Does Religion Blind Common Sense?
Most of us may have heard of the name ‘Daniel Abodunrin’ while growing up. For those who haven’t, allow me give a brief history. In 1991 at the pacesetter city in Nigeria a self-acclaimed pastor wanted to recreate the story of Daniel as seen in the Bible on his encounter in the lion’s den. When people were taking pictures, having fun and enjoying the serene environment at the University of Ibadan zoological garden serving as one of the most visited tourist centres in the country accommodating all manners of animals ranging from the smaller herbivores to the beasts of the jungle, the modern Daniel after so much pleading was granted access into the lion’s lair to perform ‘his miracle’. Far forward some minutes later Daniel was in quoting Bible passages and commanding the wild beats to seal their mouth because he is a God’s representative on earth. Fortunately for the half-starved lions and unfortunately for the Bible quoting pastor, he was eventually eaten as afternoon meal by the uncompromising wild beasts. Common Sense!

There is also a viral video of a pastor in South African using his legs to kick a pregnant woman at her stomach saying he wants to cast away demons, casting away demons or forcefully trying to abort the
pregnancy? His fellow Pastor by the name Lasego Daniel (I am really having second thoughts on naming my son Daniel) of Rabboni centre ministries asked his congregation to eat grass so they can move closer to God, seriously? I thought grass was for animals and we humans have been given dominion over them, I probably thought wrong because many of his congregation members ‘chew the cud’ what a wawuuu!
Coming to the issue of child marriage. A certain 10years old girl in Kano was given out in marriage religiously to a man 18years older than she is as published in Arewa magazine, the toddler is supposed to be his wife number two. Haba brother Konji, just let us know you are a pedophile instead of hiding under the laws of religion, a girl who can’t even bathe herself. Common Sense!
Politically, our nation Nigeria have been brainwashed by sentiments and religious bigotry that we can’t decide on who to rule us best except we scale candidates on their individual religion allegiance such as muslim-christian ticket and vice-versa. I am wondering how a sane nation will ever use that as a reference of voting instead of looking at individual strengths, leadership skills and track record of excellence. One of our political thieves who did time in jail in the abroad, on returning back to Nigeria was welcomed back with a red carpet, someone that stole billions upon billions of tax payer’s money, it is a pathetic something!. No wonder the nation is in crises. Common Sense!
I hope someday, if not all but majority of us will have common sense and will make decisions with clarity of mind instead of using religion as a form of cover to commit atrocities.
