by Adrian Gibson
Originally published in The Tribune, Friday, August 4, 2006 under the column title, Young Man's View.
AROUND the world, religion has evolved into a robust, multibillion dollar industry that is tragically prostituted to promote the self-serving interests of many disingenuous, so-called religious men and charlatans.
In the Bahamas, whilst the religious beliefs of some are principled and genuine, religion is fast becoming a politically motivated enterprise that has emerged as the Bahamas’ “real” third largest industry, occupied in many instances by “tiefing”, money grubbing, self-appointed churchmen.
Among discerning Bahamians, the general consensus is that, unlike starting conventional businesses, the use of a church as a business platform is one of the easiest undertakings, as any petty crook can thump a Bible, rent a building or pitch a tent and rant and rave about who should be “saved”, while circulating a collection plate.
With churches springing up on every street corner, some only a stone’s throw away from the other, it appears religion is rapidly replacing drugs as a simple means to wealth, as any so-called 'churchman' can hoodwink some poor fool to follow him. I pity those needy, gullible congregants that cannot afford to pay their rent but could fatten the coffers of a pastor in the name of the “Lord” every weekend.
And, why are so many gigantic, multimillion dollar church buildings being constructed? From South Beach to Carmichael, these undertakings have been outlandish, because whilst monies is being invested in these buildings, the poor and disenchanted are still homeless, roaming the streets and begging for assistance.
Shouldn’t these monies be invested in the true church—the people—rather than oversized buildings that most likely sprung up to compete with another next door? Doesn’t the Bible instruct the church (people) that above all else, to be your brother’s keeper?
On a small island as New Providence where most of the enormous churches are situated, who is going to fill the pews? Rather than constructing self-aggrandizing sanctuaries, “church leaders” should be focusing on getting people to attend churches, as church attendance in the Bahamas and around the world has fallen to an all-time low.
Almost daily, I am perplexed by the number of Apostles, Reverend Doctors, Presidents, and other titles, many self-given, that I’ve heard associated with churchmen.
Bahamians must be aware that anyone can go online, pay a few dollars and become Reverend Doctor this and that! And, since the Bible said Jesus had 12 apostles, I am baffled by the notion that anyone can just add themselves to the count.
Why are items such as books, snacks and CDs sold in church? I have read the story of Jesus entering the temple, angrily tossing over sales stands and whipping the people for making money out of God’s name.
Here, Jesus wanted to ensure that his Father’s place remained Holy. Therefore, have I read the same Bible as these pastors?
Newly instated Jamaican PM Portia Simpson-Miller upon entering office appointed pastors to head government commissions and boards, blending an explosive cocktail—religion and politics.
I am diametrically opposed to this trend that is gripping the Bahamas, most recently with the inept Bahamas Christian Council mandating to government what adults could and could not view at local cinemas (Brokeback Mountain).
The BCC is one of the most politically linked, bungling organizations in the Bahamas, that appears to be comprised of some religious zealots intent on dictating to the populace, thereby trampling over the democratic rights of Bahamians to chose. On what authority does the ‘vocal when convenient’ BCC think they can dictate to 300,000 people?
It must be apparent that religion has become a business venture when a small country such as the Bahamas is home to 4,000 churches.
And, since Jesus either rode a donkey or walked, why is it that today’s churchmen must be chauffeured or drive flamboyant Jaguars and Mercedes vehicles? Why do certain pastors, with relatively poor congregants, have Lear jets? I am sure that the reason isn’t because they want to get closer to God!
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