Can religion transform society?

IF ONE is asked to write a critique of this present age it will not be surprising to find one stumbling upon terms vying for attention.

Terms like ‘the information age, the electronic age, the computer age, the cybernet age’ will come to mind.

There is, however, one thing that has always been there, but has enjoyed phenomenal growth in the present era, especially in Africa. Religion is the one thing that has grown in leaps and bounds in this troubled postmodern era.

Religious leaders now command colossal support from all walks of life. The Christian fellowship in Zimbabwe has gained more popularity than one will have imagined at independence.

Chapels are no longer large enough to accommodate crowds that flock to worship centres. Open space gatherings are now popular for congregations that cannot afford to hire stadiums.

However, against this unprecedented popularity for the religion of all ages is the ever increasing vice of moral decadence. Adultery and fornication have become like sport despite the increase in religious involvement.

Corruption has increased astronomically. One can never cross a hurdle without paying a bribe.

One wonders if going to church has become a pastime. Church gatherings seem to offer alternative entertainment to those who do not feel comfortable in the also popular night depths, that is night clubs and taverns.

The Good Lord also commanded a huge following throughout his Galilean ministry, but towards the end of the same ministry he upbraided the Galilean Cities, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for having failed to repent.

Can the above be the same scenario this present era? Religious leaders face the higher order challenge of transforming people’s mindsets through an unequivocal interpretation of the gospel.

People should be encouraged to read the Bible on their own. Religion is like politics whereby people in their innocence follow what they do not know. Nhamo Muchagumisa,

Penhalonga.