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Christianity Today, August, 2008 |

Dual Allegiance

Pastor jailed for using human head in occult ceremony.

Laurie Fortunak | posted 7/15/2008 08:44AM

Nigerian pastor Benjamin Ojobu and his wife, Patience, were arrested in May for allegedly using a human head in rituals for church members. The practice of using severed body parts to ensure prosperity—whether ...

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John von dem Beck

Posted: July 26, 2008 9:34 PM


Good enough as far as it goes, The Roman Catholic Church's prelates also oppose the syncretism described by Mr Lake.

Femi Adelola

Posted: July 23, 2008 11:08 AM

I take particular exception to the sweeping generalizations adopted as the tone of this defective article.As a Nigerian,i began to wonder if the country been described is the same one i have been living in for the past 34 years.To be sure examples occur here and there which may seem to justify the prejudices adopted by the writers of this article,but to use isolated cases of abnormality as a tar brush to paint the majority of genuinely born-again and spirit filled Nigerian christians, is, to say the least, uncharitable.Nigeria is a country with an estimated population of 150million people with roughly half that number professing Christ .To suggest that the majority of these are idol worshippers is to ignore reality and to reduce to insignificance,the pivotal role being played by the nigerian church in the universal body of Christ.The Church in Nigeria has played a Champion's role in articulating the african opposition to the incursion of Homosexuality into christian assembly.

RPfromPR

Posted: July 19, 2008 5:14 PM

"But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:23-24 Whatever the reason, cultural or traditional, faith in God must be faith in God alone. Though I can understand the cultural aspect of it... being latino, I am witness to devout followers within the church, who "mix" brujeria (which is a form of witchcraft) to "complete" what they think is lacking in their physical world. God is not mocked, but is slow to anger. These (anyone "trying to complete what God hasn't done in their selfish world) who practice anything in conjunction with the completed work of Jesus on the cross, will fall ill to the same fate as those who believe that the completed work of Jesus on the cross is insufficient. Pray for them all.

EMMANUEL OLADIPO

Posted: July 19, 2008 2:52 AM

"In a region where voodoo is culturally acceptable, nearly all Christians engage in some form of occult practice, according to some experts." The sort of sloppy journalism which quotes such ignorant "experts" does little credit to your esteemed magazine. How would you treat an article which includes a suggestion from "experts" concerning the Episcopal church in the US: "In a community where homosexuality is culturally acceptable, nearly all members engage in some form of gay relationship"?

adelakun moses

Posted: July 18, 2008 7:41 AM


It is unfortunate that people like Ojobu are in existence in Nigeria,they are a disgrace to the African race.He was not a christian and should not be a yardstick for measuring others.His response that he was doing rituals outside the church hours underscores this,because the practise of christianity is not limited to church hours alone.He should face the maximum punishment

Ayo Ezekiel

Posted: July 18, 2008 5:42 AM

Your write up is quite revealing and sensational, but frosted with personal conclusions and assertions which made it so myopic. Statement like "One out of 10 self-named Christians in this region practices only Christianity," is so outrageous and condemnatory. Just like the case of judgemental Elijah, i want to let you know that God still have "Remenants" who have not bowed their kneels to Baal, in Nigeria,and West Africa as a whole.

Andrew Obami

Posted: July 17, 2008 11:43 PM

This does reflect the evangelical movement I know in Nigeria. It is a complete distortion of what the move of God is doing in that country. I know how my the Living Faith Church in Nigeria nurtured me while I was in Nigeria and all my spiritual experiences is still fresh and keeps me going daily. I can't believe that there are still fake men of God out there pretending to be what they are not. Oh! What a merciful God we have. If men were God, this is enough reason for God's wrath on the perpetuators of this spiritual deception. May God forgive them. But I want your readers to know that this act does not reflect the move of God in Nigeria; this is an exception and a confirmation of what the Bible said about the end of time, so do not be confused about what God is doing in Nigeria.

