In recent times, there has been a resurgence of idol worship around us in this part of the world. When I come online, I see a subtle push for a return to the archaic fetish practices of our ancestors. Unfortunately, some Christians are pushing this agenda claiming that African traditional religion is older than the christian faith.
In a bid to sound right politically, they got it wrong biblically. Looking at how practioners of idolatry seems to be voiceless and unrecognized by law, it seemed right to advocate and give them a place because of history but biblically, what they are into is clearly hated by God. One of the most striking commandments in the decalogue says:
[3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me. [4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: [5] thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; [6] and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments ( Ex 20).
I have boarded buses and i've seen people advertising charms with massive patronage. I am sure one or two church goers will be among them. The advocacy for ancestor worship and traditional religion has gone on air. Satan has raised footsoldiers to do the advert and people are buying into it. I won't be surprised If a reader of this piece has bought a talisman.
Psalm 16:4 says, "Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: Their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, Nor take up their names into my lips"
God hates idolatry with all passion. An idolater is indirectly downplaying the almightiness of God. It seems those advocating for a return to African traditional practices do not know the damages idolatry caused. The effect of the evil covenants and practices of our ancestors still lingers today. As one who has traveled to a few places in Africa and have interfaced with people who have deep demonic issues, I will never drum support for a return to idolatry. Never!
The continuation of our opening text says, "[10] But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! The whole earth trembles at his anger. The nations cannot stand up to his wrath.
When next you hear people say that we should return to the religion of our ancestors, do not listen or pay attention. They might sound politically and philosophically right but I want you to know they are setting you up against the true living God.
