“Before I travelled to Israel, I used to believe that the Jews' phenomenal achievements in all areas of human endeavours was because they were the anointed of God but the thought vanished after spending three days there.
I saw things for myself.
First there is no milk and honey flowing in their land. It was a desert with acute shortage of rainfall and water. For Agric they depend on massive irrigation. The Jews are extremely hardworking, resourceful and innovative. They are determined to rise above the challenges in their environment. The Jews are not Christians but Judaists. The main difference between Judaism and Christianity is the total rejection of Jesus as the messiah. They also do not believe a word in the New Testament.
In their Bible there's no new testament. Despite their abhorrence of Christianity and Jesus, they were smart enough to explore the commercial opportunities that pilgrimage offers. Israel makes billions of dollars yearly by commercializing a belief or faith they do not share.
Jesus was not killed by the Roman rulers of Judea but by his fellow Jews who saw him as a threat to the Religious establishment . Over 2000 years after, they are yet to change their mind about him.
More than 90% of the Nobel laureates you listed are atheists. Albert Einstein who was declared as the greatest scientist of the 20th
Century was an atheist. He neither accepted Christianity nor Judaism.
Looking at the countries that are doing well in the world, you will see that it has nothing to do with their religious beliefs or special favours from God. Their progress has more to do with the choices they have made.
Look at Donald trump he does not read the bible but he knows that to win an election in America, you must pretend to share the sentiments of the evangelical Christians. That was precisely what he did.
Japan was the first country in the world to achieve the feat of turning its name into a brand. Once you see made in Japan on any product you are assured of its excellent quality. Japanese people are neither Christians, Muslims nor Judaists. They achieved success because they are hardworking, resourceful, innovative and honest. What of Singapore that leapt from the fringes of third world to the first world? I can go on and on.
In Nigeria despite being blessed with huge natural and human resources, we do not want to succeed by vigorously exploiting the resources. We are dreamers hoping to succeed without lifting our fingers. We are miracle chasers who also cut corners. This explains why there is a huge market in Nigeria for diviners, sorcerers, prophets and Pentecostal pastors who promise prosperity without labour.
The Chinese are fast becoming our new masters in Africa. In 1960, Nigeria had a better prospect for success than China and Singapore. In fact Western Region in Nigeria had television before Australia.
Look at UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most visited tourist cities in the world. This was inconceivable just 20 years ago. They are 100% Muslims. This is the same religion that is exporting terror in many Arab and African countries including our dear country Nigeria. No UAE citizen has been accused anywhere in the world of involvement in terrorism. Their cities are more modern than Paris, New York and London.
Therefore, I do not share the belief that the greatness of the Jews has anything to do with fulfilment of any prophecy. On the contrary, it can only be attributed to their iron-cast determination to succeed in the face of all odds. It is awkward to attribute Einstein's success to any special blessing when the man never believed in God or offered any prayer throughout his lifetime.
Material success has nothing to do with God. If it were so, Nigerians should be the richest people on earth because our greatest export apart from crude oil is religion.”
"Let's get to work"
written by Olu Daramola SAN
👌
ReplyDeleteReligion has absolutely nothing to do with spirituality. Infact, religion to quite a large extent can cripple your ability to truly develop depth in your spirit and bring about creativity.
DeleteI wish I knew what I know now a long time ago.
Pls let me perch here. Until posts like these generate thousand comments before Nigeria and indeed other African countries can progress. No, I'm not an atheism advocate. But imagine a combination of loving God in truth plus a determination to put in all the HARD work it takes for us as a nation to succeed. Indeed we will be formidable. Sigh. Oh my black race !!!!
DeleteWell done Olu Daramola SAN.
DeleteIt was clear in the bible that Jesus was not recognized in his country because they see him as a carpenters son. There were a lot of evidences that indicated that he is the son of God.Lastly God did not promise a trouble free world their will be trials and temptation only Christ will give you the inner peace and will to scale through
DeleteGods word would not be changed.. whatever Israel is, is the fulfillment of God's nothing more nothing less
ReplyDeleteThank you Razzy. It beats my mind when people won't put laziness aside and read the Bible thoroughly before coming up with write ups like this to condemn.
