Opinion
By Val Obienyem
EVERY time I visit Awka, my wife ensures I tune in to Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka and Fr. Blessed Ambang Njume, and I thoroughly enjoy their sermons, which epitomize the dignity of the Catholic priesthood in both content and delivery. Sometimes, I am tempted to refer to them with the title – “The Most Catholic” – conferred by Pope Alexander VI to Ferdinand II of Aragon (Spain) in recognition of their efforts in promoting Catholicism. This title came shortly after the title “Defender of the Faith” (Defensor Fidei) was bestowed upon King Henry VIII of England by Pope Leo X in 1521 for his defense of Catholic doctrine against the teachings of Martin Luther. However, after Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England, subsequent English monarchs adopted this title within Anglicanism. Remember, my aim is to teach and recall history through my posts.
Similarly, I appreciate priests like Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma who utilize social media to spread the gospel while adhering to truly Catholic principles, unlike many others who resort to various unorthodox methods to solicit funds, such as displaying numerous account numbers for tithes or selling prayer scratch cards and oils. These individuals conveniently distance themselves from religious manipulation while engaging in it themselves – deceivers!
I mention the foregoing because of the prevailing confusion in contemporary Christianity. The architects of this confusion are indeed perplexing. Like Odysseus, they can hardly speak without lying or act without treachery. I watched some of them change like chameleons, professing support for one group or the other to the extent of having no scruples in putting the lives of even the bishops in danger.
Having observed some of them closely over time, I can only acknowledge their cleverness. One of them, when necessary, seamlessly shifts from biased preaching full of commercial metaphors to align with true Catholic doctrine that inheres in the Bible, leaving listeners impressed by his apparent knowledge and adherence to the right teachings. But this is only when he wants to solidify his base to attack his prey.
The irony of modern Christianity is that those tasked with safeguarding it are often the ones undermining its integrity. When they speak, they offer nothing novel but merely unveil the secrets of their own guild.
A.
Tags: Bishop Godfrey Onah Fr. Blessed Ambang Njume Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma Val Obienyem
