inconsistent doctrines of most nigerian churches

When you finally begin to question these teachings, you’ll met resistance, defensiveness, and accusations of backsliding.

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It’s hard to write about doctrine in the Nigerian Pentecostal scene because, frankly, half the churches have none. What they do have are vibes, theatrics, emotional high notes, and a pastor who is always “led by the Spirit,” even if what he’s led to say contradicts what's in the Bible.

One Sunday, Jesus is God. The next, Jesus is “subject to God.” One moment, the Trinity is one essence in three persons. The next, “Jesus is the Son, so he can’t be equal to the Father.” Make it make sense.

This Sunday, ripped jeans are the fabric of hellfire. Next Sunday, come as you are—God looks at the heart. This week, women must cover their heads or risk dishonouring God; next week, “the spirit of religion” is what’s stopping you from worshipping freely.

Last month, your dreams are divine messages you must decode through fasting. This month, dreams are demonic projections—focus on the Word instead.

They tell you money is vanity, but most sermons ends with “sow a prophetic seed to provoke financial rain.”

You’re told not to listen to secular music, but then they infuse secular dance steps and beats into the praise and worship sessions.

One week, you're taught God needs your loud prayers to move. Another, "He hears even the whisper of your heart."

Today, your problems are ancestral so you must pray against paternal/maternal generational curses. Tomorrow, they're your fault for not being joyful enough or not giving lavishly.

One moment, prayer is the key. The next, praise unlocks more. Then, just be still and know that I am God. God just does what He wants because “I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy”—no keys needed.

This feels like a maze of spiritual flip-flopping, where asking questions makes one look “carnal” or rebellious. You aren't encouraged to search, to question confusing teachings, to test the spirits, to study for yourself. You are told to “just believe.”

But belief without understanding breeds confusion. And when you finally begin to question these teachings (not from a place of rebellion, but hunger for truth) you’ll met resistance, defensiveness, and accusations of backsliding.

Well…

Happy Sunday!

—Jaachịmmà Anyatọnwụ
The Bard Influencer