₦airaland Forum

Good day, Great Nairalanders.

I’ve been observing a recurring pattern in our society that I find both fascinating and deeply worrying. We live in a country where a man will be diagnosed with a stage 2 ailment by a specialist with 30 years of experience, but he will ignore the prescription and head straight to a prayer mountain because his Pastor said, 'It is a spiritual attack.

We often encounter individuals facing serious legal challenges who, instead of immediately seeking the assistance of a skilled and experienced lawyer, choose to 'sow a seed' in hopes of a miracle resolving their problems. This approach, relying on chance or faith alone, often delays the necessary professional help that could effectively address their legal issues and lead to a favorable outcome.

Why is this the case? I’ve identified a few reasons, but I want to hear your thoughts:

The Failure of Systems: Could it be that our hospitals, often perceived as places of healing, have unfortunately become death traps for many? Additionally, is the sluggish pace of our legal system contributing to this widespread sense of frustration and hopelessness? Perhaps this is why so many people find themselves turning to pastors and spiritual leaders, seeking comfort and guidance, because the so-called 'professional' alternatives have repeatedly let them down and failed to provide the support or solutions they desperately need.

The "Hope" Factor: Professionals often deliver the cold, hard truth with blunt clarity (for example, saying, 'You have only 6 months to live'). On the other hand, pastors and spiritual leaders tend to offer comforting words that many want to hear, such as, 'You shall not die but live.' Could this difference simply be a way for people to cope with the harsh realities and difficulties of life? Is hope, in this sense, nothing more than a psychological mechanism designed to help individuals endure and find meaning despite their challenges?

The 'Spiritualization' of Everything: In Nigeria, there is a widespread belief that behind every event, no matter how small or seemingly ordinary—whether it is a village fly buzzing around or a sudden car breakdown—there is a spirit or supernatural force at work. This deep-rooted cultural perspective often leads people to interpret everyday occurrences through a spiritual lens. Given this worldview, one might wonder whether, in the eyes of the average Nigerian, a Pastor who claims to understand and communicate with these spiritual forces is considered more 'qualified' or competent than an Engineer who relies on scientific knowledge and technical expertise to solve practical problems.

Charisma vs. Cold Logic: Pastors tend to be much more empathetic and charismatic in their approach, often connecting deeply with individuals on an emotional level. In contrast, professionals in various fields may adopt a more detached and transactional manner, focusing primarily on efficiency and outcomes rather than personal connection or emotional support.

My Question to You: Is this total trust in religious leaders the reason why we aren't progressing as a nation? Or is the Pastor simply filling a gap that the Government and Professionals left wide open?

Let’s take some time to discuss this topic in more detail and explore all the relevant aspects thoroughly.

Simple! Illiteracy, you see being educationally blind makes you take poor decision. Little wonder people say education is light

Well this is just a joke jàre!🙂

Poverty will make a person's reasoning at best sub level, most cannot afford necessary medical services which includes consultation, laboratory tests and treatment.
Hence they turn to religion or traditional treatment which has not advance to the level of treating imported diseases.

See how you started talking about people's personal health problem only to bend it into 'progressing as a nation".

The 2 are incompatible.

As to why they listen to pastors over professionals, it is because they know that their ailments is as a result of their sin full conduct and behaviour

You say even the educated follow them? There is a difference between Schooling and Education. Many Nigerians are schooled (they have degrees) but they aren't educated enough to question illogical dogmas. When fear enters the heart, 'schooling' flies out the window. That is why a Professor will still carry a bottle of 'holy oil' to fix a car engine.

saintopus:
Simple! Illiteracy, you see being educationally blind makes you take poor decision. Little wonder people say education is light

Oga, it’s only a joke to those watching from the outside. To the families losing members to 'miracle' healings instead of dialysis, it’s a tragedy. Is it a joke that a whole nation depends more on 'anointing' than on working infrastructure?

MaxInDHouse:
Well this is just a joke jàre!🙂

You've made a solid point about the cost of healthcare, but let's look at the other side: What about the wealthy Nigerians? We see billionaires and top politicians—people who can afford the best hospitals in London and New York—still flying 'Prophets' across the world for consultations.

