In God`s Name

In God’s Name Kennedy Emetulu Religion can be a good thing. It has showed over the years its power to bring social stability and individual redemption. It gives man useful education about life and how to treat a fellow man, imbuing him with a sense of purpose and a sacrosanct mandate to eternally seek something greater than himself. But when the rogue fringe of any religion takes to the pulpit, there can be no greater harbinger of mayhem! History has proven both sides of religion as true. Of course, when it comes down to it, those using religion to wrought physical and psychological destruction on their fellow man are usually condemned by the more sober sections as not practicing the ‘true’ religion. But, in the meantime, we have to either win or lose the war they’ve waged, with huge consequences for society either way it goes! Yet, the beauty of secular society is not in a professed irreligious stance, but in the constitutio...Read the full article.

[Obugi]

Ken,

It has showed over the years its power to bring social stability and individual redemption. It gives man useful education about life and how to treat a fellow man, imbuing him with a sense of purpose and a sacrosanct mandate to eternally seek something greater than himself

Not true from my reading of history. Religion is just a fancy word for superstition.

No one, especially Christians, believe in any religious doctrine and the simple evidence is the actions of Christians, I mean the mundane everyday actions of "Christians" that I know everyday who only engage in altruism when it costs them relatively NOTHING and violate dozens and hundreds of Biblical edicts everyday - sometimes in horrible ways like driving nails into the heads of children - with the firm hope that NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO, JESUS HAS PROMISED THEM FORGIVENESS.

But when the rogue fringe of any religion takes to the pulpit, there can be no greater harbinger of mayhem!

Hmmm, what exactly is fringe? It is actually the fringe elements of religion that practice it in its purest form.

What makes a mockery of the whole religion thing - especially the Semitic ones, Islam and Christianity - is the insistence that its their way or you're going to be killed or brutalized either here or in the afterlife.

Are you truly a Christian if you don't believe that your fellow human being is going to be burned in a furnace forever for not calling on the name of Jesus?

The gory spectacle in Akwa Ibom is the ultimate expression of pure Christianity. They should please spare us the apologies......Jesus has already forgiven them, for they know not what they do.

Obugi.

[Kenn]

Obugi,

You’ve known me for years on messageboards and discussion forums and I’m sure you can attest to the fact that I never engage people in debates over religion. Of course, it is not because I dread controversy; it’s simply because I believe that religion and matters of faith belong in the personal realm. How I relate with my God is my business, as far as I’m cool with it and as far as it is not causing others discomfort of the unlawful kind. However, I will always throw this rule of mine out the window when anyone tries to use religion to breach the human rights or dignity of others.

Therefore, my discussion of religion here is based on the fact that some people are doing what they are doing to these kids in the name of Christianity. I do not think you support what they have done against the kids; so, we cannot have any argument or debate. I cannot have any debate with you strictly on religion, because I’m comfortable in what I believe and who I am. I do not have to convince you about this or defend my faith before you, except if in practicing that faith I’ve done something you find abhorrent or challengeable. I do not read and understand the bible literally and I do not stereotype believers or adherents of any religion. I actually prefer dealing with people as individuals, rather than a block, because I believe when it comes to it, everyone is responsible for only their own thoughts and actions and the intended consequences of such.



CHEERS!

[VOR]

Thanks Kenn. Let the enlightenment campaign continue. I can't wait to see tomorrow's editorial, I know surely, we'll get there.

Christ could have ridden into Jerusalem in flashy chariots, surrounded by gold-bedecked outriders, but he chose to borrow a lowly donkey for his greatest journey. He had the chance to own the biggest palaces in Palestine, but instead went from town to town squatting in people’s homes with his disciples.

Hmmmmmmmmmm . .........................A hummer jeep or private jet to be exact, staying at five star hotels and proclaim, I am the child of God...........my papa owns all and He is not a poor God!!

[Obugi]

Kenn,

Originally Posted by Kenn1

Obugi,

You’ve known me for years on messageboards and discussion forums and I’m sure you can attest to the fact that I never engage people in debates over religion. Of course, it is not because I dread controversy; it’s simply because I believe that religion and matters of faith belong in the personal realm. How I relate with my God is my business, as far as I’m cool with it and as far as it is not causing others discomfort of the unlawful kind. However, I will always throw this rule of mine out the window when anyone tries to use religion to breach the human rights or dignity of others.

