Riding on the back of Christianity

I was fortunate to join a public transport bound for Kaneshie; as I sat next to the bus conductor, i noticed something quite unusual. Thus the 'tro-tro', known in public parlance, was filled with fairly aged women. I wondered if I had mistakenly found myself among a bevy of Miss Ghana contestants. But the rickety bus proved otherwise. After doing some few kilometers, an energetic young man jumped and clanged on to the sliding door of the bus, his mission was simply to sell male condoms. I thought he had lost his way. As a precursor, he engaged us in a short prayer and subsequently introduced himself as a pastor; soon it was business as usual. He mildly pulled out different brands and carefully displayed its use. In utter dismay, I buried my head in the cup of my hands until I was alarmed by an interesting but misleading claim to the effect that, 'God asked Onan to use condom anytime he had sexual intercourse with Tamar, however, his disobedience caused the wrath of God on him.' I felt sorry and gripped my tiny flesh tightly and sharply as if I had French bread between my finger and thumb.

I nodded slowly in agreement to the scripture: 'you are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God' (Matthew, 22:29). Apparently, the fairly aged man misinterpreted the popular biblical text, which cited God's displeasure towards Onan who spilled his semen on the ground anytime he had sex with his deceased brother's wife, Tamar (Genesis 38: 1-38). could this be a reminder of the Ghanaian proverb: 'the smock has become so plentiful and mundane that you cannot identify a true Muslim'. So, I ask myself, if the increasing number of pastors or churches has made it difficult to tell who a genuine man of God is? Well, upon further thought, I recalled the scripture: 'many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many'. There are over thousand and one ignorant pastors who simply do not know a B from bull's feet yet preside over huge numbers. Even though, the constitution of Ghana recognizes the state as a secular one, it is not a hidden fact that over 68% of the populace is 'Christians'.

The streets of Accra are littered with giant billboard of general overseer and pastors, but do we really live the Christ-like life or it's just a lip service we render? Churches literally overflows with sea of people on Sundays and homes virtually get empty due to church activities. Could this striking feature of the proliferation of churches with its attendants hordes of innocent people be a justification of the claim by St. Augustine that, 'man has within him an irresistible desire for the infinite which renders him heartless'? (J.S, Mbiti. 1986). I have noticed with great concern the strong and barely controllable emotions some Christians attach to holy water, anointing oil and other perceived spirit filled objects; all in desperate attempt to quench our thirst for the divine. Unfortunately, our desperate desire throws us into the arms of fake pastors and prophets who lure us with fake miracles interspersed with false interpretation of dreams which unfortunately causes itchy ears. As a true Christians, our soul and hearts should seek or pant for God just as a deer pants for the streams of water. Instead of placing our heavy burden of affliction on God, we tend to presume ignorantly that the yoke of God is difficult, but in actual fact it is a yoke that is lined with love and pleasantness. If only we renew our minds and take up our 'cross', and be responsible in our walk with Christ, we would not be running after an untenable wave of clannish clique clergy men who are only wolves in sheep's clothing exploiting and virtually taking advantage of the ignoramus. No wonder Karl Marx explains religion (referring to Christianity) as 'The cry of the oppressed creature in the heartless capitalist world in which case, the rich exploiters encourage religion and use it as opium.' (Thus a seductive with which they calm down the exploited) (Omoregbe, J 1996). How long shall we allow these fake clerics to hoodwink and virtually take us for a ride?

As if not enough, politicians have also joined the bandwagon. It is funny but sad when politicians alter their appearances as spirit-filled Christians during electioneering campaigns and literally display a high sense of holiness seeking divine intervention by holding prayer vigils whiles others consult prophets, pastors and even pilgrim to Israel. The ever famous 'wailing wall' becomes a reference point of miracles. The on-going election petition hearing is a testimony to this point. We hear of prayer vigils being organized for party faithful's all I an attempt to seek the favor of God. As we await the final verdict of the Supreme Court, civil society groups including the Christian council of Ghana are being called upon to allay fears of possible chaos by preaching the message of peace. It seems the council becomes a relevant tool of mediation; but is however hurled insults at and in some cases used as stooge after politician gain power. Soon after gaining political power, these so- called 'Nyame-suro ni' (God fearing) politicians pursue their own interest and indulge in selfishness, greed and vindictive politics. To a large extent, I believe politics is a game for the gentleman but is played by roughens. Indeed, roughens who parade themselves as God-sent redeemers. It seems these politicians have found a safe cruiser upon which they pursue their 'wild agendas'. As if their double standards, chicanery and subtlety character is not enough, these politicians assume a chameleonic nature of two faces. In this vain, I ask, what is the point in mounting the pulpit to promise roads, street lights etc., when in real terms it's a political gimmick? Is it simply a ride on the back of Christianity?

It is time for genuine Christians wake up from the chicken-hearted attitude and realizes that they have a stake in Ghana's political and economic landscape. I dole my hearts to the early Christian missionaries who established several socio-economic institutions as a medium of evangelizing and conversion of people to Christianity. They built schools and colleges which have churned out well enlightened citizens. The heart of central region, cape coast for example is known for its proliferation of schools hence the citadel of education. Again the church has not been lousy but have contributed to the development of Ghana by publicly condemning the extra-judicial killings generally and particularly the murder of the three high court judges and the retired army officer (Ghanaweb.com). It is an exoteric knowledge that, the church helped in ensuring that Ghana returned to multi-party politics after series of military take-overs. In 1992, the Christian council of Ghana issued a statement to the effect that a constituent assembly be established and a subsequent return to democratic rule was established (Nugent, 1996:189).

To this effect, one can not underestimate the importance of the Christian community let alone take them for granted. God cautions us in the book of Matthew: 'Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpent, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues' (Matthew, 10:16 & 17).

Adjei, Frank

P.O BOX,127913,

Accra.
E-mail:[email protected]