Nigeria is a populous country dense in religious practices of divergent ideologies with each possessing a disposition distinct from others, towards technology and development. In recent times, with hunger and poverty haven metamorphosed into a pseudo-religion, it becomes expedient to readdress the factors militating against Industrialisation and technologization, amongst which religious Fanaticism is prominent.
This writing was spurred by a little girls question to me. "Does the concept of evil spirit exist in Europe and other Countries?"
The answer is not readily accessible but calls for further reflection on the subject matter especially as regards Nigerians' attitude towards investigation, research and invention. Behind the minds of most avarage Nigerian are some religious undertones which shape our attitude and docility to innovations.
In Nigeria, there are Christians, Muslims and Traditionalist amongst others from which Islam has distinquished itselt to have strong avertion for western culture. But it is worth knowing that the Islamic world once championed scientific and technological developments down the medieval era haven been influenced by the Greeks, reaching its zenith in the Arab civilization about the ninth century as manifested in the construction of schools and monasteries, irrigation works and mosques, in the desert land.
From the Eleventh century the Arab world experienced stagnation and rather became offensive to the course they once championed, thus contributing little or nothing to the era of industrialization except there improvement on oil exploration and weaponry. The effect is still felt till today.
[(https://images.app.goo.gl/tzzRWUp4kB9U7cUN7)]
The ethos of enlightenment fueled a radical aversion for westernisation by some Muslim groups who turn to destroying rather than building since the twentieth century since they see western technology and industrialization as antithetical to Islamic rubrics.
Schuurman noted in "Al- Ansari, the root of terrorism is the culture of hate,2007." that fanatic Muslims alleged that western industrialization destroys culture and that western religion is a spiritless, superficial and materialistic culture of technological presumptions which militates against the worship of the divine spirit and thus go all out (including suicide bombing) to destroy all worshipper noting that death for the sake of Allah is their supreme ambition.
Except with a redefinition of some religious ideologies, Nigeria which has great Muslim population will make no head way in industrialization and technology.
[(https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/breaking-death-toll-in-kano-explosion-rises-to-nine/%3famp)]
[(https://images.app.goo.gl/Lx1yyjXcwyFQwuaL7)]
[(https://images.app.goo.gl/uifeLdseW4Qebrse7)]
[(
https://images.app.goo.gl/hTBXvrhv455r4NuN9)]
Another problem is the inordinate appeal to faith in matters that requires reason and research and investigation. One simply says it is the will of God. Who said? Religion does not take away or reasoning facilities but enhances them.
One can not accuse another of brain washing him into fanatism but one only becomes fanatic when he has lost touch with reality and is driven by hate and barbarism.
The Exaggerated believe in spiritism is another factor that militates against advancement and leads to Fanaticism. Everything is attributed to the work of the devil.
[(https://www.google.com/search?q=evil+spirit&client=ms-android-transsion&prmd=ivn&sxsrf=ALiCzsaE3Bq-5E9tF1cGN1LNZrPotdlV_Q:1654852207037&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibztLvxKL4AhUM8xoKHaKSBZQQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=360&bih=728&dpr=2#imgrc=3UBo0ARn_NBMJM)]
If a criminal is apprehended, he resorts to being under the influence of the evil spirit. Spirit are on there own sphere, why must we involve the in matters that are unconnected to them.
I just want you to know that Fanaticism is a decision, it's an agenda, it's a plan to dominate others, but I tell you, it finally shots itself on the leg. Evil will only beget evil. Refine your religious believe and demythologize them. No strings attached. Just reflecting loudly.
Your reactions are welcomed.
