Is the cross still a significant in Christendom?

Is the cross still a significant in Christendom?

YEMI OLAKITAN

The cross, which is considered to be the major symbol of Christendom, is gradually fading away in many churches today, although the Catholic Church and other orthodox churches have continued to use the cross as symbol in Christian worship. Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan examines the subject.

1.      The encyclopedia Britannica in discussing the importance of the cross as a symbol of the Christian faith says, ‘‘it is the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. In ceremonial usage, making a sign of the cross may be, according to the context, an act of profession of faith, a prayer, a dedication, or a benediction.’’

Sandra Akuoma a motivational speaker, Life Coach and CEO, Life Pointers and a member of the Catholic Church said, ‘‘the cross is still relevant today in Christianity because it represents the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross although some people condemn the use of the cross I don’t do this. It is not right because I personally do not believe that one should condemn anybody’s belief because religion is a personal choice. I believe that one should respect other people’s religion and learn from it and add to your own from it, if what you see from that person’s religion is beneficial. Those whose belief attaches so much importance to the cross should not be criticized because everyone’s way of reaching God is personal and unique.’’

On whether, she would use the cross in worship or wear it as a form of jewelry, she said, ‘‘it is not the cross that matters it is my heart, one can wear the cross for everyone to see and the heart is polluted so the focus should not be the wearing of the cross but the heart of men. The inner garment is far more important than the outer garment. People should wear the cross in their heart more than they do the symbol.’’

However, in a chat with a member of the Jehovah’s Witness who declined to state his name saying we do not take credit for anything done for God, he said, ‘‘Jesus Christ did not die on a cross. Bible writers use another word for the instrument of Jesus’ death. It is the Greek word xy′lon. (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29;Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) This word means “timber” or “a stick, club, or tree. The Apostle Paul says: “Christ by purchase released us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us, because it is written: ‘Accursed is every man hanged upon a stake’’ (Galatians 3:13) Here Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:22, 23, which clearly refers to a stake, not a cross. Since such a means of execution made the person “a curse,” it would not be right for Christians to decorate their homes with the cross.’’

  In another statement, the Jehovah’s Witness says, ‘’There is no evidence that for the first 300 years after Christ’s death, that Christians used the cross in worship. In the fourth century, however, pagan Emperor Constantine became a convert to of Christianity and promoted the cross as its symbol. Whatever Constantine’s motives, the cross had nothing to do with Jesus Christ. The cross is, in fact, pagan in origin. The New Catholic Encyclopedia admits: “The cross is found in both pre-Christian and non-Christian cultures.” Other authorities have linked the cross with nature worship and pagan sex rites.’’

Reverend Andrew Akinsuyi said, ‘‘wearing the cross or making the sign of the cross is a symbol of the Christian faith. Christ indeed died on a cross. It was the practice in those days to crucify condemned criminals and since Christ was condemned by the Jews at the time, he was crucified on the cross. You cannot crucify someone without a cross. The cross is identified with the practice of crucifixion. When people wear the cross as part of jewelry, make the sign of the cross or use it to decorate their home, it is a sign that as Christians, we depend on God for everything that we do. The cross is a sign of Christ crucifixion and the death of Jesus Christ herald a new era for Christians because it was the death of Christ that brought about the salvation of humanity. The cross is not a thing of shame or a curse. It was the death of Jesus Christ that brought the hope of everlasting life to those who believe in the Lord Jesus. Therefore wearing the cross, using it in ceremonial worship is in harmony with scriptures.’’

Julius Badare, a member of the Catholic Church said, ‘‘the cross is a powerful Christian symbol and it is not limited to Catholics. It represents the cross upon which Christ died. The cross is present all around the church's interior in our church on the altar cloth, in the Stations of the Cross, and even on the priest's vestments. The Crucifix differs from the cross, in that it depicts the image of Christ being crucified, rather than that of the empty cross. The addition of His figure to the empty cross is intended to emphasize His human nature, which enabled him to suffer physical pain and death.  Not all crucifixes are identical. Depending on the mission of the church, the depiction of Jesus may evoke various emotions ranging from sorrow, to fear, or to awe. However, the purpose of the crucifix remains the same: to remind Catholics of the price Christ paid for humanity's redemption or salvation.’’

