₦airaland Forum

Dangote was not arrested like d last poster said, he was invited for questioning and he honored the invitation, where he had to explain his side of the story concerning the AP shares saga. I don't see anything wrong with that.

However, i concur that Otedola and Dangote are jostling for the slot of Nigeria's legally richest man (cos we have quite a number who are illegally richer), even as Otedola made d forbes list of world's richest billionaires, to join Aliko Dangote, another Nigerian. You would recall that Dangote made d leap into last year's list, when his companies went public on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Not willing to be left behind, Otedola joined in with AP shares, even though at the time, d global meltdown already was beginning to have its toll. Dangote's shares, like almost all other shares on the stock exchange have fallen drastically to record lows and in turn made him lose a lotof money, just like many others who were/are on the forbes world's richest billionaires list.

EFCC on the other hand, i think are just trying to play their role and even if there are scapegoats from this share scandal (which i doubt, but since Otedola seems to b d one pressing charges, scapegoats may result) , Dangote is unlikely to be affected (as we all know d Naija we have). To me, d EFCC we have today is more ineffective than the one spearheaded by Nuhu Ribadu, and the politicians are happier for it. I'm not sure Yar'Adua's anti-corruption crusade is working.

Dangote was not arrested like d last poster said, he was invited for questioning and he honored the invitation, where he had to explain his side of the story concerning the AP shares saga. I don't see anything wrong with that.

However, i concur that Otedola and Dangote are jostling for the slot of Nigeria's legally richest man (cos we have quite a number who are illegally richer), even as Otedola made d forbes list of world's richest billionaires, to join Aliko Dangote, another Nigerian. You would recall that Dangote made d leap into last year's list, when his companies went public on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Not willing to be left behind, Otedola joined in with AP shares, even though at the time, d global meltdown already was beginning to have its toll. Dangote's shares, like almost all other shares on the stock exchange have fallen drastically to record lows and in turn made him lose a lotof money, just like many others who were/are on the forbes world's richest billionaires list.

EFCC on the other hand, i think are just trying to play their role and even if there are scapegoats from this share scandal (which i doubt, but since Otedola seems to b d one pressing charges, scapegoats may result) , Dangote is unlikely to be affected (as we all know d Naija we have). To me, d EFCC we have today is more ineffective than the one spearheaded by Nuhu Ribadu, and the politicians are happier for it. I'm not sure Yar'Adua's anti-corruption crusade is working.

A hard one it was for Chelsea; Yobo made Everton's defence more solid than it was during the FA semifinal match with Man Utd; nevertheless maybe Coach Guus should have rested Essien and Anelka, and allowed Mikel and Kalou start the match. Chelsea may have come out victorious. Anyways, i wish them (Chelsea) d best.

Chelsea's winning this one 3 - 0 or 3 - 1.

For the purpose of winning souls to church, maybe its necessary for the church to get a little worldly (We are not of the world, but we are in the world). But what we need is outright condemnation of these subtle ways of the world, cos they have encroached into our lifestyles and daily living. Compromising standards is almost the order of the day. May God help us.

Sometimes i muse about happenings around. Though i'm using music as a case study here.
1) Is the church becoming too worldly?
We see churches these days, (so it has been for sometime though), when a new dance step starts reigning, everyone starts dancing it, and before you know it, it becomes the norm in churches. Examples include Makossa, and Yahoozie. Also, you see a situation where some christians, soon after leaving church, would immediately start living the worldly life, enjoying songs like (Do me i do you by P Square), Shayo, DBanj's songs etc).

2) Is the world becoming too churchy?
We also see situations where artistes (in the Nigerian/African context) give thanks to God when they win awards for songs that have helped to even derail many people further from closeness to God. (in the 2008 channel o awards, and even at the MTV Mama awards, we saw people like Ikechukwu (Wine am well), P Square (Do me), and many others (also foreign acts in foreign awards) win awards and profoundly thanked God for such impact they made. Also we see situations were armed robbers pray for successful operations, 419ers/yahoo boys thank God when they catch magas, and even prostitutes/loose girls pray and thank God for providing for them.

Is the world becoming too churchy and is the church becoming too wordly? Or is the line between godliness and worldiness blurring so fast, we might not make a difference?