Chinyere

Posted: July 17, 2008 4:08 AM

I am a Nigerian too, and as much as I agree with the fact that some unscrupulous people try to combine occultism with Christianity,I certainly do NOT agree with the writer's statistics as to the prevalence.The majority of Nigerian born again christians regard voodoo practice as sin.It is not as commonly practised by christians as the writer or his sources want us to believe.It is a very wrong and sad impression being created, very discouraging too, to all of us evangelical christians down here to be misrepresented in this way.Better research next time please.

James

Posted: July 17, 2008 1:39 AM


This sort of two-faced "Christianity" is not to be found among the group called Jehovah's Witnesses in Africa - or anywhere else. They hold very strictly to the scriptures which condemn all connection with Satan and demonic forms of worship. As much research as I have done in this subject, it would appear that only this Christian group has stuck to what the Bible teaches on this subject.

CentralPA

Posted: July 16, 2008 6:17 PM

Pt. II of my letter: The White Garment "churches" are anything but orthodox; it would be fairer to all to characterize them as the syncretistic religions that they truly are. In doing so, you have brushed aside the complexities of religions and cultures in West Africa, and are presenting a false picture of Nigerian society, as well as that of the entire continent. Of course there are animistic - and occult - practices in Nigeria, but so there are in the US and Canada, too. And seeking comment from one North American professor (the 1st man quoted), then presenting his opinion as gospel are jsut... Why didn't Fortunak talk with - and cite - Nigerian believers who could have more clearly explained the differences between animist and syncretist practices (etc.) and have given her - and your readers - a far better understanding.

centralPA

Posted: July 16, 2008 6:11 PM

I tried submitting the following via your "Letters to the Editor" form: "Re, Laurie Fortunak's recent parsing of a news item about a syhcretistic "church" in Nigeria, I have to say that I agree with various Africans who've commented on passages like this one: "In a region where voodoo is culturally acceptable, nearly all Christians engage in some form of occult practice, according to some experts." This is personal opinion, not the result of balanced (let alone nuanced) research - beginning with the use of the word "voodoo" as a blanket definition for all African animist religious practices. For me, it comes very close to an overtly racist tagging of Africa as "the dark continent" - and more - all the old - and profound - misunderstandings of African cultures of which we Westerners are undeniably guilty.

andrew tucker

Posted: July 16, 2008 3:03 PM

First the occult is wrong. It is going to be hard to fight protestant doctrines where understanding is not known and the known not focused on. Rev 12:9.Satanic angels are powerful and invisible and has powers to communicate telepathicly. Satan defiled creation and created killer rattlesnakes and killer sharks, not God the father. Col3:11. Circumsions outrages just about everyone. Circumsion is peircing the body(leviticus) and it is wrong. There are more 4 altered bibles(nlt,niv) in stores at the moment. These facts should be taught. It is going to be tough. Thank you for your time. Gal 3:2! pslams99:9- hill pray!

Yiwola Awoyale

Posted: July 16, 2008 12:15 PM

Both CT and the editor for this story should be embarrased for publishing this kind of article. There was no indication in this article where, when and how Benjamin-Lee Hegemen conducted his research to arrive at his statistics of one out of ten. How many countries of West Africa did he visit? How does this kind of article edify the church of Jesus Christ? What does CT hope to gain by helping to promote a theory of faith that the so-called expert failed to provide any verifiable data on which the theory was based? I used to think that CT was a truthful, Christian, and evangelical magazine, I did not know that it could publish anything that would castigate other Christians in other parts of the world, whose hospitality and accommodation the likes of Benjamin-Lee enjoyed for years in the name of Christ. In future, CT should have the courage to demand from its writers the basis of their claim should they venture to quote figures. CT should write an apology in the name of Christ.