Elder Theophilus Ajibola of the United African Church opined that ‘‘the cross is a symbol of Christianity and has been traditionally recognized as such for hundreds of years. Those claiming that the cross is no longer relevant are deceiving themselves. The cross is still relevant. We still use the church in our church although the Pentecostals do not emphasize its importance but most of them agree that Christ was crucified on the cross and took our sins away through his death. This is the basis of Christianity.’’

Bishop of Kogi Diocese, the Right Reverend, A.I. Dawodu Adekunle Ilesanmi of the African Church Cathedral said, ‘‘Christians make an issue of what they should not make an issue of. The issue of Cross is an established doctrine of the Christian faith. Christ died on the cross and so the cross is a symbol of redemption, besides, symbol or no symbol, the reason why Christ died is far more important. It is because the word of God said that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and His blood was atonement for sin. This is what is important and should transcend every argument. Look at the church in Aso Rock for example, when they were building it some denominations still made an issue of whether there should a cross there or not. I don’t think that Christians should make an issue of simple tenets of the faith. If a Christian uses the cross, it does not make him less a Christian, if he uses it and it enhances his faith in God why should we condemn it?  In the African church we use the cross regularly in our Sunday worship.’’

In another chat with pastor Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life evangelical Church, he said, ‘we do not emphasize the cross as a symbol but we emphasize its scriptural importance not as something physical that one can hold or touch. Salvation is the central gospel that we preach and we cannot talk about it without mentioning Christ’s death on the cross. It is important to preach salvation in that context because when Jesus was leaving the world, he gave a commandment to his followers which became the Great Commission today. He said we should go into the world and preach the Gospel, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. We also emphasize the born again experience because Christ said except a man be born again; he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Another concept, we emphasize immensely in Pentecostal circles is Christ commandment, which he gave to mankind that we should love one another even as he had loved us. He also said we should love our neighbor as ourselves. All these are highly important in Christianity and they are the central messages of Christ. As Christians, once we do these things, we have fulfilled the wishes of the Lord Jesus and these are far more important issues. The cross as a symbol of Christianity is possibly used to enhance the faith of the believers. We do not condemned nor propagate this as much as the orthodox churches do.’’ 

Should women be Pastors, Bishops and Overseers?

Should women be Pastors, Bishops and Overseers?

YEMI OLAKITAN 

 

The debate, whether a woman should be a pastors, overseers or Bishop in the church is a raging controversy.  In the orthodox churches women do not play such roles; however, modern Pentecostal churches have ordained women as Pastors and even Bishops. Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan examines the issue with biblical texts and Christian views.

The issue of women leadership in the church is a subject of deep controversy since many women have exhibited great leadership talents in a way that is sometimes better than men. While some theologians feel that a woman can exercise authority in the office of pastors, deacons, overseers or Bishops, some have rejected the idea completely saying it goes against biblical instructions. 

In a chat with Pastor Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life Evangelical Church, a Pentecostal church, he said, ‘‘women can be ordained as pastors, deacons and even Bishops in the church. The Bible says we are all equal before God, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28).  When Apostle Paul made the statement that women should keep quiet and should not be given leadership positions in the church, he was referring to the situation at that time. This cannot apply to modern day Christianity. Take the issue of spiritual gifts in the bible, it does not discriminate. Spiritual gifts are given to anyone, whether they are male or female. How then can we say women should not hold position of leadership in the church and should not teach? What happens if a woman has the gift of teaching?  If God gives a woman a ministry that requires her to exercise authority over men, then she should function in that office. If God gives a woman a ministry or a calling to be a pastor or a leader in the church and she does not officiate in that office, God will ask that woman. He will hold the woman accountable.  This does not mean that a woman should not be submissive to her husband at home,’’ he said.

Speaking further, Onoja said, ‘‘women should not abandon their marital obligations because of spiritual responsibilities in the church. They must know how to manage both effectively.   There is nothing wrong with women holding a position of authority in the Church of God. If God gives the woman the grace who are we to discourage them? When it comes to the family, it must be man; the head of the woman is the man. The place of ministry is different, if God uses a woman in church ministry, you cannot ask God why he is choosing a woman. There have been many instances where women have exhibited outstanding leadership in the church of God and contributed to the advancement of the Gospel, should we discourage them?  We would be denying the body of Christ an invaluable contribution to progress. The Holy Spirit does not look at gender. In the Bible, Esther was a leader, Deborah was a leader, once leadership is from God, whether it is a woman or man, we should respond. If we have respect for God, we should respect whoever, he puts in a leadership position whether in the church or outside the church,’’ he said.

