₦airaland Forum

WoundedLamb:
Lol... isn't it shocking you guys don't see the sarcasm here? The guy is only passing a message to all those saying gay people are "forcing it down their throats". That's a very ridiculous thing to say cause it's as senseless as this hotel and bible story. That's the point here.

I think you are comparing "apples" with "oranges". I don't see sarcasm. I see a very real issue....whether he was playing or not.
The irony, though, in your statement, is that it actually is a "forced issue" in the U.S...and which is slowly making its way into Nigeria.

When pre-school, elementary, middle, & high school curriculums include "same-sex" lessons which the students must accept as standard, then that is forced.

When beloved cartoon characters such as "Mr. Ratburn" in the series "Arthur", "Bert & Ernie", etc., introduce into or imply homosexuality when it was never there before, then that is force.

When colleges & universities financially penalize workers/students/parents for having a religious conviction that directly coflicts with the newly-found policy, then that is force.
It becomes a "you accept this, or we'll do that," sort of thing.

I am not saying that Nigeria treats its homosexual population with respect (as a human being) even if it disagrees with the lifestyle, because clearly it doesn't...as I have been reading on N.L.

On another note, hotels have never forced any belief on its patrons.
You even have to open the drawer before a bible is even seen. Therefore, though it is in a certain place in the room, the choice is there for a person to decide if he/she wants to open it up.

Murdering, ostracizing, alienating, discriminating, beating up people because of sexual orientation is wrong.....just as it would be if the situation was religious in nature.
However, "forcing" a person who has a religious conviction to accept an alternative lifestyle or otherwise be financially penalized, ostracized, alienated, discriminated against or any other thing is wrong as well.

donnaheff:
Please House, I need clarification. If the spouse of a doctor doesn't automatically become a doctor, the spouse of an Engineer is not automatically an Engineer, the spouse of a Politician is not automatically a Politician, why does the spouse of a Pastor automatically qualify as a Pastor?I would be super happy if responses are backed by the scriptures

It should not occur. She does not qualify.
I had never heard of such a thing till I came to Nairaland.

In the U.S., the wives of the pastors are referred to as "first ladies", (which I think is unnecessary), but not "pastor & pastor".
She is not automatically qualified to take a role for which she is not divinely "called" just because she's the wife.

There are "0" scriptures that support wives automatically becoming pastors because of their husbands. You will never find any.

It is unscriptural (and man-made)...and I say this affirmatively as a woman myself (who is not a feminist...although women should be treated with dignity & respect).

One step further, biblically, men are called to fulfill the role of "pastor"...not women.

[quote author=B.truth post=100441013]The Battle Over The Resurrection

Sat, 3 Apr 2021

‘If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!’ 1 Corinthians 15:17


In 2013, Fox News reported that an exercise in a university course textbook involved instructing students to write the name of Jesus on a sheet of paper, put the paper on the floor, and stomp on it. In one Florida university class, all the students participated—except one! Out of love and loyalty to Jesus, he wouldn’t do it.


This leads us to ask the following question, ‘Why would anyone, even an atheist, agree to do such a thing?’ Answer: because sometimes we fight what we fear. It’s called ‘living in denial’. Think about it: hatred and resentment normally end at the grave because the person is dead and no longer has any power over us. So why then do some people still hate Jesus? Fear! Deep down they fear He’s alive and that His influence in the world is growing. And His influence will continue to grow!


‘The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.’ (Isaiah 11:9 NKJV) The historical truth of Christ’s resurrection is beyond dispute to any honest, open mind. But the greatest proof of His resurrection can be seen in radically transformed lives. Paul writes: ‘You have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you.’ (Romans 8:10–11 NLT)

Songwriter Alfred Ackley put it this way: ‘You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.’[/quote]Mercy....
This is one of the most powerful posts I have ever read on N.L...simply because of the content.

The whole sum of the Christian's FAITH is in Jesus Christ' resurrection....recognizing His deity.

This is "why" Christians recognize Him on tomorrow...for those who don't understand. Minus the pagan additions (bunnies and eggs etc.) that have "muddied the water"...through a merging of pagan worship.
Forget that above part and look at the real foundation: It is "what" Christ has done for us all.

If the resurrection hadn't occurred (as skeptics & the enemies of Christ love to say), then one's faith in Him would be useless...and void. There would be absolutely "0" reason for my existence.

I'm sorry for quoting you---
It's really about the post.
It is that important...extremely powerful & needed to be stamped.
Every last word of your post was divinely-inspired...no doubt in my mind.
Beautifully, beautifully written....
"Because He lives......"

.