Therefore, my discussion of religion here is based on the fact that some people are doing what they are doing to these kids in the name of Christianity. I do not think you support what they have done against the kids; so, we cannot have any argument or debate. I cannot have any debate with you strictly on religion, because I’m comfortable in what I believe and who I am. I do not have to convince you about this or defend my faith before you, except if in practicing that faith I’ve done something you find abhorrent or challengeable. I do not read and understand the bible literally and I do not stereotype believers or adherents of any religion. I actually prefer dealing with people as individuals, rather than a block, because I believe when it comes to it, everyone is responsible for only their own thoughts and actions and the intended consequences of such.
CHEERS!

OK, relating one on one.

Do you believe a certain individual person like say, Obugi, will go to hell and burn forever and ever and ever in a lake of fire because I don't believe in the same God as you?

This is a basic tenet of the Christianity you profess.

Its attitudes like this that eventually manifest as the need to kill child witches here on earth, you know how Yahweh & Jesus did it to Amalek infants so they wouldn't grow up possessed by demons. A Bishop gave me that Scriptural explanation, just so you know.

Make una carry on jare.

Here on Earth, the Work of Jesus is truly being done by the Afro-Christian.

Prrrraaaaaaissssse Thaaaa Loooord!

Obugi.

[DaBishop]

Obugi, mon ami

You never repent? Why now? Time is running out oh...
Jesus explained...the promise

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.


19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

You had asked a trick question to which I gave you answer the best way I could. If not satisfied, why don't you ask God ya self?

In His words God Loves children...He demonstrated it while also emphasizing the existence of hell..Here in Mark 9:42-48

42And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

43And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

44Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

45And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

46Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

47And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

48Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Na ya first friend,

Separatiion of Church and state please.

We need a Vatican in every Rome in this world.

Thank God for places like the USA.....


In God We trust.....but we no go carry am for head is ma motto.



Good evening America. Thank you for demonstrating that the Church has no business with the state.........and the "Jews have no dealings with the Gentiles".

O Israel to your tent and leave Palestine alone!


Say no to any organized religion of brain-washing excercises!


Hoe Hoe Hoe.......Merry Xmas!

Originally Posted by Obugi

Not true from my reading of history.

Religion is just a fancy word for superstition.

No one, especially Christians, believe in any religious doctrine and the simple evidence is the actions of Christians, I mean the mundane everyday actions of "Christians" that I know everyday who only engage in altruism when it costs them relatively NOTHING and violate dozens and hundreds of Biblical edicts everyday - sometimes in horrible ways like driving nails into the heads of children - with the firm hope that NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO, JESUS HAS PROMISED THEM FORGIVENESS.


Hmmm, what exactly is fringe? It is actually the fringe elements of religion that practice it in its purest form.

What makes a mockery of the whole religion thing - especially the Semitic ones, Islam and Christianity - is the insistence that its their way or you're going to be killed or brutalized either here or in the afterlife.

Are you truly a Christian if you don't believe that your fellow human being is going to be burned in a furnace forever for not calling on the name of Jesus?

The gory spectacle in Akwa Ibom is the ultimate expression of pure Christianity. They should please spare us the apologies......Jesus has already forgiven them, for they know not what they do.
Obugi.

Gbam!

Originally Posted by Kenn1

.......... it’s simply because I believe that religion and matters of faith belong in the personal realm. How I relate with my God is my business, as far as I’m cool with it and as far as it is not causing others discomfort of the unlawful kind. However, I will always throw this rule of mine out the window when anyone tries to use religion to breach the human rights or dignity of others.

I cannot have any debate with you strictly on religion, because I’m comfortable in what I believe and who I am. I do not have to convince you about this or defend my faith before you, except if in practicing that faith I’ve done something you find abhorrent or challengeable. I do not read and understand the bible literally and I do not stereotype believers or adherents of any religion. I actually prefer dealing with people as individuals, rather than a block, because I believe when it comes to it, everyone is responsible for only their own thoughts and actions and the intended consequences of such.



CHEERS!

Absolutely beaurrrrrrrrrrrrrriful!

I just love a healthy discourse where people use their brains instead of "chanting" incantations.

Next pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!