Tesfatadelle

Posted: July 16, 2008 10:12 AM

I am an African too. The figure (one out of ten) may be wrong but the practice exists and it is worth praying and combating it. Wherever the reading of the Bible is not a daily habit (And Africa has a lot of people who can not read and write; as are people like that of the West who can not make time to read it), the deceiver lurks and imprisons those who forget or are not aware, that spiritual warefare is always going on every minute of our lives. I am glad that CT picked this topic for this is one, that the Church should be made aware of, and be preached from the pulpit. Ojobu's response confirms the importance of dealing with this error. It should not be tolerated any longer.

Anonymous

Posted: July 16, 2008 9:06 AM


90% ? That is not true and very misleading. Hegeman is out of order.

Kyle	Posted: July 16, 2008 8:45 AM

"In a region where voodoo is culturally acceptable, nearly all Christians engage in some form of occult practice, according to some experts." Unfortunately, this could have likewise been spoken of the folk-Christianity that is the predominant form in America. The article states, "Some churches in West Africa oppose the dual allegiances." In reality, the vast majority oppose these practices. These situations are not normative which is why they make the headlines. This practice is no more acceptable to the African church than the actions of Westboro Baptist Church are acceptable to American Christianity. I would suggest that when inquiring into the practices of non-Western churches, journalists should talk to non-Western leaders and experts. An American former missionary is not an expert, and no matter how well he was accepted by the culture, as a fellow American missionary I can assure you that he was not an "insider" (nor could he be) and therefore not an expert by any mean

Yemi Ogunrin

Posted: July 16, 2008 6:53 AM

I am a child of God who lives in Nigerian and I suppose that the generalistic nature of this article that in West Africa, syncretism is as widespread as the writer wishes the readers to believe is false. In order for anyone to understand the state of the christian church in this part it must be viewed relative to the social and cultural settings. While the pervading poverty in the land is causing many who otherwise would never have even wished to have any alliance with the church now parade themselves as messengers of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the vast majority of true belivers are being given a negative testimony. Just as sure as empty barrels make the loudest noise so it is that the voice of the faithful covenant keepers are only heard in the secret. There is a company of silent, prayerful, committed and heaven-seeking believers and who are not just adherent to the faith of the Son of God in these parts that are more in proportion to the one in ten as insinuated by Hegeman.

Phil in Zim

Posted: July 16, 2008 4:53 AM

Living in Zimbabwe I see the worship of the dead being condoned and encouraged by our government. This is by men and women who claim to be active Christians. There are however many true African Christians who have had to renounce any dealings with the ancesttoral worship practice.This is entiely caused by satan blinding many of the Christians in Africa. In order to be pro active I would call on this article to rather motivate Christians world wide to actively pray against this spirit of deceit, so that the Glory of God the Creator may be seen here.

Tade	Posted: July 16, 2008 4:38 AM

"One out of 10 self-named Christians in this region practices only Christianity," I am a Christian from Nigeria and a long standing pastor. I must say this kind of dual allegiance is not as common as the article makes out. To claim that almost ninety percent of us practice some form of occultism is deeply offensive. It seems to me a lot of our well intentioned missionary brothers and sisters readily believe what they are told, by those who want to impress those who are seen as superior because of skin colour or country of origin. Over here we call it colonial mentality. These missionaries hardly speak the local languages and simply rely most times on what the 'natives' tell them. Of course there is syncretism but to put this at ninety percent not only demeans an entire peoples commitment to Christ but also diminishes the great work the Holy Spirit has been doing in West Africa for several decades. Benjamin Ojobu and his wife are simply not the norm!

John Abraham Godson

Posted: July 16, 2008 4:18 AM

Dear Laurie, Greetings from Poland. I have read your article in Christianity Today and I must say it paints the picture of the West African church as bring 90% syncrestic which as actually wrong. The contrary would be the case. The case of this pastor is mainly found not in evangelical churches but in syncrestic churches. Mainly two of them in Nigeria. (The Cherubim and Seraphim church and the Celestial church of God). They are called 'white garment" churches (as mentioned in the Vanguard newsparer of May 31 2008) because their members wear white garments to attend "church services". The truth is that despite many doctrinal struggles, God is doing a fantastic work in Africa, and especially in Nigeria. Churches are learning, missionaries are being sent out. Today our estimate is that there are at least 100,000 missionaries serving God in the diasporas. We should emphasize more what God is doing and less what the devil is doing. Contd above....