[quote author=Ev.iana post=100395053]For the purposes of this thread,
if/when possible, I think it may be well worth one's time to read the following chapters in the book, The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White:

Chapter 2
"Persecution in the First Centuries"

Chapter 3
"An Era of Spiritual Darknes"

Chapter 4
"The Waldenses"

Chapter 5
"John Wycliffe"

Chapter 6
"Huss and Jerome" (Especially read this chapter)[/quote]

[quote author=Ev.iana post=100395053]For the purposes of this thread,
if/when possible, I think it may be well worth one's time to read the following chapters in the book, The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White:

Chapter 2
"Persecution in the First Centuries"

Chapter 3
"An Era of Spiritual Darknes"

Chapter 4
"The Waldenses"

Chapter 5
"John Wycliffe"

Chapter 6
"Huss and Jerome" (Especially read this chapter)[/quote]

LordReed:
Even when a lizard crosses your path you guys call it spiritual warfare.Na wa.

Actually I do not believe that sir nor have I ever said that.
I am scared of lizards simply because they are slick, yucky looking and fast...period.
I have written 1 million times about how I do not believe in superstition......
I do believe that spiritual forces (good and evil) exist. There is 1 Lord God Creator & 1 enemy of God.
However, child witches, spirit spouses, destiny killers/stealers, humans turning into animals, animals being evil, rituals involving underwear, bodyparts, animal parts, etc., thunder fire prayers, every dream having a spiritual significance, hold no water for me. I do not believe in any of that.

Have a good day and please do not derail my thread further.

I will not address the Nigerian cultural/biblical marriage portion of this thread because I am not well versed in that.

I think, however, that the caveat should be "as long as one's parents are in the Lord" in terms of playing a role in the courtship process of the individuals seeking marriage.
God is the one who ultimately knows exactly which two persons should rightfully be joined in holy matrimony...and gives the two involved confirmation prayerfully.
Sometimes parents, as well meaning as they are, put fleshly, personal feelings into situations which aren't necessarily right about choices that they deem best for their children.

Definitely should we respect and honor our parents for life, BUT if what they say conflicts with what God says.....and one prayerfully has confirmation from Him, then God trumps any earthly authority.

There are cases where the above could happen.

For the purposes of this thread,
if/when possible, I think it may be well worth one's time to read the following chapters in the book, The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White:

Chapter 2
"Persecution in the First Centuries"

Chapter 3
"An Era of Spiritual Darknes"

Chapter 4
"The Waldenses"

Chapter 5
"John Wycliffe"

Chapter 6
"Huss and Jerome" (Especially read this chapter)

Beautifully & powerfully written......self introspection for sure.

Atiku:
Christianity is about freewill yet men of god go always remind us about the misfortune that will come out way if we no pay tithe.

If you seek to know who the Lord God Almighty is & His character FIRST, then you would:
1. Enter into a relationship with Him.
2.Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Word......and how you are to live.
3. Prayerfully be led to a "sola scriptura" church of fellow believers where the men in authority (pastors) are sincere.

Be careful about pushing the narrative that "every church" is useless & corrupt.
Many of them "are"....but there are some that "are not".
Every denominational church (under the guise of Christianity) is NOT led by false teachers, false prophets, theatrical "healing" shows, "seed-sowing" promises or prosperity gospel. There are treasures at the bottom of the hay-stack..if one keeps searching.
If you truly want Christ, you will find Him.

Christianity is about "free-will"...the ability to "choose" or "decide if one believes in Christ and His message."

What I love about the Bible is that scriptures basically address most questions on my mind.
What I must do though is: pray for the Holy Spirit to grant me wisdom and understanding "of" & faith "in" the Word of God.
So the question becomes this: "Do I believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac & Israel...do I believe in the plan of salvation regarding His Son Jesus Christ?"
Do I believe that the Bible is God's character personified and blueprint for my life here on earth...to prepare me for eternity with Him?
When one can settle those questions in one's mind, therein lies the answer as to whether one can trust in ALL of the Word of God.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him


2 Tim. 3:16 (KJV)
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Yes, He certainly is.
Beautifully written.

Not a bible scholar, but would like to comment on this subject.
I think (with all due respect) that many people are confused or just don't really uderstand.
Grieving the Holy Spirit---which means--silencing Him to the point that one no longer can differentiate between good/evil, right/wrong, what sin is & knowingly committing it continously (as a way of life with "0" remorse), having one's conscience seared etc., is the unpardonable sin.
Sin is the transgression of the law.
The law is comprised of the "10" commandents (Exodus 20).
The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, grants understanding of the Word of God...AND also rebukes, reproves and impresses a child of God to steer clear of sin.....and to confess and repent IF he/she does commit sin.
If a person decides to silence the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit and live a life separate of Him--without confession & repentance, then it becomes impossible for the Holy Spirit to help him/her accept (by faith) the gift of salvation....through Jesus Christ' blood.

