WHY I CRITICISE RELIGION - Ijabla Raymond

I take the view that religion has caused more harm than it has done good to African societies. The type of Christianity I see in the UK is a lot different to the type practised in Nigeria. For instance, homosexuals and witches are not getting lynched on the streets of London. Europe stopped these practices a few centuries ago.


Religious beliefs are responsible for practices such as: 

- Witchcraft superstitions and the torture of children branded as witches

- Child-bride marriage

- Homophobic legislations and the lynching of gay people 

- Faith healing and its attendant problems

- Patriarchy and the subjugation of women

- Almajiri destitution in northern Nigeria 

- Jihadist terrorism e.g. Boko Haram

- The promotion of magical thinking and the erosion of critical thinking from the society

- The promotion of corruption through prosperity gospel

- The exploitation of vulnerable citizens e.g. pastors collect money from widows, pensioners and the unemployed. This money, which is tax-exempt, is used to buy private jets


The list is not exhaustive.


These practices are harmful. They retard our progress. I am determined to continue to raise awareness on these issues and to continue to undermine the beliefs and ideologies that drive them. I know some people will take offence but the alternative is to keep quiet. I don't believe that's a great choice.

Ijabla is a medical doctor and a humanist. He writes from the U.K.
Email: ijabijay@me.com
Twitter: @ijabijay