[emj]

Chief amongst the apostles of this child abuse is Evangelist Helen Ukpabio, the General Overseer of the inappropriately named Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries, which she says has over 150 branches in Nigeria. Helen Ukpabio says she has a cast-iron formula for catching child witches, an operative manual for parents who need to know that their bundles of joy are not exactly what they seem. Her findings are recorded in a bestselling book where she proclaims that the key signs in identifying these children whom she describes as servants of Satan are crying and screaming at night, high fever and general poor health! It does not matter to Ukpabio that these children are being born in a society with very poor record of antenatal, gynaecological, paediatric and primary health care. It does not matter to her that these symptoms can be found in any child for any reason (other than witchcraft) at any time in a nation where the vast majority of the people live on less than a dollar a day and where all sorts of environmental and health hazards abound everywhere

.

Thanks Ken for bringing this forward again...the message is as clear as daylight.

Often you hear people say the church must clean up its act and call its rogue fringe to order, but really it’s Caesar that must rise to claim his due, because God, the Almighty Father, the all-knowing, omnipotent Lord can take care of Himself. And yes, Caesar did speak. In a news report in the Punch of Tuesday, 25th of November, 2008, the Federal Government through the Nigerian High Commission in faraway London said all there is to say about the unacceptability of this practice. But it’s not about statements; it’s about action! Every religion-feeding criminal featured in that programme ought to have been picked up by now to face the full wrath of the law. If we have no values at all, we should at least have one for young lives, otherwise we all go extinct! Thus, Helen Ukpabio and her band of fear-mongers preying on the people's susceptibility to dangerous superstition, destroying families and communities, must be stopped now! The state cannot outsource this duty to “religious bodies” as implied by the Federal Government’s statement, because Caesar without his force is as good as a dog without its teeth

Eherm more or less a toothless bulldog/buck-teeth
They are still talking whilst bullsh1t walks

[Kenn]

Obugi,

Your belief that a literal hell fire burning forever is a basic tenet of the Christianity I profess is just your view. You don’t know the Christianity I profess and as I told you earlier my understanding of the bible isn’t literal, neither is my belief in it. But my spiritual understanding of it is not what I want to get into with you here, because, again, as you know, I do not debate religion with anyone as I’m comfortable in what I believe in and who I am.

But having said the above, let me point out to you that the exact meaning of the English term “hell” in the bible is still debatable in the light of the Greek and Hebrew interpretations (Hades, Gehenna, Tartaroo and Sheol) and the contemporary uses and references in Jesus’s day.

And, by the way, why are you, a non-Christian concerned that some or all Christians say you’re going to end up in hell and burn forever if you don’t believe this? At least they are not physically dragging you there this minute, so why are you bothered about it? Just as you believe they’re being stupid for believing what they believe, so too they believe you’re being stupid for believing what you believe about them. So, why don’t you leave it at that, rather than showing you’re really knowledgeable about their religion (even as an unbeliever) to the extent that you are prepared to show them up as stupid at every opportunity?

Let me leave you with one fact, which I would be glad to debate with you, if you choose. Whatever you believe in cannot be less stupid than what Christians believe in. You can take me up on that statement by first telling us what you believe in. I know it would mean partly breaking my rule of not debating religion (that is if whatever you believe in can be termed religion), but I’m prepared to do that now, just for you.



CHEERS!

[Kenn]

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/...&cpdate=301108

[VOR]

Kenn, this is welcome news, at last! We must ensure they keep their word by keeping up the pressure. I want to see that "2.3 mirron winches in Akwa Ibom" murdering fake pastor behind bars, this will be a fine start!

[chaos.com]

As far as i know anyone who cannot practice christainity the way jesus did is a fake christain.

All these rubbish holier than thou people are some of the worst people on earth.

I am a christain, will never condemn anyone be he muslim ,pagan or hindu and i am open to all discussion.
I will never hide behind witchcraft or fake visions to extort cash and sex from so called deliverance sermons.
At the end of time, GOD will judge us all.

AMEN

[VOR]

I am a christain, will never condemn anyone be he muslim ,pagan or hindu and i am open to all discussion

GBAM! Thanks Chaos, well said!!

[chaos.com]

Originally Posted by ula-lisa

Obugi, mon ami

You never repent? Why now? Time is running out oh...
Jesus explained...the promise


You had asked a trick question to which I gave you answer the best way I could. If not satisfied, why don't you ask God ya self?