DeleteGo and read a book and stop being ignorant!
DeleteRazzy, you echoed my thoughts.
DeleteOlu Daramola, you err because you know not the scriptures, @ "Therefore, I do not share the belief that the greatness of the Jews has anything to do with fulfilment of any prophecy."
Hardwork does not preclude faith or religion!
God of Judaism and Christianity never encouraged laziness.
Go and read about Blaise Pascal, a 17th century French Mathematician and Philosopher who found Christ.
YOU THINK when Einstein or any atheist change their beliefs, THEY WOULD TELL YOU?
First, there is no religion or 'non-religion' that encourages laziness. Check around your immediate family and tell me how many people are lazy. Probably, none. 🤷♀️
NIGERIANS ARE NOT LAZY but SOME CORRUPT PEOPLE ARE SABOTAGING THE COUNTRY'S PROGRESS. Besides, there are no strong institutions to punish them.
Second, God has put the law of seed time and harvest into nature. If you sow hardwork, you receive a harvest of success regardless of your stand on religion.
" Seeth thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings and not mean men". Proverbs 22v29.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3v23
Read 1 Timothy 5v8
I am sure Islam does not encourage laziness either.
"And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob". Romans 11 v 26.
Don't forget that those Middle Eastern Muslims are Ishmael's descendants and God blessed him too.
"And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation." Genesis 17 v 20
Finally, it is good to pursue excellence as well as godliness because there is a life beyond this physical world.
21:18 👌
DeleteThis is a Journey into Self Actualization...
ReplyDeleteMore like self truth.. The Asian development bothers on self truth rather than actualization.. Until we tell ourselves the truth not what is peddled on a daily in Nigeria, then we can dream of self actualization..
DeleteLovelace
Work harder, don't dwell on prophecies Thank you for this
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this article is trying to discredit Christianity or what,but what is written up there is common sense, nowhere did Jesus said we should not work or harness what we have.If any one choose to be lazy or use religion as a cover not to work, that's their cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteNo nation will rise above mediocre if they choose to be lax.I believe the Muslims are also part of this nation,so why the call out on Christians alone.
Who is to give them the “enabling” environment? You solely miss the point of the write up if you fail to realize that it is through hard work and the right ATTITUDE of Nigerians that the right environment will be created!
DeleteFor one corruption is so rampant it is guaranteed to make sure we do not make any progress.
Poverty, underdevelopment, corruption, and over religiosity (as we have here) all go together. If you don’t believe me, look around you and at the world!
Who is to give them the “enabling” environment? You solely miss the point of the write up if you fail to realize that it is through hard work and the right ATTITUDE of Nigerians that the right environment will be created!
DeleteFor one corruption is so rampant it is guaranteed to make sure we do not make any progress.
Poverty, underdevelopment, corruption, and over religiosity (as we have here) all go together. If you don’t believe me, look around you and at the world!
👌👌
DeleteAnon 13:19, Firstlady Blessing made a valid point and I also agree with your second paragraph.
DeleteThe writer hinged his reason on religion and that is not the problem. Corruption and weak institutions are. (See my earlier comment up there with supporting scriptures).
Another crucial point is the celebration of such mediocrity as BB Naija rather than excellence.
In my days, we had academic competitions on TV. For example, BRAIN-TRUST and debates.
The inanity of the average Nigerian youth of today is mind-boggling and nauseating! 🤮
This notion I've always known and keep saying to people. He captured it very well. The last paragraph is the summation of it all. I saw an old newspaper of 1965 where Pst Kumuyi was urging for prayers for Nigeria. More than 50yrs after, they are still asking for the same prayers. The thing no tire you?
ReplyDeleteEven power keep changing hands. E no de tire them.
DeleteTeejay, don't take our prayers for granted. If you don't believe they work, just take a look at the effects of the COVID 19 virus. Look at the devastating effect of the virus on the developed nations and compare with Nigeria that don't even take the precautionary measures seriously yet the cases are not as devastating.
DeleteI believe our prayers has secured a protective covering over us.
