigeria, along with Islam and traditional worship. Among these three, Christianity and Islam are the most prolific in the country, with traditional worship being the minority.
Due to the doctrines of the other two, traditional worship which was the religion most Nigerian ancestors practiced before the introduction of Christianity by colonial masters, is seen as devilish or evil.
The Catholic priest Fr. Angelo Chidi Unegbu has issued a statement to Christians saying that just because one is a Christian, it doesn’t mean he should view the religion of his forefathers as evil.
In his words;
That one i s a Christian does not mean that he has to see the religion of his forefathers as evil. Who does that?”
Many Nigerians attribute anything negative happening to them to traditional worship, citing their ancestors or forefathers as the cause of their issues.
Also, the practices of many traditional worshipers have further vilified the religion, with media representation of the religion only highlighting the negative aspects such as cultism and blood sacrifices.
Hence, this statement by the priest has ruffled some feathers online, causing many to debate if what he said was right.