In His words God Loves children...He demonstrated it while also emphasizing the existence of hell..Here in Mark 9:42-48



Na ya first friend,

The bible also says, whatsoever you do to others, that you do unto me.

So calling a fellow person names and condemning them all the time, is not helping in Jesus name., except condemning yourself to eternal hellfire.

Love your neighbour as yourself. Not call them witches and wizards because they are hindus or pagans.

Since the upsurge of these millenium 419 christains, the country has gone from bad to worse.
You will think all their prayers will help to turn it around.

Do not read the part that favours you, and do not forget the Bible has been translated from many different languages to what we have today.
Do not take every word literally.

God Bless you.

[Kenn]

Below is a heart-warming statement to the media from the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Information, Aniekan Umanah. Mr Umanah is the head of a Committee set up by Governor Godswill Akpabio to look into the Child witchcraft issue. He was at the CRARN centre in October as part of his Committee’s work.


'Child witches' and the Akwa Ibom Govt

SIR: On the orders of Governor Godswill Akpabio, the Police in Akwa Ibom State on November 29 at about 2 p.m. moved swiftly to Mbo Local Government Area for the search and arrest of one Bishop Sunday Ulup-Aya who stated his involvement in this matter in a documentary broadcast on Channel 4 and placed on several websites.

The said Bishop who claimed he had "killed" several children was successfully apprehended with an accomplice and are at present in detention on a holden charge from where he will face criminal prosecution this week. In view of the above, Government will not hesitate to effect further arrests and prosecutions of organisations, individuals or even parents who are involved in child abuse and labelling children as 'witches'. Already one Rev. Onuoha operating from Oron and fingered in the child stigmatisation saga has been arrested by the police for questioning.

At the arrest of the self-styled bishop, about three children were discharged from illegal custody and immediately given government support. They appear normal and healthy. Also the state government has ordered full investigation into the child abuse issue. This will help government fashion out ways of tackling the social problem head-on.

The Governor plans to assent to the Child Rights Act in December, a law that will be fully implemented for the protection of Akwa Ibom children irrespective of economic background.

Consequently, Government takes a stand on the matter and is set to deal very decisively and in accordance with the rule of law and due process as follows:

• Place full legislative machinery against labelling of children as witches;

• Advance high-powered investigation into every element of the issues involved and all allegations against persons involved in stigmatisation of children as witches;

• Prosecute all persons found culpable of this crime of child labelling;

• Deploy social resources for the support, comfort and enjoyment of all categories of children all over the state;

• Possibility of closure of every organisation involved in this evil stigmatisation of children.

Government will not spare any culprit involved.


Aniekan Umanah,
Commissioner for Information,
Akwa Ibom State

[Kenn]

http://odili.net/news/source/2008/dec/2/205.html


Hard time now await churches and spiritual homes operating in Akwa Ibom State that engage in torturing people mostly children and forcefully compelling them to confess or admit to being party to witchcraft .

The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who made the declaration weekend at the maiden annual teachers’ award for excellence, a private initiative of Inoyo Toro Foundation, held in Uyo, said reports had it that some churches label innocent children witches and subject them to severe and inhuman conditions including torture.

THISDAY Checks revealed that the state government's stand and action on the churches may not be unconnected with current documentary being shown on a television station in the United Kingdom on how children from the state were tortured by some churches and forced to confess to being witches.

Governor Akpabio, who frowned at such actions and activities of some of the churches and pastors, vowed that the state government will address the development squarely to check the excesses of some of the churches.
He insisted that henceforth, the state government will not hesitate to destroy or demolish any church engaged in any negative and unproven vision in order to satisfy their clients.

“We will destroy and demolish every church that is engaged in any stupid vision in Akwa Ibom State. We will not stop there, we will have to make examples out of some people. We will chase out some churches in the state which are found wanting.

“The churches are busy deceiving people in many aspects including avoiding deaths. We have to do something to re-strengthen the Child Right Law. We must fight against the abuse of children and ensure proper education for them,” he said.

“The church will torture children and some of the churches will pretend to use oil to try and remove witchcraft from a child. So far we have we have 165 children some of them are not up to 9 months old who have been thrown away by their parents because the church said those children will bring them misfortune”, the Governor lamented.