2015-01-09 18:34
The brewing crisis rocking the household of Pastor Chris and
Anita Oyakhilome, the founding pastors of Christ Embassy is no longer
news to any watcher of societal trends. There is an air of intending
divorce and to all concerned, indicators of a looming calamitous climax
seems to be waxing stronger. The media has followed the development with
keen eagerness and reported same in pursuance of achieving their
marketing interests and not informing the inquisitive public. This
premise has been made judging from the biased, one-sided and
objectionable news articles which have constantly been churned out for
consumption by their vulnerable readers.
Apologists of Chris have
argued endlessly in favour of the charismatic man of God, presenting
him as the victimized. Anita has been adjudged by them to be the
initiator of the imminent separation, out to deliberately tarnish the
esteemed image of her partner. On the contrary, Anita's fans have
stoutly defended her on the grounds that Chris' alleged infidelity and
unresponsiveness must have pushed her to the walls. They posit that her
demand for the divorce was the last recourse in a bid to escape the
union which had only brought her undeserved pains and regrets.
Also read: 'Cheating' prophet files for divorce
I
choose not to identify with any side in this raging argument but to
rather raise pertinent questions predicated on the escalating
controversy. Has divorce suddenly gained acceptance in religious circles
such that even custodians of faith- pastors now entertain it
comfortably? What happened to the biblical admonishments which clearly
promotes the sacredness of the marriage institution? What does this
current trend portend for the growth of Christianity in a world in dire
need of evangelism? And finally, will pastoral celibacy currently
enshrined in Roman Catholic orthodoxy ever be a consensual solution?
I
do not deny a strong inclination towards my beliefs as a Catholic over
other contradicting religious dogmas but I can guarantee an open-minded
approach towards addressing all issues of concern to the general public.
When Rev. Okotie, the musician turned preacher divorced his wife
openly, I had reasons to condemn him but chose to wave it as a case of
human weakness triumphing over reason. To be sincere, even prior to that
incidence, I never held him as a seasoned man of God worthy of
commanding respect judging from perceived questionable characters and
faulty ministerial background. Oyakhilome is a sharp contrast to
Okotie's person and has always been admired by me as a quintessential
shepherd of the flock; the reason why I am discussing his personal life.
If
this divorce pulls through in defiance of concerted efforts by many
towards an amicable resolution, what will happen to the faith of the
couple's global audience who look up to them as role models. Do you
think divorce would still remain in their perspective as a repugnant
course of action which should be non existent among Christ's followers? I
seriously think the fabrics of the most revered and oldest institution
in life has been weakened by this latest detestable theatrical display
by Pastors Chris and Anita.
The world should now take a second
look at the long standing law of celibacy in the catholic priesthood
with objective eyes in view of reassessing its importance. It is still
vital for man to have a soul mate but never has it been a binding
command. Paul is a biblical example of someone who never married as a
means towards actualizing his destiny of an unperturbed evangelization.
No wonder the authority of the Roman catholic church has continued to
turn deaf ears to incessant global calls towards jettisoning this age-
long, controversial tradition.
If we agree that Christianity has
suffered immense defamation in the face of these high profile divorce
cases and that such distractions are inimical to the growth of the
religion, we can also endorse a call for church leaders to consider the
adoption of celibacy as a binding law on all intending shepherds of the
fast derailing flock.
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