In another chat with Superior Senior leader Samuel Gusinu of the Celestial Church of Christ, Ileri Ayo Parish, Lekki, he said, ‘‘women cannot hold position of authority over men in the celestial church of Christ.  This is because the Bible says, it is not right. If a woman is blessed and sets up a church, she must look for qualified men to act as overseers or shepherds in the house of God. She herself cannot do it. Women cannot preach or stand on the pulpit in the Celestial Church of Christ. They can be prophets. The gift of prophesying is giving to both men and women. Women can be prophets but they are excluded from the altar. They cannot stand on the pulpit to teach. The ultimate position, a woman can hold in the celestial church of Christ is ‘Mother in celestial.’ A ‘Mother in celestial’ is like a mentor to young women in the church. They do not exercise authority over men. Women cannot even make announcements in the celestial church let alone preach. We adhere strictly to what the Bible says on that issue because it is the word of God. The Apostle said, women should keep quiet in the church and be submissive to the authority of men, that’s it.  Jesus said, in the last days, there would be many false prophets. If one is truly a man of God, then one will speak according to the Bible. The Bible is God’s word. The Bible is very clear concerning the issue of women leadership in the church. They are not to take positions of leadership or authority in the church of God.

 In another chat with a member of the Jehovah’s witnesses, name withheld, he opined that, the Bible is the final authority on all issues for Christians. He then quotes 1 Timothy 2:11-12

‘‘But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet.  For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.  And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." (1 Tim. 2:12-14)

According to him, this bible verse only allows men to be pastors, elders and bishops in the church. Churches today have adopted the political and social standard that allows women to be pastors and elders in the church. Paul refers to the order of creation in his epistle to Timothy when he discusses the relationship between men and women in the church context.   ‘‘But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet.  For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. The woman is not to have authority over the man in the church context, but this does not extend to the political/economic world.  In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel over men, There is no doubt that women supported Paul in many areas and were great helpers in the church (Acts 2:17; 18:24-26; 21:8-9). What Paul is speaking of in 1 Tim. 2 is the relationship between men and women in the church structure. Even on the ministry of our Lord Jesus, all his disciples were men, does it mean there were no women who were qualified to be his disciples?’’  It goes against biblical instructions to ordain women as pastors particularly when they are to exercise authority over men in the church.’’

Elder Theophilus Ajibola of the United African Methodist Church said, the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2), who manages his household well, and has a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity" (1 Tim. 3:8).  Paul then speaks of women in verse 11 and their obligation to receive instructions.  Then in verse 12, Paul says "Let deacons be husbands of one wife . . . “Again, in Titus 1:5-7, Paul says, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.   He is the husband of one wife, responsible, able to "exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict" (Titus 1:9).  We see no command for the overseers to be women.  On the contrary, women are told to be "dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things" (1 Tim. 3:11).   Why is it that it is the men who are singled out as the overseers?  It is because of the created order of God that Paul said this, (Gen. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:12-14).  

He added that, ‘‘in the Old Testament in over 700 mentions of priests, every single one was a male.  There is not one instance of a female priest.  This is significant because priests were ordained by God to hold a very important office of ministering the sacrifices.  This was not the job of women. Therefore, Genesis 1-2, 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, the normal and proper person to hold the office of elder/pastor is to be a man.’’

Elder Theophilus said, ‘‘the verse that talked about male and female equality was not talking about church structure.  It is talking about salvation "in Christ."  It cannot be used to support women as pastors because that is not what it is talking about. To find out about church leadership, you need to go to those passages that talk about it: 1 Timothy 2 and Titus 1. God is a God of order.  He has established order within the family (Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-21 ) and the church (1 Tim. 2:11-14; 1 Cor. 11:8-9).  Even within the Trinity, there is an order--a hierarchy.  The Father sent the Son (John 6:38), and both the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26).  Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me." (John 6:38).  In creation, God made Adam first and then Eve to be his helper.  This is the order of creation.  It is this order that Paul mentions in 1 Tim. 2:11-14 when speaking of authority.  Being a pastor or an elder is to be in the place of authority. Therefore, within the church, for a woman to be a pastor or elder, she would be in authority over men in the church which contradicts what Paul says in 1 Tim. 2:11-14.  Not having a place of leadership in the church does not mean a woman is less of a person, less important to God, or inferior.  All are equal before God whether it is a Jew, Gentile, free, slave, male, or female. In the church, God has set up an order the same way he set one up in the family. The chain of command is Jesus, the man, the wife, and the children.  God's word clearly tells us that the elder is to be the husband of one wife.   A woman cannot qualify for this position by virtue of her being female,’’ he said.  

