The topic of religion is quite wide and controversial among different societies in the world. Since God created the earth, religion has existed and has been evolving gradually. People have different beliefs depending on their religions. So, what exactly is religion all about. There are various explanations for what makes up a religion. The simplest definition of religion is that it is a social-cultural system of chosen practices that connects humanity to spiritual elements.
There are different religious practices that people indulge in. These practices may be like rituals, sermons, sacrifices, festivals, feasts, initiations, meditation among others. Religions also have holy histories that people have conserved in holy scriptures and sacred places. Moreover, these religions contain symbolic stories that followers believe to be true. Traditional religious leaders have considered faith as an origin of the religious way of life.
There are over 9500 religions globally. An estimation of about 85% of the globe’s population is in connection with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
The State Of Churches Now And Coronavirus
Before the coronavirus struck the earth, people were freely practicing their faith and religions. However, this year, everything is different. Believers will not be able to worship as they used to follow the social distancing rule. The World Health Organization prohibited the act of social gatherings to help curb the spread of the virus. Religious events such as marriages, initiations, and funerals are not supposed to take place unless organizers ask for permission from authorities. There are countries such as Kenya that have reopened places of worship, but with strict orders.
In a country such as SA, the government closed the places of worship for some time and even banned alcohol. The government put these measures to help control the spread of the virus. Moreover, it was trying to prevent congestion and alcohol-related cases in South African hospitals. After the government banned alcohol, there was a rise in police brutality as they were trying to keep alcoholics in line.
The African Church And Religion
In Africa, religion is wide. Some countries have stuck to the traditional way of worshipping. Others have evolved and follow the western way of worshipping in churches and not under trees. Different churches believe in different things and have different ways of connecting with God. Some believe that through animal sacrifices, they somehow connect to God while others believe in liquor.
An example of a church that believes it links with God through alcohol is the Gabola church in South Africa. Pope Tsietsi Makiti is the founder of this church that connects with the Higher One mysteriously. They refer to the church as small heaven on earth. It accommodates drunkards whom people have ex-communicated them from their initial churches. The irony behind this church is that it transforms the members spiritually, but they still consume alcohol. According to Christian beliefs, a believer should not consume alcohol as he or she is a new creation.
The members of Gabola Church drink alcohol before attending the church service. They believe that when they consume liquor; they connect to God better, and they hear the Holy Spirit more. During this pandemic, the church has no other option but to have dry services as they are complying with the directives. The leaders of the church do not take part in criminal acts by obeying the laws and orders of the South African government. The story of Gabola’s church raises too many questions among other believers around the globe.
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