Inyanya truly deserved to win. I voted him all d way, week in, week out, cos i could see he really was d best of the whole lot. He was also calm, cool, humble and i believe his personality worked in his favour in deciding the ultimate winner. Nii was equally good, but when a professional observes them, they'll know Inyanya was better. Annette in my own opinion could have come 3rd, while Praise could have come 4th, but i guess Praise had more supporters who voted him, anyways.

KunleOshob:
Chris as stated his opinion which does depict mine. I know you are just being mischivious though cause i am quite certain that you know chris and i don't have the same religious convictions. The fact that we agree on a point or two does not men we share the same beliefs.

Of course it would be so obvious if you came from the same angle as Chris and other "non-believers of the bible". However, the bible warns us to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing. Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. The only way you can get to win people to your side is by presenting yourself as though you're one of them, but subtly you begin to bring issue after issue to further confuse people so their faith in God and his word, declines. Mind you, the devil has no power, what he has is deception, and that's what he's been using to blind the eyes of people world-over.

@ PASTOR AIO

This thread gives the perfect example of why I no longer use the term christian for myself.

I just want to give Kunle some encouragement from where I am sitting. No one can tell you what is in your heart. This is your own personal journey. Don't be bullied by their doctrines and aggressive orthodoxology.

Then i wonder why you use Pastor as part of your name on this forum. Or is it meant to mislead people?

JeSoul:
you are such a darling Pilgrim thanks for the compliment gurl. And Sleekymag is right about your posts and how you take the time to address many false doctrines that would've gone otherwise unchecked. I pray God will continue to open the eyes of your heart to know Him better. Amen.

well said, JeSoul. u all r wonderful!

@ pilgrim.1

I didn't forget the questioons you raised in your thread about how to read the Bible, though - in due course I shall return to post more.

I wonder why the main persons i directed those questions to "KunleOshob and anonimi", refused to answer those questions, either on dat thread or the one created 4 it.

The spirit of christ is one. And it is based on infinite love not church opinionated manmade dotrines.

It's good to know what state our heart is whenever we go through the scriptures. What do we seek whenever we study the word?

To learn more with meekness of heart? To find points to prove others with contrary opinions wrong? To continually seek more points to discredit the church and its doctrines? For personal spiritual growth? For intellectual prowess? To prove our debating knowledge & skills on this forum?

We need to understand this whenever we seek points to use in helping our posts on this thread, and if indeed we want to spread the truth from the word.  

@ Pilgrim.1,
Hi, long time no hear. Well done with your posts on this section on nairaland. I keep reading them, even though am not to active in posting. Without you, i wonder how many of the contrary opinions would have led some astray. I'm always refreshed and learning the word more, courtesy of your posts. Please keep it up.

@KunleOshob(Poster),
With all modesty, your post depicts a confused man, one who doesn't really know what he believes in. What side are you really on? For the bible or against the bible?

Your manner of debating scriptures and doctrines practiced in today's world, comparing it with historical times, looking out for inconsistencies, reading up historical literary materials, soaking yourself up in theology, all add up to "a mind and soul in search of self-acclaimed knowledge", but not really getting the true message, no matter how hard you try. It's not a will-power thing, revelation is given by the Holy Spirit, its by God's grace. Wisdom can turn to foolishness! Solomon in the bible sef, with all his wisdom, at some point, he started acclaiming it all as vanity.

We should always endeavour to strive for humility and lowliness of heart. The thinking that everyone out there is doing it the wrong way, and you're always right, can be very detrimental. It doesn't add anything to you. Normally, when reading the bible, one's spirit is meant to be lifted, but when what you get is doubts and confusion, then it means your own wisdom is undoing you. Be careful, my brother.

Obama is a man of purpose. His campaign team was awesome, d volunteers and every1 dat contributed to make his election a success were driven with that unity of purpose. It's so wonderful. He's become a symbol of courage and hope for the ordinary man to dare to dream to do and become the impossible.

Congratulations President Barack Hussein Obama!

