Pastor Mackenzie, in Kenya, asked his congregation to fast for 40 days, without eating or drinking, in order to physically encounter Christ. Many people associated themselves with this request: men, women, young, old, intellectuals, all were touched.
It’s important to note that many people go to church for reasons other than prayer or the love of God. In Africa in particular, many go to church to seek healing for their illnesses, to find a partner or to get money. If all these problems were solved, it’s certain that the churches would be empty by now. The paradox is that these church-fillers are the same people who are jealous, spiteful and neglectful of their families. Unfortunately, so-called “men of God” use the people’s weaknesses to manipulate them into giving them money, goods or other things. This manipulation leads many people to fall for such nonsense.
Mackenzie, a controversial figure
Mackenzie himself is a controversial figure. According to the story, he was once a cab driver, but one day he felt God’s call and decided to become a pastor. He began recruiting followers and many came to his church. However, it is important to ask why these people joined his church? Is it out of sincerity and love for God, or for personal interests such as healing, marriage or wealth?
Mackenzie has been arrested in the past for encouraging dubious practices, such as abandoning education and medical care in the name of religion. He claimed that education and medicine are not biblical, encouraging pregnant women not to consult a doctor during childbirth, which is a misinterpretation. What’s more, he sowed fear among his followers by talking about the devil, omnipotent satanic forces and the dangers of science. This constant fear was used to manipulate and control them. This is why the Kenyan government has risen up to block and pass on a key message to all these so-called pastors.
Read more:
The mistreatment of African workers abroad
Be discerning about religious leaders and the churches they attend
It’s essential to question such preaching, and not to be led astray by religious leaders who use religion for their own gain. The faithful must have a good conscience and spiritual maturity to discern truth from lies. It’s also crucial not to use the Bible to justify questionable behavior or harmful actions towards others.
Ultimately, it’s important to be wary of preachers and religious leaders who exploit people’s faith for personal gain. The church has become the only field where people can change jobs from one day to the next. Believers must therefore be critical and responsible for their own spirituality, and not let their brains switch off as soon as they hear spiritual discourses. Religion shouldn’t make people weak and powerless, but inspire them to fight for what’s right and help others.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