The only problem we have is, we do not practice Christianity in its truest form. Even the Bible says, we should not be slothful in business, we should be fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord. But our youths always want the quick and easy way out.
Let's stop blaming religion please, it is not our problem. After all, the UAE and Japan mentioned in the post are deeply religious nations who steadfastly practice what their religion says.
Well said HRH.
DeleteHRH 👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
DeleteYou know some people do not process information beyond one perspective or context. They just go with the bandwagon.
@HRD if the virus is not ravaging Nigeria? Then there are some conditions inhibiting it from escalating, such as our weather, existing vaccination in our system ( considering excessive malaria treatments) and any other factors....
DeleteGbam!
ReplyDeleteSpot on… we are just a lazy minded set of people who are easy prey for charlatans on the numerous pulpits
ReplyDeleteSTOP IT, PLEASE!
DeleteAre you lazy?
And the sad part is that Nigerians are not even going to make heaven because their hearts are dark , evil , full of hatred , covetousness and envy. So what’s the point of s the over religiousness?
ReplyDeleteAre you a Nigerian? If yes, hope you know your statement is inclusive of yourself.
Delete15:02 I like your retort. 🤣
DeleteReligion breeds mental laziness. That's why Africans embraced it with both hands. Name one progressive African nation even though they literally live in churches. Whoever marketed Coca cola and Jesus to the world are geniuses. These two products reach all the crannies of the world even though strict adherence to both are detrimental to health and human psychology respectively.
ReplyDeleteAs much as racism still thrives, silly Africans believe that the Whites will share heaven with them, if at all heaven exists. The same Whites that see and treat them as subhumans.
My Lord and saviour Jesus Christ is whom you are reffering to as a product? Hmmmmmm .... May God continue to have mercy on your poor soul. That's all you need !
DeleteTeacher NK: keeping wallowing in ignorance
DeleteAnon: keep wallowing in your oversabi know all.
DeleteStrict adherence to the gospel of Jesus Christ is detrimental to health and human psychology? Wow!
DeleteYou're clearly the one wallowing in ignorance here anon.
Anon : keep resounding in your wokeness... It's the end that matters most. Ok?
Delete12:15 if you fall sick or suffer one misfortune now, you will be quick to call Jesus Christ to help your.
DeleteThe devil is just playing *Kalo kalo* on your intelligence.
Anon 21:44. I have been sick before and I went to the hospital. Case closed. Death is for both the hypocrites and truth followers. Most Nigerians are hypocrites. Religious bodies all over the country yet you people are the most wicked and poverty capital of the world. Statistics is there for you religious cocksuckers. I will dine with the devil before I open door for any Nigerian shouting Jesus up and down. All of you are not worth the chance to destroy a soul.
Delete21:44. Jesus assistant. I sight you. Losers!
Delete05:26-28 seems you are acting out some personal issues/experiences here. I feel sad for you.
Delete05:26 have you never heard of the one hospital cannot cure? Go ahead and dine with the devil.
DeleteInsult Christianity or religion all you can but one day you will need it.
I refute your claim - most Nigerians are not hypocrites and your statistics is wrong, wherever you got it from.
Apt! Even the bible says "He who refuses to work,let him not eat."
ReplyDeleteGod blesses the labour of our hands,if you're doing nothing,then God finds nothing to bless.
@Drealbarbz - God blesses the labour of our hands,*if you're doing nothing,then God finds nothing to bless*.
DeleteI kept telling someone this!
Everything you wrote her was nailed to a T!! You are absolutely right about determination and grit being the watchword of those who will succeed.
ReplyDeleteRight from time, the Jews were not Christians, and bottom line is,they will still go to heaven since everyone worships one God. Bhuddists will go to heaven, muslims, taoist, etc because heaven is not meant for the people who practise CHRISTIANITY alone.
ReplyDeleteApt BB!
DeleteI hate it when they make it sound like Nigerians only pray and don't lift a finger to work. Nigerians are one of the most hard working people in the world. Give them an enabling environment and watch them thrive. Stop giving the notion that Nigerians only pray without working! We can do both and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
DeleteThank you pls!!!
