By Solomon OKPO
A Christian commentator, Idy James, has sparked renewed debate within Nigeria’s religious space with the release of Part Two of his series titled “The Religious Rituals God Never Authorized,” a critical examination of widely practiced church activities he describes as biblically unfounded and spiritually manipulative.
Building on the first part, which interrogated cross-over night vigils and prolonged compulsory fasts, James, in this latest exposition, turns his attention to what he calls “sacred lies designed to sustain sacred systems.” Anchoring his argument on Matthew 15:9, “In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”, he insists that many contemporary Christian rituals in Nigeria are products of tradition and control rather than divine instruction.
One of the central claims challenged in the piece is the popular assertion that missing a 31st December cross-over service amounts to “missing God.” James argues that this belief wrongly portrays God as attendance-based, time-bound, and mediated solely through church leaders. Citing Acts 7:48, which states that God does not dwell in man-made buildings, alongside Hebrews 13:5 and Romans 8:38–39, he maintains that believers are in constant union with God, irrespective of location or calendar time.
He further raises concerns over the physical and social consequences of such teachings, noting that sick persons, pregnant women, and vulnerable worshippers are often compelled to attend night vigils, sometimes at fatal risk. “Any god you must chase at midnight,” he argues, “is not the God who neither slumbers nor sleeps.”
James also dismantles the doctrine that January fasting determines the outcome of the entire year.
According to him, this teaching implies that divine favour is earned through hunger rather than grace. Referencing Psalm 34:10, Hebrews 4:16, and Romans 14:17, he stresses that access to God is through Christ, not deprivation of food. He describes the practice as “religious hunger games,” alleging that while congregants are compelled to fast, church leaders often exempt themselves from the hardship.
Another focal point of the critique is the belief that the first 7, 21, or 40 days of the year spiritually control the remaining months. James counters this notion with James 4:13–15, Lamentations 3:22–23, and Matthew 6:34, which collectively affirm that God dispenses grace daily and sovereignly, not through ritual calculations.
He warns that temporary displays of holiness followed by a return to unethical living contradict the essence of the Christian faith.
The article also addresses the widespread belief that prayers offered on mountains carry greater spiritual authority.
Quoting Luke 17:21, Hebrews 4:14–16, and Ephesians 2:6, James insists that the kingdom of God resides within believers, not on elevated terrains. He laments reports of deaths, abuse, and ritualistic excesses associated with prayer mountains, describing them as symbols of misplaced faith rather than genuine spirituality.
Equally criticised is the emphasis on “special days” requiring special rituals, offerings, or spiritual items. Drawing from Galatians 4:9–11, Colossians 2:16–17, and Hebrews 10:10–14, James argues that Christ’s sacrifice is complete and sufficient, rendering such practices unnecessary. He notes that while churches promote special vigils, seeds, oils, and mantles, obedience and Christ-like living are often neglected.
In his concluding remarks, James invokes Galatians 3:3, questioning the logic of beginning in the Spirit only to seek perfection through rituals. He asserts that Nigeria’s spiritual crisis will not be resolved by more fasting calendars, vigils, or prayer mountains, but through repentance, sound doctrine, and Christ-centred discipleship.
“Christ did not die to create a religious industry,” he writes. “He died to redeem a people.”
The commentary has continued to draw attention for its uncompromising stance and call for doctrinal re-evaluation within Nigerian Christianity, particularly at a time when, according to the author, “false alliances are threatening sound doctrine.”
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