Is it still poverty when a man with a Range Rover ignores his doctor's advice because a 'Man of God' saw a vision? At that level, it’s no longer about the cost of Lab tests; it’s about a deep-seated fear and a lack of trust in science.

NOGRUDGES:
Poverty will make a person's reasoning at best sub level, most cannot afford necessary medical services which includes consultation, laboratory tests and treatment.
Hence they turn to religion or traditional treatment which has not advance to the level of treating imported diseases.

So if a 2-year-old child is born with a heart defect or catches malaria, is that also 'sinful conduct'? If a dedicated, 'holy' nurse gets infected while treating a patient, is that her 'behavior' catching up with her?

When we blame 'sin' for every medical condition, we give people an excuse to ignore hygiene, safety, and science. And regarding the 'progress as a nation' part—they are absolutely compatible. A nation is only as strong as its people. When our most productive citizens are dying from preventable diseases because they are 'fasting' away a medical emergency, the economy suffers. Health is wealth, and a healthy nation is a progressing nation.

Dtruthspeaker:
See how you started talking about people's personal health problem only to bend it into 'progressing as a nation".

The 2 are incompatible.

As to why they listen to pastors over professionals, it is because they know that their ailments is as a result of their sin full conduct and behaviour

Akinpedia:
So if a 2-year-old child is born with a heart defect or catches malaria, is that also 'sinful conduct'? If a dedicated, 'holy' nurse gets infected while treating a patient, is that her 'behavior' catching up with her?

When we blame 'sin' for every medical condition, we give people an excuse to ignore hygiene, safety, and science. And regarding the 'progress as a nation' part—they are absolutely compatible. A nation is only as strong as its people. When our most productive citizens are dying from preventable diseases because they are 'fasting' away a medical emergency, the economy suffers. Health is wealth, and a healthy nation is a progressing nation.

Now you are trying to use an exception to argue a general fact.

Even at that is it the 2yr old who will run up and down looking for pastors?
No.
It is the mama who does it of which we are all wondering why. And that is where you see she knows something we don't know especially as it is a serious mark of wrongdoing for a mother to birth an unhealthy child. And go and check you would never see a virgin birth an unhealthy child.

Haba, Oga! With all due respect, this is exactly the kind of 'spiritual illiteracy' I was talking about.

The 'Virgin' Claim: Are you saying that every woman who has ever given birth to a child with a congenital heart defect, Sickle Cell (SS), or Down Syndrome was 'promiscuous'? This is a heavy insult to millions of virtuous, hardworking Nigerian mothers who are battling medical challenges they didn't ask for.

Genetics vs. Spirituality: Sickle Cell isn't caused by 'sin'; it’s caused by AS meeting AS, or AC meeting SC, or AS meeting SC, or AC meeting AS. If we keep telling mothers that an unhealthy child is a 'mark of wrongdoing,' we are pushing them into the hands of fake prophets who will extort them while the child’s condition worsens.

The 'Exception' Argument: It’s not an exception. Over 150,000 babies are born with Sickle Cell in Nigeria every year. Is that an exception or a national health crisis that requires Doctors, not just 'deliverance'?

This mindset is why we are where we are. We would rather blame a mother’s 'conduct' than admit our healthcare and genetic education have failed.

Dtruthspeaker:
Now you are trying to use an exception to argue a general fact.

Even at that is it the 2yr old who will run up and down looking for pastors?
No.
It is the mama who does it of which we are all wondering why. And that is where you see she knows something we don't know especially as it is a serious mark of wrongdoing for a mother to birth an unhealthy child. And go and check you would never see a virgin birth an unhealthy child.

Akinpedia:
Haba, Oga! With all due respect, this is exactly the kind of 'spiritual illiteracy' I was talking about.

The 'Virgin' Claim: Are you saying that every woman who has ever given birth to a child with a congenital heart defect, Sickle Cell (SS), or Down Syndrome was 'promiscuous'? This is a heavy insult to millions of virtuous, hardworking Nigerian mothers who are battling medical challenges they didn't ask for.