Celibacy: Blessing or burden

Celibacy: Blessing or burden

YEMI OLAKITAN

The doctrine of celibacy in the Catholic Church is not adopted by other denominations of the Christian faith. While the Catholic Church believes in the benefits of celibacy, other denominations such as the Pentecostals have ignored it completely.  Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan, examines the concept.

According to the Catholic encyclopedia, ‘‘Celibacy is the renunciation of marriage for the more perfect observance of chastity, by all those who receive the Sacrament of Orders in any of the higher grades. The candidates for orders are solemnly warned by the Bishop at the beginning of the ceremony. He tells them:  You ought anxiously to consider again and again what sort of a burden this is which you are taking upon you of your own accord. Up to this time, you are free. You may still, if you choose, turn to the aims and desires of the world. But if you receive this order it will no longer be lawful to turn back from your purpose. You will be required to continue in the service of God, and with His assistance to observe chastity and to be bound for ever in the ministrations of the altar.’’

In a chat with Father Julius Olaitan of Our Lady Mother of perpetual Help Catholic Church, Ajah, he explained that celibacy is a discipline of the church and not a doctrine. It is a discipline in which one sets himself aside for the work of God, in a sense that a priest lives without his own biological family; wife and children, since he does not have one, thereby becoming a member of every family in the church. As a church discipline, it is part of the demand of the priesthood and a priest is trained to be able to live that life. In other words, clerical celibacy is the practice of the Catholic Church. It is the discipline by which only unmarried men are ordained as priests,’’ he said.

Speaking further, he said, the most important benefits of celibacy to the priesthood is that it sets the priests aside for the work of the ministry so that he focuses all his attention absolutely on spiritual matters rather than the things of the world.’’

 Father Olaitan said, the call is taken in freedom. No one is forced to follow that path. People choose to follow the path of celibacy. It is also a calling. We have an example in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, who himself was celibate; he never married and most of the Apostles were celibate including Paul, the Apostle.  No-one is forced to do it. One is also free to opt out from the priesthood and return to the laity

When asked if in the future, priests could be allowed to marry, he said, for now, I don’t see the need for it. Celibacy allows one to do the work of God with absolute focus, concentration and devotion without worldly pursuits or encumbrances.’’ he said.

In another chat with Reverend Stephen Akinsowon of Saint Peters Catholic Church, Addo, Langbasa, Lagos, he said, ‘‘celibacy is not an imposition and it is not forced on the clergy. The Church teaches that priesthood is a ministry conformed to the life and work of Jesus Christ. Priests act in ‘‘persona Christi’’ that is in the person of Christ. Thus the life of the priest conforms, to the chastity of Christ himself. The sacrifice of married life is for the "sake of the Kingdom" (Luke 18:28–30, Matthew 19:27–30), and to follow the example of Jesus Christ in being "married" to the Church, " (following Ephesians 5:25-33 and Revelation 21:9, together with Mark 2:19-20, Matthew 9:14-15).

Reverend Father Stephen said ‘‘celibacy is very important because it promotes holiness of life; it makes the priests to be more efficient, able to carry out his work without distractions. It makes the priest to be available at all times to perform his functions such as sacrament, marriages, confessions, celebration of Mass. In the book of 1corinthians 7, 1-2, Paul said, he would like people to be as unmarried as he himself was so that they could have absolute devotion to the work of the kingdom. Jesus emphasized holiness, in the book of Mathew 19, 9-12 Jesus himself spoke about celibacy, so it also has scriptural backing.’’

‘‘It is a very high calling. When I was ordained, my grandfather called me, omo to ju Baba lo, meaning ‘the child that is older than his father.’  He was about 85 years old at the time that is the level that priests are placed.’’