Delete👏👏👏
DeleteThe mindset behind the write-up is also a lazy one.
DeleteIsrael is not a country of Jews only. There are Israelites who are Christians or Muslims.
Israelites have been creative and innovative since olden times, even before Christianity.
You should also know that in the olden days not all Israelites are called or referred to as Jews.
Concluding that religion is solely responsible for the woes of Nigeria/Africa make the write-up 'weak' and erroneous.
12:26 and 15:11 I am so surprised that this writer is a SAN.
DeleteA very narrow and uninformed perspective.
They'll soon label you an atheist
ReplyDeleteThe white men that brought religion to Africa have all gone back to rest while we've decided to wallow in the aftermath of what they deposited in us
That action is haunting them seriously now, they won't tell you.
DeleteReserved Queen you had your traditional religion before the Missionaries evangelised Africa.
DeleteMan believes in diety because that's the source of life.
Please, don't mix up Missionaries and Colonialists.
The colonial masters never brought you the gospel rather they pillaged the land.
In fact, it is the Missionaries that first brought education to Africa. If it is left to colonialists, black Africans would never have education.
I cannot just but agree with this beautiful write up. Religion has finished Africans, imagine someone looking for work, will be in church, praying for it, even sowing seeds for it, which should be used as a business start up. Imagine our northern brothers, actively killing and dying for religion so we all can return to abject poverty and one olodo Prez is supporting them, dashing dem planes and choppers just to kill another religion. Mumu ppl, I pray una eyes go open one day.
ReplyDeleteFor the still religious ppl here that would fault my words, don't get it twisted, God is real and Christianity is real but same God gave us all we need to make it and more. Try find a line, after all u can't be more Catholic that the Pope.
His own point of view and who told him Japanese are honest people 🤣🤣🤣 this write up is not based on research but common perception of what he thinks.
ReplyDeleteAs in 👌, what a joke.
DeleteSmall thing people be "apt" what has he written/said that is new? Please you have not written anything out of place that we don't know. Maybe today baby needs to read it.
ReplyDelete😂😂
DeleteHmmm
ReplyDeleteWhy do you believe you have to develop without God? Can one not also develop with God at the forefront. The issue is not religion, it's lacking strategy, it's lacking forecasting skills. How is it that a ruler will walk out of the walls of his mansion and see the destitution all around and not feel moved? How is it that the person in the high places will siphon billions to their pockets, build one hundred homes, fly cakes in on private jets, have thousands of shoes and massive sets of jewelry and turn a blind eye to someone who just wants a roof over their head or a night's meal. In fact, the African way of seeing destitution and turning a blind eye to it, government not caring for their citizens shows the extreme side of Godless living.
ReplyDeleteThe Arabs chose to develop with their God at the forefront. South Koreans are strong Christians and they chose to develop with their Christianity intact. Religion is not a deterrent to development, a lack of strategy and vision is.
Very well said.
DeleteThank you Anon 18:17!
DeleteSAN come and read feedback on your post.
The problem is wickedness, weak institutions, tribalism AND NOT RELIGION.
If the people rise up as one against corrupt LEADERS and citizens, the country will progress.
Marie-Antonette and the people of France come to mind.
Daddy freeze talk in black and white. Abeg give him credit ooooo🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. This has always been his lines.
ReplyDeleteThese countries believed that there's a supreme beanie Ng, call him God or not. We are like this cos of the level of poverty not just material povertybut also we are poor academically. Ruled by touts and corupt people.
ReplyDeleteHmm when I see write like these I wonder. Some nigerian always see the worst in this great Nation. Nigerians are hardworking resilient and persevere. I am in the UK and when I see what people complain about the country UK, I know Nigerians are strong. We should stop bringing down this beautiful country Nigeria. More positivity please. The real reason we are where we are is because we are kindhearted. Israel is one of the most ruthless country in the world. Please lets encourage ourselves. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. All some people know how to do is run down the country with their mouths on a daily basis, forgetting that negativity breeds negativity.
DeleteUAE isn’t 100% Muslim. It’s barely 70%.
ReplyDeleteSo apt
ReplyDelete