By Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu Duruebube

As I reflect on the state of religion in Nigeria at the start of 2025, I am struck by how far modern Christianity in this country has deviated from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The story of Jesus—a child born into poverty, raised under political oppression, and ultimately executed for challenging corrupt systems—resonates deeply with the realities of many Nigerians today. Yet I wonder: if Jesus were born in Nigeria in this age, would he be celebrated or rejected? Would society embrace his radical message, or would it cast him aside as a troublemaker?

The Nigerian Church and Its Betrayal of Jesus’ Teachings

Let’s be honest—many Nigerian churches today have abandoned the revolutionary legacy of Jesus Christ. The man who fed the hungry, healed the sick, and stood against oppressive systems has been reduced to a mascot for wealth and influence. Prosperity gospel sermons glorify materialism, while the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized are often ignored or exploited.

Imagine Jesus walking into a Nigerian mega-church today. Would he be welcomed for his humility, equality, and justice? Likely not. He would probably be branded a threat to “men of God” who profit from the very systems he would challenge. The Nigerian church has increasingly aligned itself with the political and economic elite, abandoning the downtrodden masses Jesus championed.

The Sanitization of Jesus in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Jesus has been sanitized into a feel-good figurehead for religious festivities. Christmas, for instance, has become a celebration of consumerism and excess, overshadowing its message of humility and compassion. Extravagant spending, flashy decorations, and endless celebrations dominate the season, while millions of Nigerians struggle with poverty, hunger, and displacement.

Where is the compassion for the beggars on our streets or the displaced families in IDP camps? Where is the solidarity for the poor, the widows, and the orphans? While the Nigerian church preaches about Jesus, it often forgets the essence of his message—a call to serve “the least of these.”

What Would Jesus Do in Today’s Nigeria?

If Jesus were born in modern Nigeria, what would his message be? Would he remain silent about corruption at every level of governance? Would he ignore the widening gap between the rich and the poor, or the millions suffering from police brutality, substandard healthcare, and economic exploitation?

Jesus, as I understand him, would stand firmly against the injustices that plague our country. He would speak out against the oppression of ordinary Nigerians and confront the political elites who hoard wealth while the masses starve. He would rebuke religious leaders who collect tithes from the poor while building luxury universities and private jets.

But how would Nigerians respond to such a figure? The truth is uncomfortable: Jesus would likely be dismissed as a radical troublemaker. He would face opposition from both politicians and religious leaders who benefit from the systems he would challenge.

The Church’s Complicity in Nigeria’s Oppression

One of the most troubling aspects of modern religion in Nigeria is its complicity in oppression. Churches, which should serve as sanctuaries of hope and justice, often align themselves with corrupt politicians and businessmen. Instead of standing for truth and justice, they preach submission to authority—even when that authority exploits and oppresses the people.

This is not the faith of Jesus. The man who overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple would find no place in today’s prosperity-driven Christianity. Instead, he would likely be ostracized for exposing the hypocrisy of religious institutions.

A Call for Reflection: What Does Faith Mean in 2025?

As we enter the new year, Nigerians must take a hard look at their faith. Are we following the teachings of Jesus, or are we using his name to justify selfish ambitions? Are we willing to stand against injustice and corruption, or are we content with celebrating a commercialized version of Jesus while ignoring the suffering around us?

The hypocrisy within the Nigerian church is glaring. How can we celebrate the birth of a child who fled persecution as a refugee while ignoring the plight of displaced Nigerians in IDP camps? How can we honor Jesus, who fed the hungry and healed the sick, while tolerating a healthcare system that fails the poor?

If we are to truly honor Jesus, we must reclaim his transformative message. We must demand justice for the oppressed, care for the poor, and confront corruption head-on. The church must return to being a voice for the voiceless, not a tool for the powerful.

Conclusion: The Choice Before Us in 2025

As we leave behind the Christmas season and step into 2025, let us remember not just the baby in the manger, but the man who challenged the status quo. Jesus stood for justice, compassion, and love for the marginalized. His message is more relevant than ever in a country like Nigeria, where inequality and oppression are rampant.

The question for us as individuals and as a nation is simple: will we follow his example, or will we continue to betray his legacy? The choice is ours. Let 2025 be the year we choose justice, compassion, and true faith over hypocrisy and complacency.