I 1000 percent believe that I encountered angels in "human form" at least twice in my adult life...where I recognized it after.
The Bible tells us that angels are very much involved in the lives of sincere followers of Christ..be it in their spiritual form or in the guise of human flesh.

Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)
2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Genesis 18:1-33 (KJV)

(Many more scriptural references as well)

They are on assignment from God to protect, comfort, encourage and guide us here on earth.

The particular encounter that I wish to speak about here, happened a number of years ago when I had visited a friend.
My friend, the friend's young child and I went to a public park so the child could play.
My friend and I were sitting on the opposite end of the opening of the park. We were kinda sitting in a small enclosed area (out of the sun) where we could barely be seen....unless one was in that particular area.
I was going through a very rough time...bordeline depressed--a word I do not use lightly-- about a situation.
Only God could've known the depths of my sadness...and which I could've never uttered with words.
He clearly knew because as we were sitting there trying to keep an eye on my friend's child, way across the park was an adorable little Asian girl....who was running in our direction.
I remember saying these exact words to my friend: "Oh, look at that little girl! She is so cute!"
As she was running towards us, we initially thought she was running to get on one of the playground equipment pieces.
As she got closer, I literally said, "Oh, it looks like she is running towards us!"
Lo and behold, the little girl ran directly up to me and handed me a tiny cluster of yellow daisy flowers!
Stunned and shocked, I managed to say, "Thank you" to her and she ran off.
A little girl whom I had never seen in life ran up to me--a complete stranger--(remember now there were two of us sitting there)...and handed me some flowers..at a time where I most needed it!
I then knew that at that moment, God had sent me comfort..through the form of an angel...
He understood and made it a personal, focused mission for me that day. I also had a witness who was just as stunned as me!
I was already a believer, but that only stengthened my faith in the Lord.

7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith".
2 Timothy 4: 7 (KJV)

While verse "8" of 2Tim. gives the follow-up "reward" of that faith, I do not want to focus on anything but the above verse.

How did Paul--the ruthless "Christian" guilty of the imprisonment and death of innumerable followers of Christ--turned one of the mightiest soldiers of Christ-- feel confident enough to voice those words knowing that his time of death was near??

Words that every sincere follower of Christ needs to thoroughly examine.
Ponder them carefully....serious self introspection time.

In this thread, I want to examine snippets of the lives of various followers of Christ...from notable biblical figures to martyrs... and what got them to the point of a peaceful confidence in Christ.
Coming soon...

I hope readers will be blessed and encouraged in their walks with Christ.

Misterone:
they are more than 10 million. it is part of some people's culture. you do not stand to greet an elder no matter his status in the society.

Thanks for this.....was a little puzzled.
Makes sense now.
Cultural rather than biblical.

Beautifully written.....

To the poster above me, you are absolutely correct.
You definitely should write on it.
If music --with just the right instruments, rhythm & melody and minus lyrics--is enough to drive out evil spirits, (1 Sam. 16:23 KJV),
then how much MORE powerful is music with all the right ingredients AND encouraging, spiritually based lyrics put to the music....to strengthen the Christian and remind him/her about the power of God on this temporary earthly journey.....

aydought:
Good dog. But be careful with the raw egg and milk you are using to feed her constantly. After a while, it could be stooling. Also, when it grows up, the raw egg could cause heart disease. I lost my German Shepherd cos of that. Though the dog grew so so big but it died of heart disease which the Vet Doctor couldn't treat. Wish you good luck

I agree with you.
I was gonna tell the writer of the OP that that much dairy will kill a dog...just as it is problematic for humans.
She shouldn't be ingesting that combo....especially the raw egg.

If he can't buy dog food, he would almost be better off giving her fresh water and veggies...with some occasional meat.

My condolences on the loss of your dog.

PeaceLovJoy:
Lover of dogs.

Yes..an ardent lover of them.

Beautiful puppy ...

9jaRealist:
Nope! Just as we are no more intelligent than our parents, the coming generation will not be any more intelligent than us...

Intelligence and knowledge are related but distinct different things, so younger generations are not more intelligent just knowledgeable about different/new things that the previous generation didn’t necessarily had to bother about. Of course, technology will enable us learn more, but that’s not synonymous with being more intelligent. Furthermore, technology can be a double-edged sword and sometimes have the unintended effect of making users more lazy and less inquisitorial.