Genetics vs. Spirituality: Sickle Cell isn't caused by 'sin'; it’s caused by AS meeting AS, or AC meeting SC, or AS meeting SC, or AC meeting AS. If we keep telling mothers that an unhealthy child is a 'mark of wrongdoing,' we are pushing them into the hands of fake prophets who will extort them while the child’s condition worsens.

The 'Exception' Argument: It’s not an exception. Over 150,000 babies are born with Sickle Cell in Nigeria every year. Is that an exception or a national health crisis that requires Doctors, not just 'deliverance'?

This mindset is why we are where we are. We would rather blame a mother’s 'conduct' than admit our healthcare and genetic education have failed.

You are overstretching my points and of which you do directly say that virgins birth children with birth defects rather you are trying to defend the promiscuous woman who did by using the multitude who did not, which is still my point. As I clearly implied that the mother of the child knows why she is not going to the hospital but rather to churches and babalawo houses which is what you are complaining about.

And I said is it the child who is running up and down looking for pastors? No.
So the person you are looking for is the mother

Akinpedia:
Oga, it’s only a joke to those watching from the outside. To the families losing members to 'miracle' healings instead of dialysis, it’s a tragedy. Is it a joke that a whole nation depends more on 'anointing' than on working infrastructure?

Guy you are just joking because nobody waits for miracles when their family is in need of medical attention they rather take the sick one to the hospital while they keep praying not to a miracle arena.

Akinpedia:
You've made a solid point about the cost of healthcare, but let's look at the other side: What about the wealthy Nigerians? We see billionaires and top politicians—people who can afford the best hospitals in London and New York—still flying 'Prophets' across the world for consultations.

Is it still poverty when a man with a Range Rover ignores his doctor's advice because a 'Man of God' saw a vision? At that level, it’s no longer about the cost of Lab tests; it’s about a deep-seated fear and a lack of trust in science.

Our beliefs mold our thinking, if it works good if it doesn't life goes on, as I always say "bad man na bad man".
They know the extent they've gone to make money and they might be afraid someone intelligent but with a strong desire to make money will take them on a run for their money.
Think of it like this, a skilled mechanic with strong desire for money will use little faults to tune can to always come for eternal repairs, guaranteeing steady cash flow to himself.
Same applies to all profession including medical practitioners to men of God

​I hear you, and it's true that 'bad eggs' exist in every field. But there is a massive difference between a dubious mechanic and a Pastor, and that difference is Accountability.

​The Professional Path: If a Doctor intentionally messes up a surgery to make more money, there is a Medical Council (MDCN) that can strip him of his license. There are lab results you can take to another hospital for a second opinion. You can sue a professional.

​The Pastor Path: If a Pastor tells you to stop taking your HIV meds and you get worse, who do you report him to? If the 'miracle' fails, they tell you it's because 'your faith was small' or 'you didn't sow enough seed.' They are untouchable.

​A mechanic might rip you off for ₦50k, but a 'Man of God' can make you throw away your life, your family's peace, and your health based on a 'vision' that has no proof. We can't compare a regulated profession to an unregulated 'calling.'"

NOGRUDGES:
Our beliefs mold our thinking, if it works good if it doesn't life goes on, as I always say "bad man na bad man".
They know the extent they've gone to make money and they might be afraid someone intelligent but with a strong desire to make money will take them on a run for their money.
Think of it like this, a skilled mechanic with strong desire for money will use little faults to tune can to always come for eternal repairs, guaranteeing steady cash flow to himself.
Same applies to all profession including medical practitioners to men of God

NOGRUDGES:
a skilled mechanic with strong desire for money will use little faults to tune can to always come for eternal repairs, guaranteeing steady cash flow to himself.
Same applies to all profession including medical practitioners to men of God.

Please highlighted is a misconception!

When talking about people who extort money from gullible people there has never been a time a man of God does such but since you people refuse to read your Bible thieves in robes will capitalize on your ignorance to extort money from you! Hosea 4:6😟

I appreciate the scripture, and Hosea 4:6 actually supports my point perfectly—lack of knowledge is exactly what is destroying us!

