As Christians, Muslims, Jains, and followers of different belief systems, we continually strive to make it to the good side of afterlife — heaven.

Consequently, we follow (or at least try to follow) the teachings of our scriptures, sometimes at the cost relationships, family, financial gains, much more.

Some pastors have turned people against their families, made people who barely have enough to give all they have so that “they might receive.”

You hear words like, “God loves the giver.” “Give, and you shall receive.” “Contribute to the building of God’s house, and see how God will build your own house.”

But it doesn’t end in giving, it would have been good if it did. Some pastors tell members that their mother, brother, uncle, or aunt in the village are the source of their misgivings.

Some have made members hurt others. Talk about Rev. King; about pastors in Akwa Ibom State that have made parents drill 6-inch long nails into the heads of kids they deem, “witches.” Pastors who have made fathers serve their kids acid to drink.

This reminds me of Apostle Jim Jones who in November 18, 1978 led over 900 people (including babies) to commit mass suicide by drinking poison.

Not familiar with this story? You can find the details here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlZgDIkCSm4

But it’s not even just the Christian leaders. Some Muslim leaders have lead many men to fight unnecessary fights and lost their lives in the process. They’ve turned members against other religious denominations, governments, and even regular everyday people.

Matters like this is what makes me ask the big question: Should you trust your legions leaders at all times?

When do you say no, and stand your ground even when being blackmailed with scriptures that have been twisted?

Or do we follow blindly to eat grass, snakes, scorpions, or even commit suicide like Apostle Jim Jones’ members? This particular case worries me so much, because of the number of lives that were lost at a go.

If you ask me, I’ll say people should learn to base their beliefs in their scriptures and not in words of men. When we go to Church, Mosque, the shrine or wherever, we should carry our thinking faculty with us.

I would love to hear what you guys think about this issue, as well as your personal experiences.

It is well.
I think yoir thoughts are right. Knowing and analysing our spiritual leaders instructions through the bible or whatever you read.

Ay the same time, it's dicey. The bible encourages us "to believe in his prophets, so that you will prosper". So there should be some individualistic balance across board.

For me:
The pastor that will want me to give(sow) the only money with me in lieu of my feeding or very basic need should be subject to questions even though God can stimulate you to take such extreme decision

kwaso2:
It is well.
I think yoir thoughts are right. Knowing and analysing our spiritual leaders instructions through the bible or whatever you read.

Ay the same time, it's dicey. The bible encourages us "to believe in his prophets, so that you will prosper". So there should be some individualistic balance across board.

For me:
The pastor that will want me to give(sow) the only money with me in lieu of my feeding or very basic need should be subject to questions even though God can stimulate you to take such extreme decision

I agree with you100%; it is very dicey. Because, how do you when your “walking in faith” or stupidity?