D. SUDHAKAR

Posted: July 16, 2008 2:55 AM

This story has a lesson to teach Indain Chrisitans who are now more inclined to prosperity gospel which is being pumped through television and open-air campaigns. This form of gospel in India is focussing on the bodily well-being, healing, success in the finiancial wellness etc. rather than in the conversion of the soul. We no longer have the likes of N. Daniel, Joshua Daniel, Bakht Singh in the Indian evangecalism today. If the present trend continues, the Indain occultism entering the Indain church is not far away and there are already other cultural practices (Hindu) among Christians. May the Lord save the Indain Church!

Kate	Posted: July 16, 2008 12:33 AM

I'm West African and Christian. I have lived in West Africa and the US. I take issue with Hegeman's assertion that "One out of 10 self-named Christians in this region practices only Christianity," Where are the facts to back this up? Yes, some Africans mix traditional beliefs and Christianity, but it is frowned upon and they are certainly do not constitute 90% of all African Christians. It is a ridiculous and also insulting to say that nearly all Christians in West Africa practice some form of occult practice. I am quite offended by this article because it impugns the faith and characters of the many West Africans I know who have faithfully served God. The writer of this article has used one bad incident to make sweeping generalizations about African Christianity which will be taken as fact by ignorant non Africans. Extremely disappointing to say the least.

Aidan

Posted: July 16, 2008 12:04 AM

I am sought of annoyed at the responses, assuming the author of this article is saying America (or the west) is more moral than Africa in Christianity. Calm down at let the article teach us about the trials and temptations Christians face in other parts of the world. Is the west guilty of synretism, yes! But it is not hard to find polemical articles on that sought of thing. You can't assume all of Africa is the same (its a big continent), so its not unreasonable to suggest most of West Africa is "dulistic or syncretistic" in Christian belief. As far as your reference Jonathan to Africans go not speaking about this. I know someone who studies in the same seminery as I do who would bear witness to what this article is saying with regard to Sudanese Christians. It is not surprising either because many Pastors in the country have barely seen a bible, or they have only ever preached from the gospel of John. Hence we see the cause of syncretism is lack of biblical knowledge.

Benn Egbuka

Posted: July 15, 2008 11:14 PM

It is unfortunate that the writer of this article apparently sees the practice of Christianity in west Africa as a belief system tainted by inferior cultural third world Occult practices, in essence insinuating an inherent superiority of the western particularly the American brand of Christianity. I have lived in America for over a decade now and I am appalled at the state of the church in America; homosexuality, promiscuity, premarital sex, adultery, greed and yes occultism (albeit of a more 'egalitarian' nature) are a few of the myriad problems that beset Christianity in America. One only needs to turn on the television at night to see the multitude of charlatans and self described 'men and women of God' peddling various brands of salvation. In addition, no part of the the American society is more segregated than the body of Christ. We should pray for the church every where to be delivered from whatever peculiar stronghold that oppresses it across the globe.

Gaby	Posted: July 15, 2008 8:48 PM

I have lived in Nigeria and found this to be normal. Christians there have great zeal, but little understanding of doctrine. Their way of worshipping Christ is more of a "hedging their bets" rather than a total surrender. This is very similar to the situation in the dark ages where pagan tribes were converted to Catholicism -often by coersion- yet still retained a great many of their pagan practices and beliefs. The clergy -even the bishops- were not able or capable to stop these practices and indoctrinate the people in orthodoxy. And the results were severe. In theory, the oversight of bishops AUGHT to correct such problems, but in practice, bishops come from the very pool of believers that practice and condone such unorthodox behavior. Thank God then for the Holy Spirit, who converts where and when and how He chooses, raising up godly leaders who serve as witnesses for Christ's truth!!

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