But here is the problem: These 'thieves in robes' you mentioned don't walk around with a sign on their heads saying 'I am a thief.' They build the biggest cathedrals, they speak in the loudest tongues, and they use the same Bible you are holding.

If the 'Real' Men of God are silent while the 'Thieves' are misleading the sick and the poor, isn't that part of the problem? When a person is in a crisis, they don't have a 'Spiritual CCTV' to check if a Pastor is real or fake. This is why we need to stop relying on 'signs and wonders' and start trusting Systems, Science, and Law. > If the Bible says we are destroyed for lack of knowledge, shouldn't that knowledge include knowing when to go to a Teaching Hospital instead of a Prayer House?

MaxInDHouse:
Please highlighted is a misconception!

When talking about people who extort money from gullible people there has never been a time a man of God does such but since you people refuse to read your Bible thieves in robes will capitalize on your ignorance to extort money from you! Hosea 4:6😟

MaxInDHouse:
Please highlighted is a misconception!

When talking about people who extort money from gullible people there has never been a time a man of God does such but since you people refuse to read your Bible thieves in robes will capitalize on your ignorance to extort money from you! Hosea 4:6😟

This one is for bible believers

We are basically programmed to believe by being taught. Read your Bible about the atrocities of men of God, they are not perfect they where chosen by God. Extortion seems to be the least of their crimes. It didn't stop them from being men of God.

Akinpedia:
​I hear you, and it's true that 'bad eggs' exist in every field. But there is a massive difference between a dubious mechanic and a Pastor, and that difference is Accountability.

​The Professional Path: If a Doctor intentionally messes up a surgery to make more money, there is a Medical Council (MDCN) that can strip him of his license. There are lab results you can take to another hospital for a second opinion. You can sue a professional.

​The Pastor Path: If a Pastor tells you to stop taking your HIV meds and you get worse, who do you report him to? If the 'miracle' fails, they tell you it's because 'your faith was small' or 'you didn't sow enough seed.' They are untouchable.

​A mechanic might rip you off for ₦50k, but a 'Man of God' can make you throw away your life, your family's peace, and your health based on a 'vision' that has no proof. We can't compare a regulated profession to an unregulated 'calling.'"

A mechanic robs out of your money but a man somewhere cannot make you throw away your life, if you did not already want to.

Akinpedia:
You say even the educated follow them? There is a difference between Schooling and Education. Many Nigerians are schooled (they have degrees) but they aren't educated enough to question illogical dogmas. When fear enters the heart, 'schooling' flies out the window. That is why a Professor will still carry a bottle of 'holy oil' to fix a car engine.

You are very correct in all ramifications.

NOGRUDGES:
This one is for bible believers

We are basically programmed to believe by being taught. Read your Bible about the atrocities of men of God, they are not perfect they where chosen by God. Extortion seems to be the least of their crimes. It didn't stop them from being men of God.

Please can you mention any faithful servant of God who extorted money while serving in the temple or church in the Bible?🤔

Akinpedia:
So if a 2-year-old child is born with a heart defect or catches malaria, is that also 'sinful conduct'? If a dedicated, 'holy' nurse gets infected while treating a patient, is that her 'behavior' catching up with her?

When we blame 'sin' for every medical condition, we give people an excuse to ignore hygiene, safety, and science. And regarding the 'progress as a nation' part—they are absolutely compatible. A nation is only as strong as its people. When our most productive citizens are dying from preventable diseases because they are 'fasting' away a medical emergency, the economy suffers. Health is wealth, and a healthy nation is a progressing nation.

You dey mind that guy? I don't think he is normal

gsegun43:
You dey mind that guy? I don't think he is normal

If I was not normal, he would have picked it. It is you who being hate full of Truth, who hates me because I am not afraid of saying the most painful Truth.

So, this is you unreasonably and unfairly interpreting a novel opinion by committing the fallacy of ad hominem because you know you cannot successfully attack my arguments.

Unlike me, I even know you are a God hater, but I did not attack you but only addressed your post.

Dtruthspeaker:
If I was not normal, he would have picked it. It is you who being hate full of Truth, who hates me because I am not afraid of saying the most painful Truth.

