A Question of Faith

Nigeria is a deeply religious country.  There are very few here who would call themselves atheist or admit to having no faith in God.  I didn’t think my lack of religion would have an impact on my relationships here but it seems it is another factor which makes me different and slightly odd in the eyes of Nigerian society.

I work in a Christian school (St Saviour’s) but my religion was never discussed at interview or at any time throughout the recruitment process so I presumed it wasn’t a big deal.  All of the Nigerian staff have a strong faith in God.  Every staff meeting is opened and closed with a prayer.  Prayers are said for people who are sick or troubled or who need a break.  Prayers are not quiet, personal or reflective.  They are loud, shared as a group and often make me giggle – which is obviously totally inappropriate.  

In getting to know my colleagues and gradually sharing more about myself, people have become more aware of my lack of religious persuasion or faith.  When my classroom assistant and friend Shola realised - she was horrified and worried about me.  She tried to persuade me to come to church and practically begged me to reconsider my opinions.  She was truly concerned about me like I had just told her I was addicted to drugs or that I was doing something illegal.  

My Scottish colleague had a similar experience.  At the end of term, just before leaving for summer break she was given a card from her classroom assistant.  It told her how wonderful and inspiring she was and how much fun it had been working with her BUT her life would never be complete unless she embraced God.  It doesn’t seem to be enough that we are nice people; we should attend church and pray to God as well.

I don’t know why but it always surprises me when young people are deeply religious.  I tend to associate blind faith with older folk.  Many Nigerians drinking alcohol and socialising on a weekend are avid church goers too and despite being fashionable, cool, witty, having casual relationships, drinking a little too much etc.  etc. etc. they are actually quite conservative when it comes to matters of faith.  I don’t have a problem with any of this fundamentally but just find it all rather odd and a little hypocritical.  

I’ve realised that I’m a little prejudiced towards very religious people.  I’m sceptical and suspicious and wonder why people don’t ask the obvious questions about the bible, science, the universe.

I once read that religion has a lot to do with belonging and the human need for community and companionship in shared ideals.  I believe that people also need a faith in something more than just themselves.  People like to think someone is looking after them and that life is not just luck and science and chance.  The opinions parents pass down to their children play a large role in how people view faith as they age – my parents were not particularly religious and encouraged me question what I was told and we didn’t go to church except for weddings, christenings and funerals.  Hence my lack of enthusiasm now.  However, I don’t think this is the only factor contributing to religious belief.

In the UK and other countries where there are institutions like the welfare state and NHS I think people need religion less.  It is easier to have faith in fellow human beings.  If you have an accident or require assistance in any way there is always someone coming to give you the help you need. If you have a mental illness; people recognise it and treat you with medicine.  If you’re in a dire financial situation and can’t feed your children – someone else will.  In Nigeria, often, there is no one coming to help.  If you have a car accident an ambulance isn’t going to speed through traffic with a siren to ensure your life doesn’t end before it’s supposed to. 

 I heard a story recently about a woman who was pregnant with twins and already had four children.  Her husband abandoned her as they were poor and he couldn’t be bothered trying to support his family any more.  She and her children would have almost certainly died if a local charity hadn’t stepped in and provided her with money for rent and food.  I’m sure many others aren’t quite as lucky.  Another story I was told was about a husband who had to beg his (expat) employer for money after his wife went into labour but had complications.  She required an operation but didn’t have any money to pay for it so was asked to leave the hospital.  The employee told his boss that she had been put in a chair outside the hospital and left to die because her baby was breach.  The employer asked took pity and gave the employee £500 to pay for the operation so his wife and baby survived but had he not been in a position to then they would have actually died.  

To me these situations are disgusting; especially in a country where huge profits are made from oil and people pay their taxes.  Nigerian folks cannot have faith in their fellow man or government so I can understand there must be a deep need to have faith in a higher power.  That at least someone is looking out for them and will keep them from harm.