Mathematics can be very simple, yet it can be very tricky and tough (complicated math problems etc.). Though you can very much improve in your math grades, there'll always be two types of mathematicians;
1. The hardlearner mathematician
2. The hardlover mathematician

To be a hardlearner mathematician,
a) you have to increase your interest in the subject.
b) you have to attend math lectures @ all times
c) you have to ask questions when you don't fully understand
d) you have to know the formulae of given problems by heart "learn to memorise formulae"
e) you have to solve math problems on your own, then meet others to help you whenever you're stuck
f) you have to be eager to solve past questions, and work to time yourself "its not only accuracy but also speed"
g) you have to go for extra lessons in topics you need to brush yourself with
h) you have to task yourself, go the extra mile, and read ahead of topics not yet treated in class.
i) always be prayerful and ask for God's favour, his knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

To be a hardlover mathematician,
a) you have to love maths with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
b) you have to be enthusiastic when faced with math problems
c) you have to know all relevant formulae by heart
d) you dont always have to solve questions based on basic steps or previous examples, "always think outside the box"
e) you need to always read between the lines and understand specifically what the questions is asking you to do. Word problems can be confusing wih this.
f) you need to be able to interrelate formulae with each other, you need to be able to work from the known to the unknown systematically but logically
g) you need to study ahead of time, solve hard and complex problems, and even go beyond the scope of the course
h) you need to be able to study past questions and solve questions using more than one method. Practice to time yourself, so you not only get the correct answers, but you also finish ahead of time.
i) whenever you finish, always go through your work carefully rather than submitting hastily, people always make little mistakes that costs much.
j)above all always be prayerful to God, cos he's the giver of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

hands i said.

Do you have branches

Am sure you've heard of metaphors and other figures of speech. The bible has loads of them. Our Lord Jesus used them in many of his parables. Metaphorically speaking, their branches could be hands.

@ pilgrim.1,
Hope u had a great night. I concur with you on your points.

If I were facing a major decision - business, marriage, school, career, associates, relationships, - as a Christian with faith, the word is applicable to every area of our lives. But here is something that many people miss: faith is not unreasonable, even though it astounds the doubter. Of course, Deut. 2:24 could be used by God to challenge someone to grow or move to something more challenging and worthwhile. But in the principle of 2 Peter 1:20 guides our faith as well, because no prophetic word is of any private interpretations (ie., it is not quite helpful to treat verses in isolation).

I agree that the scriptures shouldn't be privately interpreted, and that's why i said earlier, one should ask, "Lord what are you saying to me through these scriptures?" There are even times that you don't ask but base on steps you're to take or situations you've been dealing with, that the Holy Spirit talks to you through the word, and you begin to see things in a different light from the same scripture you've read many times b4.

but trees have branches, dont they? Trees could dance too, u know! _{(what happens when strong wind blows?)}

You dont always have to clap @ everything. The most important thing is whatever you do, you do it with understanding, not because every1 is doing it. If you don't clap it doesn't make you less a christian. It could just be that at that point you're tired or something. You fit even clap with dem in the spirit, without your hands physically clapping.

Well, maybe i should put it this way. I am of the opinion that when studying the bible, rather than study from historical perspectives, or drawing the inference that the (Old commandment)OC in the (Old testament)OT isn't applicable to me, i'd rather study as the spirit leads, and ask "Lord what are you saying to me through these scriptures?".

Maybe i had been thinking of taking a major decision, or there's a habit i want to stop or i just want to experience a closer relationship with God, irrespective of what scripture i'm looking at, the Holy Spirit speaks to my spirit and i contact light through those scriptures. Someone else, with some other issues, might see the word interpreted to him/her in a different dimension. I think that's where rhema comes in.

For example, lets say someone has been thinking of taking a major step in business but is kind of uncertain if its the right step, considering his good job, and unsure about what he may get out there. When he reads the following scripture. How should he react?

Deut 2:24 Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle.

Does this mean he should be of strong faith and launch out into the business he's uncertain of, based on the light he contacted from the scriptures, or should he shrug it off and say, oh that was God talking to the Moses on behalf of the israelites, and how does it affect me?

@ pilgrim.1

What’s the difference between the OC and NC?

The Bible is basically divided into two parts: the Old Testament (OT – comprising Genesis to Malachi) and the New Testament (NT – Matthew to Revelation). However, this is not to confuse those terms with old and new covenants (OC & NC). A simple way to understand them is that the old covenant points to Judaism, while the new covenant points to Christianity. So when I refer to the OC and NC, it should be clear to readers that I’m speaking about the old covenant and the new covenant respectively.

Does the Old Covenant (OC) morph into Christianity?