So, this is you unreasonably and unfairly interpreting a novel opinion by committing the fallacy of ad hominem because you know you cannot successfully attack my arguments

Attack your argument? Na

gsegun43:
Attack your argument? Na

I'm I to attack my own argument? Or you just want say something to cover your embarrassment? Let me just let it go

Akinpedia:
Good day, Great Nairalanders.

I’ve been observing a recurring pattern in our society that I find both fascinating and deeply worrying. We live in a country where a man will be diagnosed with a stage 2 ailment by a specialist with 30 years of experience, but he will ignore the prescription and head straight to a prayer mountain because his Pastor said, 'It is a spiritual attack.

We often encounter individuals facing serious legal challenges who, instead of immediately seeking the assistance of a skilled and experienced lawyer, choose to 'sow a seed' in hopes of a miracle resolving their problems. This approach, relying on chance or faith alone, often delays the necessary professional help that could effectively address their legal issues and lead to a favorable outcome.

Why is this the case? I’ve identified a few reasons, but I want to hear your thoughts:

The Failure of Systems: Could it be that our hospitals, often perceived as places of healing, have unfortunately become death traps for many? Additionally, is the sluggish pace of our legal system contributing to this widespread sense of frustration and hopelessness? Perhaps this is why so many people find themselves turning to pastors and spiritual leaders, seeking comfort and guidance, because the so-called 'professional' alternatives have repeatedly let them down and failed to provide the support or solutions they desperately need.

The "Hope" Factor: Professionals often deliver the cold, hard truth with blunt clarity (for example, saying, 'You have only 6 months to live'). On the other hand, pastors and spiritual leaders tend to offer comforting words that many want to hear, such as, 'You shall not die but live.' Could this difference simply be a way for people to cope with the harsh realities and difficulties of life? Is hope, in this sense, nothing more than a psychological mechanism designed to help individuals endure and find meaning despite their challenges?

The 'Spiritualization' of Everything: In Nigeria, there is a widespread belief that behind every event, no matter how small or seemingly ordinary—whether it is a village fly buzzing around or a sudden car breakdown—there is a spirit or supernatural force at work. This deep-rooted cultural perspective often leads people to interpret everyday occurrences through a spiritual lens. Given this worldview, one might wonder whether, in the eyes of the average Nigerian, a Pastor who claims to understand and communicate with these spiritual forces is considered more 'qualified' or competent than an Engineer who relies on scientific knowledge and technical expertise to solve practical problems.

Charisma vs. Cold Logic: Pastors tend to be much more empathetic and charismatic in their approach, often connecting deeply with individuals on an emotional level. In contrast, professionals in various fields may adopt a more detached and transactional manner, focusing primarily on efficiency and outcomes rather than personal connection or emotional support.

My Question to You: Is this total trust in religious leaders the reason why we aren't progressing as a nation? Or is the Pastor simply filling a gap that the Government and Professionals left wide open?

Let’s take some time to discuss this topic in more detail and explore all the relevant aspects thoroughly.

I have had so many instances of faith vs facts in my practice, that I have lost count. Just 2 days ago, I saw a 38 yo woman who was brought by her elder sis. She has a large tumor of the left breast and from the history and examinations,I suspected it's malignant. I told the patient and she didn't even flinch. Her elder sis was the one aggrieved and asking what they are to do. I just told them to see the general surgeon. The patient herself said her pastor told her nothing is wrong with her. I just shrugged mentally and told myself natural selection should take its course.
Then the regular 'I will deliver like the Hebrew women' crew. These guys avoid caesarean sections like plagues to their detriments,often unalive

Dtruthspeaker:
See how you started talking about people's personal health problem only to bend it into 'progressing as a nation".

The 2 are incompatible.

As to why they listen to pastors over professionals, it is because they know that their ailments is as a result of their sin full conduct and behaviour

Which illnesses are due to sin,sir

Akinpedia:
You say even the educated follow them? There is a difference between Schooling and Education. Many Nigerians are schooled (they have degrees) but they aren't educated enough to question illogical dogmas. When fear enters the heart, 'schooling' flies out the window. That is why a Professor will still carry a bottle of 'holy oil' to fix a car engine.

