Pentecostal superficiality destroying the church faster than Islamic fundamentalism says Bishop Onah

By Ikechukwu Odu

The Catholic bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, has disclosed that Pentecostal superficiality is destroying the church faster than Islamic fundamentalism.

The clergy also bemoaned the attitude of faithful who now believe in using items to conjure miracles for themselves instead of looking up to Jesus Christ for salvation and breakthroughs in their daily challenges.

While explaining the gospel according to Matthew 16:21-27, he urged the congregation to embrace the cross of Jesus Christ by rendering selfless services to humanity in their areas of endeavours, saying “we reject our salvation the moment we lose focus on the cross.”

He made the call during a homily on Sunday at the St. Theresa’s Cathedral Parish, Nsukka, adding that we seize to be Christians if we stop making sacrifices for the betterment of our soceities and human existence.

He further explained that if St. Peter, who Christ called the pillar of His church could also be referred to as Satan by the same christ, we should always evaluate our lives to ensure that we don’t constitute stumbling blocks to others in their quest to know and serve God.

He said “Pentecostal superficiality is killing the church from inside, ridding it of its own content. It is destroying the church faster than Islamic fundamentals. If we reject the cross of Christ, we reject our salvation, but if we embrace our cross and follow Christ, we are no longer obstacles but rocks of our faith.

“Once you begin to think that you can serve without sacrificing yourself, once you begin to think that you can make money without killing yourself for others, you are no longer a rock of your faith, no matter the social, economic, political or ecclesiastical position you occupy in our society.

“To be a rock, you have to be a person of firm faith in God the father, the son and the holy spirit. The father who plans everything, the son who is the way and directs carrying the cross, and the spirit who gives the strength.

“However, remember that any sacrifice or suffering you undertake outside Christ will not yield you grace. Therefore, let’s make our sacrifices for others looking at Christ for direction.”