On priestly misconduct, Father Stephen said, ‘‘there are sinners everywhere even in the church. The church is made for both sinners and the righteous, so one can stop people from sinning. He however said that even priests can be disciplined when the err, before you are ordained as a priest, you are first ordained as a Deacon and if you deemed unfit because of a personal misconduct, your ordination can be postponed indefinitely until you have amend your ways. It takes up to Nine years of study and training before one can become a priest in the Catholic Church’’

Similarly, Father Lawrence Abiona, principal at St, Joseph centenary Catholic College, Ilorin, Kwara state said, ‘‘celibacy is the church’s discipline aimed at promoting holiness and devotion to the work of God. It is a path that is willingly taken, no-one is forced just as Apostle Peter was married in the Bible and Apostle Paul was not. It gives a priest the capacity to do his job extremely well. He can be called upon to travel to wherever the mission takes him to, without the constraints of married life.  The priesthood is all about pleasing the Lord and the body of Christ.’’ 1 Corinthians 6: 18, 20, I Corinthians 7, 32-40.

Speaking further, he said, the priesthood is a gift and calling. You cannot make yourself a priest. Celibacy itself is a gift according to apostle Paul, Priests must be very humble, patient and Christ-like. It a very sacred office, Hebrew 5-4 It allows one to serve God with an undivided heart, and one can be freer in the service of God.

In Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:12: "Some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.   Paul, within a context of having "no command from the Lord" (1 Cor 7:25), recommends celibacy, but acknowledges that it is not God's gift to all within the church: "For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am ... I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world — how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world — how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction." 1 Corinthians 7:7–8, 7:32–35

Pope Francis Pope Francis commented that celibacy "is a matter of discipline, not of faith. It can change" but added: "For the moment, I am in favor of maintaining celibacy, with all its pros and cons, because we have ten centuries of good experiences rather than failures Tradition has weight and validity." He said, the rule must be strictly adhered to, and any priest who cannot obey it "has to leave the ministry"

In a chat with Pastor Emmanuel Onoja on the Hope of Life Evangelical Church, he said, that celibacy is not necessary in Pentecostal circles because the Bible does not make it compulsory for the clerics to be unmarried. According to him, anyone who wants to remain single like Paul the Apostle could do so but it is not a mandatory doctrine in the Pentecostal fold. Speaking further, he said, Apostle did not say it was divine commandment neither did our Lord Jesus, so the issue does not really catch much attention in our church because most of the Pentecostals pastors are doing their job without being celibate.’’ He said.

Pa Ogunjobi of the Redeemed Christian Church opined that God says, "Be fruitful and multiply” This means that he honours marriage and commands for all humanity. Although who remain single for the sake of the Gospel are not in error, this however does not mean that one cannot do the work of God without being celibate,’’ he said. 

Reverend Akinsuyi said, there are many catholic doctrines that I do n ot believe or agree with one of it is infant baptism which to me is totally unbiblical. When I was young they took me to the church, pour water on my head and gave me a new name, now what does a child knows about baptism. You see, I don’t believe in Catholic doctrines, he said.

However, in statement by the Catholic Church, it says that even in heaven, there would no marriage, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven" (Matt. 22:30). 

Should Churches pay tax?

Should Churches pay tax?

The extravagant lifestyle of religious leaders’ particularly Christian clerics has led opinion leaders to conclude that churches should pay taxes since they are making so much money from the people.  Only recently, delegates at the National Confab voted overwhelmingly that religious bodies should pay taxes. Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan examines the issue through biblical texts and Christian views.

When the subject was raised at the ongoing National Conference delegates reportedly voted that religious bodies should pay tax to the government, although, this is can only become possible if the recommendation is passed into law by the National Assembly. The delegates said that religious leaders are super rich and that church founders owned private jets and universities.

A delegate representing the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Isaac Ighure, said pastors and heads of churches made too much money and should pay tax. He said, ‘clerics buy private jets when people in their churches are living in poverty,” When the matter was put to vote, the delegates overwhelmingly voted ‘yes’ in support of the motion that religious bodies should pay taxes.

