A banner with the inscription ‘Jesus Christ isn’t God has generated widespread criticisms on social media.
The banner reported to have been displayed on the gate of the Central Mosque in Lekki, Lagos State, has left many condemning the message whereas others defended it.
The controversial inscription, which went viral on Wednesday, 18 December had divided public opinion. Some argued that the banner’s message was blasphemous, whereas others maintained that it aligned with long-held views shared by Islamic teachings and, in some circumstances, sure Christian pastors.
Amongst these voicing concern, Nigerian actress, Wumi Tuase, expressed her disapproval on X (previously twitter), saying, “I don’t wish to get into non secular conversations however I discovered it very bizarre that Lekki Central Mosque has this in entrance of their gate.”
A person with the deal with #Fisayo Ojabodu criticised the banner, saying, “You don’t see the banner as disrespectful to different folks’s faith. And it’s propagating a silly agenda.” One other person, #Adesuwa, known as it nothing lower than blasphemy, highlighting the non secular sensitivity surrounding the difficulty.
Additional controversy was sparked by #FS Yusuf, who pointed to historic grievances: “Christianity is definitely a faith of peace. Within the final twenty years, my household church has been set on hearth by Muslim extremists for ridiculous causes equivalent to non secular extremism and Buhari shedding his 2011 election. That is the fact for a whole lot of church buildings and in addition harmless people accused of blasphemy. If this write-up was achieved by a Christian organisation, we received’t be right here typing. Till we study to uphold tolerance, we are able to’t make progress as a pluralistic society.”
Some customers, nonetheless, defended the message, stating that it mirrored their very own understanding of Christianity. Silva Bella argued, “It’s not about Christianity being a faith of peace or not … Jesus isn’t God. I’ve learn the Bible plenty of occasions and it’s apparent, however I can’t nonetheless get why folks name Jesus God. He’s the son, which suggests God is the daddy.”
However, some voices countered this view, reinforcing their perception within the divinity of Jesus. “Jesus is God, Jesus is your King and Jesus will move judgment on all,” stated person GeradTheGreat. Joycccc shared a sentiment on fb, writing, “We’re so peaceable, and we’ll stay peaceable, we don’t combat for our God, He fights for himself.”
In an emotionally charged response, one other X person, Expope, drew comparisons to a earlier tragedy: “The late Deborah they set on hearth has not achieved as much as this earlier than all of them joined arms to terminate her life.”
Among the many extra reflective responses, #ChristTheLighthouse reminded Christians of their teachings of tolerance, emphasising, “We as Christians settle for criticism, backlash, rejection, and even insults. Our Lord and saviour whom we imagine and serve obtained extra as much as the purpose of dying! He prayed for unbelievers and his persecutors and killers.”
Some customers discovered frequent floor, with Muhammad Shaikhan providing a extra conciliatory stance: “The fantastic thing about this drama between Christians and Muslims is that everybody of us is aware of that God is one. God is all the time a God. We will’t substitute God with anyone. The argument is all in regards to the educating of Jesus and that of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon them. So I don’t vex.”
In the meantime, Abdul’fattah Muhdl’awwal echoed Islamic views, asserting, “Jesus himself by no means stated he’s God. You and the likes are those calling him God. Therefore the quote in that banner is the very fact and never blasphemous.” Olawale agreed, including, “The message on the banner is true.”
In the meantime, Lagos Assertion was but to react to the event at press time given its potential to spark non secular disaster within the peaceable State.