No, the old covenant is a complete system on its own standing and simply defines Judaism. I have noted elsewhere that Judaism is not a continuum into Christianity; and we don’t mix them up. Here are a few reasons why I’m persuaded that they stand distinctly and are mutually exclusive:

Old covenant
● Judaism
● ratified by animals blood
● served by the Levitical priesthood
● its identity was Jewish only

New covenant
● Christianity
● ratified by Jesus’ Blood
● Jesus is its Mediator and High Priest
● its identity is worldwide without distinctions
(Jews and Gentiles all welcome)

Certainly, there are many more distinctions; and we shall see them as we progress.

I agree that we ought to be mainly focused on the NT, but are you saying the OT is no longer important, since it dealt with Pre-Mosaic and Mosaic eras? Are there not things we can learn and apply to our lives daily? Covenant secrets?

[quote author=pilgrim.1 link=topic=272.msg2988829#msg2988829 date=1224867014]@sleekymag,

Okay, thanks for that genial move - I'll visit, brush up my study notes, make a few prelim inputs as prolegomena, and then build it up from there step by step while seeking to address every single question you raised. Please visit as well between times and call my attention to something you may question - please critic it without sparing anything: because I don't want to mispead anyone thereto. We can then harvest some of those matters and use them to help our discussions on this profound subject.

Blessings again to you. Jesus is Lord. [/quote]Roger that. Shallom!

@Pilgrim.1,

As to the questions, they're so refreshing and I hope to share a few thoughts over the weekend.

Well, i've opened the thread and it's called "Is the Bible Just An Old Storybook Or a Manual for Living?" However, i wish it was treated here cos i had wanted us to limit it to this issue of tithes. Nevertheless, your extensive treatment of the topic (on that thread) would be much appreciated.

Anonimi and KunleOshob, still waiting for ur inputs

IS THE BIBLE JUST AN OLD STORYBOOK (HISTORY BOOK) OR IS EVERY VERSE IN IT WHOLLY APPLICABLE TO US TODAY?

An offshoot of the topic "To Tithe or Not" Herein are some questions that have been bothering me. Your opinions are welcome!

1. How do we, or how should we read and study the bible?,

2. do/should we read and study it from historical perspectives i.e. based on the accounts of the people of that era, such as israelites/gentiles and their practices then, most of which are no longer applicable to us today?

3. Or should we read and study it based on how we can apply every verse of such scripture to our lives in today's world? 2 Tim 3:15,16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. {throughly, : or, perfected}" (KJV)


4. The coming of Jesus Christ was to connect us "gentiles" to the Abrahamic order of blessings, or did it make Abraham's and other blessings obtainable unnecessary? (gal 3:13-14).

5. Is there a way we can compare the levites and priests of those days to today's preachers or should we entirely discard that notion since we're not israelites?

6. What is Zion in today's world, as against Zion in the scriptures? Compare this two:
Ps 87:2 "The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. (KJV)" and
Heb 12:22 " But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (KJV)"

7. Why are most people these days taking the bible as a history book and failing to see the potent power it has to produce results in our lives today? Where is faith today?

8. Does giving generally lead to an increase in blessings? YES. Was it right for God to have told Abraham to sacrifice his son? What if Abraham hadn't obeyed him? Did God proclaim blessings on him as a result?

9. Why did Elijah (or is it Elisha?) ask a widow with her last meal, ask her to prepare food for him, even though she had explained her condition to him? Did the meal get finished or did it increase?

10. Why did Jesus have to come to the earth to even die for our sins, when God, the all-knowing God, could have used other methods rahter than sacrificing his son?

11. Why does Prov 3:9-10 say "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.(KJV) What are firstfruits, or are they not a kind of tithes?

12. Why do we accept some scriptures, and not accept others? I'm sure most of us love the book of Proverbs, or don't we?

Your responses would be highly appreciated.

@ Enigma

@ sleekymag

Some tricky yet important questions there: however, in my opinion, they do not belong on this thread; let them be dealt with in a particular thread of their own.

If they are important, then i think they deserve answers, those with no answers don't have to comment. But those with answers should share their views, cos their views are tied to all we've been discussing. Anonimi's and KunleOshob's answers would be appreciated.

@ KunleOshob

@sleekymag
i won't bother to respond to you as i see your post as an attempt to confuse issues, besides i think Enigma as adequately addressed your post.

