It is widely believed that the purpose of religion is to offer worship to a supreme being, commonly referred to as God. But while that notion is not out of context, however, the way humans should offer that worship seems misplaced. While this worship induced by RELIGION is to a supreme identify as earlier mentioned, yet it cannot be argued that most of modern RELIGION, as they are practiced in this era, have fallen very far from the original tree and have become corrupted. Since evil forces want to be worshipped too, RELIGION has become counterfeited.

On the counterfeiting of RELIGION, before delving further let me state here quickly that, quite frankly, what the majority of humans practice today as one form of RELIGION or the other has been heavily adulterated over the years by the tenets of men who superimpose their beliefs, ideologies, or doctrines upon followers to suit their selfish aims or objectives, and not that of a higher authority they so claimed.

We have had proponents of certain RELIGION dictate to their followers how they should offer worship. Some banned the use of modern electronic gadgets in offering worship, while some forbid their followers from wearing jewelery or precious ornaments. Yet there are those who walk barefoot to their religious places of worship or dress in a certain fashion outfit.

In my opinion, RELIGION exist as a spiritual force to checkmate the excesses of men who are daily prone to temptations to commit evil. RELIGION in this regard is supposed to act like a compass to help protect humanity from losing their conscience, as well as steer humanity on track towards the path of justice and morality. Moreover, RELIGION is a force that should tilt humanity to be conscious of the fact that, even though humans are gods, they do not own themselves but are subject to an higher authority or power, their Creator.

What the above means is that the business of RELIGION should be in producing fruits of peace, harmony, love, tolerance, humility, justice, equality, joy, gratitude, honour and other forms of moral values in the affairs of men. Moreover, praising the Supreme Being for His wonders without shewing good works and showing love is an exercise in futility. Sadly, the adulterated form of RELIGION, in this era that we are, is deceiving so many and leading them to destruction, ignorantly.

RELIGION is central to man's existence, yet it manifests in different forms. This is because RELIGION itself can be likened to a tree with diverse branches (the different forms of religion practiced by men) but all connected to or drawing nutrients from the root of the tree (the Supreme Being). However, just as the fruits produced by each branch in the same tree are not the same, and even within a branch not all of the fruits are eligible, so too the various forms of RELIGION in the world.

However, three notions I find troubling in the propagation of adulterated RELIGION are the: the romance with worldly riches, the claims of superiority, and the miracle  syndrome attached to RELIGION.

First of all, the quest for riches and wealth is not in the heart of true RELIGION. What is in its heart is that all men should DO GOOD and LOVE ALL EQUALLY irrespective of tribe, colour, or creed. The perception that unless you are rich, God is not blessing you is a fabricated lie! This focus on acquiring wealth in RELIGION has caused a gully of division, segregation, and hatred within the body of adherents of certain adulterated RELIGION. The Supreme Being is a rewarder of good deeds and He searches the hearts of men. The quest for riches and wealth has lured many into committing evil acts, which many have been wrongly made to believe, are justified. It has brought about pride and arrogance, and has blinded many to now see themselves as superior brings or demigods among men, even taking the glory of the Supreme Being upon themselves.

Secondly, the concept of my RELIGION is better than your RELIGION is a grave error manifested by the ignorance of men in the flesh. Jesus professes that by their fruits (what they do) you will know them. This notion of superiority of one form of religion over another has caused the world to believe that RELIGION is the root cause of conflicts, when it is supposed to be a soothing balm that should heal the world. The best way to gain followers to your RELIGION should be in doing good works and showing unconditional love to others.

Thirdly, the belief that RELIGION is the hallmark of miracles is a wrong branding and abuse of its spiritual nature. A lot of people flock to RELIGIOUS centers for a solution to their problems instead of the saving of their souls. It is a fact that we all deserve to live in good health and in peace, however, most persons are the architect of their own misfortunes, knowingly and ignorantly. I am not saying that there is no place for miracles in RELIGION, but what I am stressing on is the fact that the soul is more precious than short term relief which miracles are. While miracles are a demonstration of God's superiority over our weaknesses, they are not an option to the saving of one's soul from eternal destruction. True RELIGION does not only heal the flesh but its real focus is in healing and protecting the soul from corruption and everlasting death.

#mypublicdiscourse