As a practicing Christian, I feel compelled to discuss the issue of dangerous religious practices, particularly within the context of the church, where I have extensive knowledge. I understand that this topic may be triggering for some individuals, and I apologize in advance. I simply want to express my thoughts honestly.
Over the past couple of months, distressing news has emerged about a doomsday cult located in the coastal region of Kenya. It is difficult to comprehend how a person with purported religious authority could perpetrate such egregious acts of abuse for an extended period, all while receiving little attention from the surrounding community. The loss of innocent lives, particularly children, is unimaginable. In response, we have focused our outrage not only on the perpetrator but also on the willing followers who fell into his deceptive trap.
We are filled with righteous indignation as we ask ourselves how an entire congregation could be so naive as to believe such an obvious falsehood. It leads me to pause and reflect: Why do we, in our right minds, click on clickbait headlines that we know will lead us nowhere? We engage in this behavior using our expensive and sophisticated smart devices, which we acquired through education and success in mentally demanding professions. Ideally, we should know better, yes?
Clickbait works because it preys on our emotions, which make a significant role in our decision-making process. Merriam Webster defines clickbait as something, such as a headline, designed to entice readers to click on a hyperlink, even when the linked content holds little value or interest. Yet, our brains push us to click on the link, despite our instinctive awareness that it will not deliver on its promises. This aspect of human nature does not exclude religion; in fact, it is one of the primary reasons why faith exists.
While traditional religious gatherings appeal to our emotions, cultist groups take this to an extreme level. They are highly emotional and charismatic, with leaders who excel at manipulating their followers. Congregants often find themselves ensnared by these religious charlatans, who possess inflated egos and exploit people’s yearning for hope. Such tactics are not new; they have been employed throughout history. In Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” for instance, the Pardoner tricks sinners into purchasing fake religious relics. This tale follows the Physician’s depressing narrative, prompted by the Host’s desire for something uplifting (Wikipedia). Here lies the dilemma: desperate individuals will go to great lengths to alleviate their suffering, even if it means starving to death when they were already deprived of food.
One proposed solution to counter the allure of cults is to regulate religious gatherings. However, I hope this initiative goes beyond mere noise and addresses the performative nature of worship, where individuals observe and are observed by others. This coerced emotional display diminishes rationality and turns individuals into a collective, devoid of critical thinking. Have you witnessed the video of the self-proclaimed ‘John the Baptist’? No one even flinches during his chanting antics, for lack of a better description. While I have chosen not to pay attention to the upcoming trend of biblical figures, it genuinely worries me that they might eventually become perpetrators of future massacres.
In conclusion, when faced with a knowledge gap between what we know and what we desire to know, our emotions drive us to seek answers. That is why we click on sensationalist headlines and why we turn to “men of God” to pray on our behalf when our own efforts seem futile. However, I want to remind you that you are more capable than you realize. John 10:34 states, “Jesus replied, ‘Is it not written in your Law: I have said you are gods’?” We may refer to it as manifestations or a higher self.
You do not need attention-grabbing headlines or intermediaries to become a better version of yourself. You possess the inherent strength and resilience as a human being to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. It is ingrained in your nature.
So, the next time you find yourself in doubt, I encourage you to listen to empowering messages such as “The King’s Affirmation” by Iniko or “Spirit” from The Lion King by Beyoncé. Allow these uplifting melodies to resonate within you. Then, armed with renewed confidence, go forth and conquer.
Black by Beazi 