Culture is NOT, and has NEVER been, static. It constantly evolves, and has always done so - at varying speeds (or lack thereof). To that extent, while I agree with you on the increasing convergence of human cultures, I do not necessarily regard it as a novel. A reason that I cautioned the OP against reliance on the comments on this thread is, apart from the obvious stereotyping on every side, I see so many comments confusing largely ephemeral characteristics as culture itself, when in fact culture is what lies at the core of human mores and value systems. In that respect, having had the happenstance of mixed parentage, being born abroad and living in 7 different countries on 4 seemingly-divergent continents, there are infinitely more core SIMILARITIES than differences across the human face, when we are not being distracted by “tribal” trappings.
>

I see what you are saying here.
That makes a lot of sense and I agree with your last sentence.

ratiken:
The guy you are responding to is the typical example of the hypocrisy bedevilling Nigeria.

Even when every thing around you points to the moral decadence that has made a mess of the Nigeria we once knew..... they will still play ostrich while pointing to the evils of the west.

Gone are the days when society train kids. The responsibility of training your kid stays within the family unit. Any kid trained by the Nigerian society today will turn out badly cos the society is pure evil.

I appreciate you being balanced here.
I have not read any balance in the guy's posts....just bashing the U.S. and placing Nigeria on a pedestal it unfortunately does not deserve in that area....at least not anymore.
The Nigeria of today isn't the one of yesteryear. It's truly saddening. I can't tell a difference between the youth/young adults there and the ones here..
It all truly goes back to the parenting....before blaming anything else.

ratiken:
I think you miss the point. As we speak, many Nigerian youths are robbing on highways, traffic, homes, store etc. The others are neck deep in yahoo scheming hard earners, our ladies are into prostitution, others into rituals. Many rapes and killings. Most of the bokoharam members, bandits and herdsmen are youths too (they are Nigerians... dont forget that). The average Nigerian you engage in business wants to defraud you. Look at the political class.... are they not raised with the African values?

Point is don't single out a single act in the west to compare to the terrible youth future in Nigeria.


I don't think folks understand how badly the culture in Nigeria has deteriorated. The chance that an average Nigerian youth will not resort to Yahoo and prostitution is less than 30%


So which Nigerian culture is even better than the west in the true sense?

Perfectly stated.....the truth hurts and is uncomfortable sometimes.

Jashub:
Before we go into the "African way, " I would like to ask you a question : Which society has the highest number of recorded homosexuals: the African society or the western society?

Not a fair question. I cannot answer it because I do not know.
As I stated earlier, there can never be an accurate percentage reported in Nigeria due to non-admittance by the person...because of the penalty of the law.

Jashub:
[s][/s] This lengthy post full bias thinking , which are in no way factual.

Whether you choose to accept it or not, here are the facts of the matter


1. The act of homosexuality in Nigeria is a punishable offense by law. Therefore, the number of homosexuals here are fewer in number when compared to western societies where homosexuality is upheld by law, hence multiplying the number homosexuals in those societies.


2. In every society , there are criminals and no society is free from criminals. And this same analogy can be applied to homosexuals in every society So for you to say the "African way " has not prevented homosexuals from multiplying , is like saying the police have not completely stop crime in society. Which is practically impossible.

3. Corruption is the cause of Nigeria's problem, not the "African way.

Those are not facts sir.
"Punishable" yet has that stopped the reality of practicinv homosexuals there?
I'll answer--Not in the least bit.
What you have is more homosexuals hiding and living deceptive lifestyles in Nigeria and trying to find a way to flee...
You would never be able to get an accurate percentage of homosexuals there because they would all deny it due to the law.
That is the only difference.

What is the "African way"?
Cause, with all due respect, I am not impressed.

Jashub:
...and you think the US government will allow you raise your child in the standards you desire abi? Hahahaha...please do not deceive yourself.The US government and its society dictate the standard to you. And if you run contrary to those standards, your child will be taken away from you and given to a foster home. So summary, you cannot raise your child according to your own standards over there. But over here, you can do that.




Peace

That would depend on the "standards".
What "standards" would they impose on me teaching my kid and would take my kid away if I refused to abide? Examples please?
I don't have any kids, but this is hypothetically speaking.

Schools that are "non-government" funded do not necessarily have to abide by governmental standards.
There's also this alternative called "home-schooling" which a percentage of Americans exclusively do.

What does the Nigerian government dictate in terms of standards for raising children?

I'm curious to know..surely there are good schools there, but I'd like to know what the special ingredient is.

There seem to be lots of orphanages in Nigeria---due to "cultural" stigmas, superstition etc.
Why so many "mother-less" and "father-less" children....I mean kids whose parents ARE alive yet disowned them?
I would be afraid to be a child accused of being a "warlock" or "wizard" and either killed or abandoned forever?