Barrister Abayomi Oyebola, a lawyer and senior partner at S.A Oyebola chambers opined that churches should pay taxes because most of them are not registered as charities. ‘‘They make the mistake of merely incorporating the name of their churches so they can be taxed. Speaking further, he said, individuals who collects salaries or income from the church should pay taxes. If the churches engage in businesses that generates profits, these can also be legitimately taxed by the government. Taxes are very essential to the economic advancement of the nation,’’ he said.

A search through the scriptures revealed that our Lord Jesus Christ paid tax. He was recorded to have instructed Peter, one of his prominent disciples to pay taxes for both of them, Mathew 17, 27 the Bible says, ‘but so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."  In Mathew 22: 15: 22, 15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him with his words. ¹⁶ They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. ¹⁷ Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” ¹⁸ But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? ¹⁹ Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, ²⁰ and he asked them, “Whose image is this? and whose inscription?”²¹ “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

According to the encyclopedia Britannica ‘‘taxes are the most important source of governmental revenue. Taxes are compulsory levies and are unrequited—i.e., they are generally not paid in exchange for some specific thing, such as a particular public service, the sale of public property, or the issuance of public debt. Taxes are collected for the welfare of taxpayers.’’ If taxes are used for the welfare of the people shouldn’t churches pay on the basis of what the taxes are to be used for?

Deaconess Shola Abimbola of Global Church of the Living God said no, although the Bible commands Christians to pay taxes as individuals. According to her, it is wrong to ask churches to pay taxes as a body because the church is not selling anything. ‘‘The monies that are generated by the churches are voluntary donations from members who have already paid income tax. Churches are meant to be charity organizations, it is not heard of anywhere in the world for a government to tax religious organizations so churches cannot pay taxes. It is unethical, mischievous and corrupt. If the government collects taxes from the church, that means that they have turned the church into a business entity so unscrupulous individuals can be justified if they turn the church into a money making venture.’’

In another chat with Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life Evangelical Church, he said, churches should not pay taxes because churches are not profit making entities. ‘‘What is the difference between the government and the churches? They both serve the people. What the church should do if they make more money is to serve the people more through charity work. They are spiritual organizations. Individuals in the church can pay taxes even Jesus paid tax according to the scriptures. If churches are taxed it is tantamount to double taxation because the monies that are collected are donations from members who are already been taxed. The church is not an organization that the ownership is been separated from the individuals. If the churches are making a lot of money they should be encouraged to carry out some social responsibilities such as road construction, provision of water, building of schools and so on in their various communities,’’ he said.

Speaking further, he said, ‘‘Men of God should not live like paupers because some people are poor in the church. If God blesses the pastor we cannot stop the pastor from enjoying the blessings. Take the Redeemed Christian Church of God, for example, members bought a private jet for the General overseer, Pastor Adeboye in order to ease his traveling schedules. If he has to visit five countries in a month, he can do so without having to queue at airports, he can do so with comfort and ease. This will help his work immensely. If the church has the money to buy a private jest that will help the work of God. It will be wrong to say they should not. Don’t forget that some of these churches have branches in nearly all the countries of the world,’’ he said.

Pastor Orjuma Daniel of the Redeemed Christian Church of God opined that the church must live up to its responsibility. ‘‘If the church is doing what it is told to do from the scriptures, no one will ask the church to pay taxes because churches are not supposed to pay taxes. Individual Christians should pay taxes because Jesus paid tax as an individual and not as a church so churches are not suppose to pay taxes because they are not a profit making organizations, they are not set up to make money. Churches are not business outfits, how can we tax them? It is wrong and inappropriate but the churches themselves should clean up their acts and rise up to their biblical responsibilities. The bible says, the church should take care of the poor, the widows, the orphans but we see today is the churches are building edifices and buying private jets. The Bible says that we will always have the poor among us, so if we have the poor amongst us, the church should help them.’’

Elder theophilus Ajibola of the United African Methodist Church, said, it is wrong to ask churches to pay tax.  ‘The church should not be asked to pay tax. If the state collect taxes from the church that means the church has become a beer seller or recharge card seller. The church role is to turn men to God and not to make money. If other non-profit organizations do not pay tax, how can the government ask the churches to pay taxes? It is wrong. However, If the government decides that the church must pay taxes, the Christian churches do not have any choice but to pay because the bible ask Christians to be obedient to constituted authorities.’’