Good point. The quality of our educational system is so poor. Even the lecturers themselves are 'schooled' (borrowing from your lingo) and not educated. So what is the fate if their students? Imagine a consultant telling residents that there is a 'God factor' in medicine. In saner clines,her license would be seized but hey,this is Nigeria

jaephoenix:
Which illnesses are due to sin,sir

You know them. Aids, syphilis, gono, staph, cervical cancer, barrenness, poverty, always sick syndrome, etc.

Virgins don't have these things.

All these are things we have seen and we all say in our houses, so what is the big deal after all you people don't mind having them?

See your brother is complaining after he has just finished sinning

https://www.nairaland.com/8588040/burning-sensation-around-penis-scrotum#137917248

Akinpedia:
Good day, Great Nairalanders.

I’ve been observing a recurring pattern in our society that I find both fascinating and deeply worrying. We live in a country where a man will be diagnosed with a stage 2 ailment by a specialist with 30 years of experience, but he will ignore the prescription and head straight to a prayer mountain because his Pastor said, 'It is a spiritual attack.

We often encounter individuals facing serious legal challenges who, instead of immediately seeking the assistance of a skilled and experienced lawyer, choose to 'sow a seed' in hopes of a miracle resolving their problems. This approach, relying on chance or faith alone, often delays the necessary professional help that could effectively address their legal issues and lead to a favorable outcome.

Why is this the case? I’ve identified a few reasons, but I want to hear your thoughts:

The Failure of Systems: Could it be that our hospitals, often perceived as places of healing, have unfortunately become death traps for many? Additionally, is the sluggish pace of our legal system contributing to this widespread sense of frustration and hopelessness? Perhaps this is why so many people find themselves turning to pastors and spiritual leaders, seeking comfort and guidance, because the so-called 'professional' alternatives have repeatedly let them down and failed to provide the support or solutions they desperately need.

The "Hope" Factor: Professionals often deliver the cold, hard truth with blunt clarity (for example, saying, 'You have only 6 months to live'). On the other hand, pastors and spiritual leaders tend to offer comforting words that many want to hear, such as, 'You shall not die but live.' Could this difference simply be a way for people to cope with the harsh realities and difficulties of life? Is hope, in this sense, nothing more than a psychological mechanism designed to help individuals endure and find meaning despite their challenges?

The 'Spiritualization' of Everything: In Nigeria, there is a widespread belief that behind every event, no matter how small or seemingly ordinary—whether it is a village fly buzzing around or a sudden car breakdown—there is a spirit or supernatural force at work. This deep-rooted cultural perspective often leads people to interpret everyday occurrences through a spiritual lens. Given this worldview, one might wonder whether, in the eyes of the average Nigerian, a Pastor who claims to understand and communicate with these spiritual forces is considered more 'qualified' or competent than an Engineer who relies on scientific knowledge and technical expertise to solve practical problems.

Charisma vs. Cold Logic: Pastors tend to be much more empathetic and charismatic in their approach, often connecting deeply with individuals on an emotional level. In contrast, professionals in various fields may adopt a more detached and transactional manner, focusing primarily on efficiency and outcomes rather than personal connection or emotional support.

You nailed it especially the last bit. Pastors/religious leaders tug very strongly on the heart strings of their followers so they very emotionally attached to them and it even goes deep when the followers see their religion as a part of their identity which extends to their religious leaders.

My Question to You: Is this total trust in religious leaders the reason why we aren't progressing as a nation? Or is the Pastor simply filling a gap that the Government and Professionals left wide open?

Let’s take some time to discuss this topic in more detail and explore all the relevant aspects thoroughly.

There is no simple answer to this. Many of the factors involved in our epileptic progress are tied together inextricably.

Dtruthspeaker:
Now you are trying to use an exception to argue a general fact.

Even at that is it the 2yr old who will run up and down looking for pastors?
No.
It is the mama who does it of which we are all wondering why. And that is where you see she knows something we don't know especially as it is a serious mark of wrongdoing for a mother to birth an unhealthy child. And go and check you would never see a virgin birth an unhealthy child.

How can a virgin give birth?