Curious to know....have you ever lived in the U.S.? Have you ever had personal experience with the educational system?

Although neither born nor raised in Africa (Nigeria to be exact), this explanation is one of the best I've read so far.
Well said..

MisterRuk:
I'm not a parent but I'll say that there is no such thing like training your child in the "British or American or Asian way". There is good parenting and bad parenting. It's all about raising your child with good and ethical values, giving him/her good formal and informal education, being close to them emotionally, maximizing their strengths and helping them to minimize their weaknesses. But unfortunately parents always tend to display some of the biggest forms of hypocrisy I have ever seen.
African parenting isn't even the most ideal. Families are the core of societies, everyone comes from one family or the other, and family system and culture are one the oldest determinants of how the society is run. We tend to uphold "African parenting" on our head like gala and lacasera , but go out to the Nigerian society you will see a lot of bad values and ethics with people, especially amongst the poor and middle class. Again, i found out that the reason why people here are always afraid to voice out their opinions, fight for their rights, and stand against a bad system has something to do with our parenting system. Parents and schools tend to be autocratic, where order is only gotten through rigid force and beatings, thus we are mostly taught "fear" and never "respect". Over the years the government, the military, the police and different people in power have always utilized that " subconscious fear" in Nigerians to get away with oppressing people and stay in power.
Many of we millenials and gen-Z have embraced counterculture because we've seen that upon all the "african way", it doesn't reflect in the society, there is still so much corruption and poverty.

As society is advancing, cultures are spreading globally and the media is becoming more influential, the coming generation will be more intelligent, more independent, and more complicated than the last.We have to advance our cultures and change our strategies of raising children, because if they cannot come to trust you, the media will be their parent.

9jaRealist:

Sadly, it’s pretty much the SAME everywhere and in every country (trust me you don’t want venture near most US Reddit forums). Unfortunately, the ANONYMITY of Internet discussion forums embolden so many a-holes. Personally, I don’t mind it (but then I have a thick skin) as I much prefer to know what the person that I am discussing with REALLY thinks, rather than those who smile at your face but hate your guts.

My counsel: stick around. You would be surprised by what you learn (and how much you grow) from negative encounters and experiences. However, for you own sanity, I would also advice that you do what I regularly do - refuse to sink to their level, refuse to engage and/or respond in kind, or simply scroll on and/or walk away. Their anger and bile is entirely a reflection and commentary on themselves, not you.
>

Sir, again the Lord is showing me that there are good people EVERYWHERE....thank you.
I absolutely agree with you on this post.
"Perceived Anonymity allows true feelings to be expressed and unchecked....people let loose cause of no accountability.

Trust me, I don't go to Reddit....nor any other social media. I made it a rule not to expose myself to toxicity, temptation or constant negative vibes...
Only one is Nairaland....which lol...has all of the above mentioned.
I stumbled upon this site thtough a search on "Nigeria".
Got hooked ever since.
I have learned a ton of things being here..very helpful and fascinating things.

Everytime I think I'm done with the site permanently, I always end up coming back.

Appreciate the encouragement.

Jashub:
So in the US where you dwell , you have not been abused by anyone, right? Or what about the language and vulgarity being used over there...is that something you would want to pass on to your children? Please answer me

I would be lying if I said that NO ONE has ever spoken towards me in a vulgar manner...
What I said was never the amount of angry and un-provoked name-calling abuse had I ever experienced till I came to Nairaland.
Vulgarity is rampant in the U.S....along with many other vices.
My heart sinks for the children of this century.
I would NEVER want a child of mine to ever be exposed...which is why it would be my responsibility as a parent to do as best as possible to shield them and provide alternatives to what the culture is offering.

See beating up or burning kids physically is not the answer either.
Nigeria seems to also have an equal amount of vulgarity and perverse language.
Are you shielding your kids from this site?
Tons of vulgarity, nudity, abusive language here...

SeriouslySense:
I believe moderation is the key, you can thrive in such toxic society, by more understanding and less expectations, many here are also victims or perpetrators of abuse. I believe same people with limited understanding have accepted toxicity as a necessary condition for society, and as a result, they also teach their children how to be toxic, its a self replicating cycle to fit in a toxic eco-system, but, Sometimes with time, just like evolution, undesirable traits are discarded with time, through random introductions, or the new realities.

I absolutely agree with you.
Most of the behavior is cyclically passed down through rearing....either consciously or sub-consciously.
Appreciate your kindness in a civil discussion....very refreshing.. ..you are among the 10 percent...which gives me hope.