My post isn't intended to confuse anyone but to make us think (except of course it confuses you and your consistent seeming reference to the bible as an historical storybook). I would appreciate it if you could answer, though.

@ Pilgrim.1,
How body? Hope u're enjoying work and all. I however think my questions could be answered, the briefer the better though, for continuous relevance to the topic @ hand.

@ above question, anonimi, KunleOshob, i suppose you two could also help answer these questions.

to cap it all, where is FAITH today?

Based on the way most people view or interpret the bible, through this topic and other topics on this forum, something keeps bogging my mind, and i'd appreciate it if some of you could help me.

1. How do we, or how should we read and study the bible?,

2. do/should we read and study it from historical perspectives i.e. based on the accounts of the people of that era, such as israelites/gentiles and their practices then, most of which are no longer applicable to us today?

3. Or should we read and study it based on how we can apply every verse of such scripture to our lives in today's world? 2 Tim 3:15,16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. {throughly, : or, perfected}" (KJV)


4. The coming of Jesus Christ was to connect us "gentiles" to the Abrahamic order of blessings, or did it make Abraham's and other blessings obtainable unnecessary? (Gal 3:13-14).

5. Is there a way we can compare the levites and priests of those days to today's preachers or should we entirely discard that notion since we're not israelites?

6. What is Zion in today's world, as against Zion in the scriptures? Compare this two:
Ps 87:2 "The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. (KJV)" and
Heb 12:22 " But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (KJV)"

7. Why are most people these days taking the bible as a history book and failing to see the potent power it has to produce results in our lives today? Where is faith today?

8. Does giving generally lead to an increase in blessings? YES. Was it right for God to have told Abraham to sacrifice his son? What if Abraham hadn't obeyed him? Did God proclaim blessings on him as a result?  

9. Why did Elijah (or is it Elisha?) ask a widow with her last meal, ask her to prepare food for him, even though she had explained her condition to him? Did the meal get finished or did it increase?

10. Why did Jesus have to come to the earth to even die for our sins, when God, the all-knowing God, could have used other methods rahter than sacrificing his son?

11. Why does Prov 3:9-10 say "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.(KJV) What are firstfruits, or are they not a kind of tithes?

12. Why do we accept some scriptures, and not accept others? I'm sure most of us love the book of Proverbs, or don't we?

Sorry for all these questions, but i've been wondering.

@ anonimi,

Is your tithe no longer, specifically, a tenth (10%) of your earnings?

The bible doesn't condemn tithing, not even in the new testament. Besides, you can learn from the Law without being under the law (as in, learn from the principles behind the actions of people in the old testament without automaticaly ritualising their actions in your present day life [there's a mystery there, which not many can see].

Based on the above, personally i tithe 10% of my earnings apart from a few other things, that i've developed for myself. It's all a matter of faith contacted from the word.

@ huxley

If god is omniscient, how come he did not know that Abraham was faithful to him, but had to put him and Isaac through this ordeal

In your words, God is not omniscient, abi? If you really want an answer to the above question,ask him yourself.

Hello,

My interest in this is not to ridicule but to understand how it could be that "god's" command could be so variously interpreted.

What is the standard, guiding principle, etc, etc, behind any proposition or injunction in the christian doctrine. That is what fascinates me about religion.

Why is it that a section of people can think themselves so right and others so wrong, reading exactly the same book and supposedly being guided by the same god?

Not to ridicule abi? Then why the consistent small "g". Is that how it's written in your bible?

@ Pilgrim.1,
I wonder if its any use explaining to huxley (a self-professed atheist on nairaland) the whole tithing issue. His mission here is not get clarified on the issue of tithing either by supporting it or not supporting it, but to probably laugh at it.

Having read your concluding commentary with which i share some of your sentiments, are you now dissociating yourself from either being a Nigerian, or from being a christian since by your words, you're inferring that christianity has not helped Nigeria. Are you saying the church is responsible for Nigeria's predicament? Are you choosing to see a glass cup with water to its middle level as half-empty(p[b]a[/b]ssimism) or half-filled (optimism)?Would you rather christianity was therefore banned in Nigeria or that more people(including you) turned to atheism, paganism or moslem religion, or is there anyway you can help the Nigerian situation?

How has, or how will your article helped? To make more pagans, i presume. What a way to evangelise.

Sorry for the typo errors above.
Having read your concluding commentary with which i share some of your sentiments, are you now dissociating yourself from either being a Nigerian, or from being a christian, since by your words you're inferring that christianity has not helped Nigeria. Are you saying the church is responsible for Nigeria's predicament? Are you choosing to see a glass cup with water to its middle level as half-empty(p[b]e[/b]ssimism) or half-filled (optimism)? Would you rather christianity was therefore banned in Nigeria or that more people(including you) turned to atheism, paganism or moslem religion, or is there anyway you can help the Nigerian situation?

How has, or how will your article help? To make more pagans, i presume. What a way to evangelise[b]![/b]

@ paulipopo,

Check and see for yourselves that majority of Nigerians serving jail terms abroad are professed Christians some of whom were active in church before their incarceration and convictions. Also majority of Nigerians seeking to flee the economic hardship of this country are also professed Christians not muslims, pagans or atheists.

2. Nigeria is ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world despite also being ranked as one of the most religious countries in the world. Transparency international ranked Nigeria as 147 least most corrupt country in the world or the 31st most corrupt for 2007. Despite having 52 million Christians far more than what Denmark or Finland which are the least most corrupt countries in the world. The implication is that our brand of Christianity is a joke. True Christians should have greater moral and social standards than pagans and atheists which is not the case with Finland and Denmark which have large populations of atheists.

3. Indolence and hypocrisy have become common place occurrence among Nigerian Christians. Many Christians have taken it upon themselves to assert faith in owning or conquering the world but have failed to meet these ‘faith’ with commiserate action that is both productive and selfless. Instead there are contradictory signs as evidence to show for their faith and obedience to God. The case of Gbenga Kehinde and Joseph Agada of Christ Embassy in 2005 and 2006 are examples of indolent and hypocritical lifestyles that have befallen Christianity in this era of ours.

4. Social Problems such as economic problems continue to have their telling effects on the nation. For instance travelers returning to Lagos from other parts of the country through the Lagos Ibadan Express way, pray that one of these mega business centres especially RCCG and Mountain of Fire are not holding one of those their man made ceremonies for fear of being held up in stand still traffic for upwards of 12 hrs or as was witnessed in 2006 Good Friday night of Christ Embassy 24 hrs. The man-hours lost plus damaged cars and other avoidable expenses that follow are economic costs which have an indirect effect on the economy.

5. Mental enslavement and fanatism go together. While Christians readily finger Islamic fundamentalists as fanatics they fail to see that they are neither better nor widely different from those they finger as zealots. Blind trust and submission to any man is tantamount to fanatism, which sadly is what many Nigerian ‘Christians’ are practicing. They have been so mentally enslaved that they fear asking probing questions about their ‘man of God’ will offend God which is merely an imaginary reality.

In conclusion holy business thrives because of intellectual laziness, wide spread ignorance and the reluctance of people to hold those in authority accountable. It is my belief that Nigerians ought to be vigilant and fearless just as they also need to celebrate good moral causes rather than materialism or wealth.

Having read your concluding commentary with which i share some of your sentiments, are you now dissociating yourself from either being a Nigerian, or from being a christian since by your words, you're inferring that christianity has not helped Nigeria. Are you saying the church is responsible for Nigeria's predicament? Are you choosing to see a glass cup with water to its middle level as half-empty(passimism) or half-filled (optimism)?Would you rather christianity was therefore banned in Nigeria or that more people(including you) turned to atheism, paganism or moslem religion, or is there anyway you can help the Nigerian situation?

How has, or how will your article helped? To make more pagans, i presume. What a way to evangelise.

@ Gamine & Pilgrim.1,
I actually had typed my last post before seeing you guys had cleared d misunderstanding. Sorry for that too.

@ Pilgrim.1,

Anyway, how are you doing? Grace

Am good, and you? Hope you had a swell weekend.

@ Gamine

I'm saddened that We Christians love to argue

It's unfortunate though. But maybe that's why its a forum. However i'm convinced that one can't win arguments with others of opposite views when it appears to others that you've won. However, for minds that are not well grounded in God's word and that need to learn, they either learn from the arguments and take a stand (for or against), while others even get more confused with the whole thing. Bottomline is someone like KunleOshob cannot accept Pilgrim's stance on the topic, just as Pilgrim (and I) won't accept his stance, based on our knowledge and what we feel is right. So i think, i'd rather let sleeping dogs lie.