Christianity is fundamentally a faith of unity, understanding, and dialogue, not a contest among different denominations or belief systems. It is meant to foster mutual respect and conversation among individuals from diverse backgrounds, encouraging the free exchange of ideas while upholding the core values of love and compassion.
In today’s competitive world, people across various spheres of life—whether students, professionals, or spiritual leaders—often feel immense pressure to excel. Students strive for top grades, sometimes at the expense of their health, while professionals push themselves to provide exceptional service. In the spiritual domain, Christians, too, are dedicated to embodying the teachings of their faith. Preachers labor to deliver impactful messages that inspire transformation and strengthen the faith of their congregations. However, the drive for superiority in any field—whether academic, professional, or spiritual—can lead to a disconnect from the original goals of authenticity, personal fulfillment, and genuine relationships. When the focus shifts solely to recognition, one risks losing sight of the very principles that first inspired them, whether in pursuit of academic accolades, spiritual achievement, or leadership acknowledgment.
This issue has been recently magnified within the Nigerian Christian community, where competition among clergymen has sparked significant debate. The catalyst for this discourse was Dr. Abel Damina, a well-known pastor, who publicly criticized fellow ministers for focusing excessively on tithing, arguing that it detracts from the fundamental messages of the Bible. Dr. Damina’s critique extended to the Roman Catholic Church, targeting its practices, including the Holy Communion, the Mass, and the priesthood’s role. This raises important questions: Is Dr. Damina attempting to steer the church back to its scriptural foundations, or is he engaging in a power struggle to elevate his own standing within the religious hierarchy? More crucially, how should these critiques be approached—can they be constructive without resorting to personal attacks?
The debate over tithing is at the heart of this discussion. Supporters of tithing, particularly in Nigeria, view it as a biblical command, citing passages like Leviticus 27:30 and Malachi 3:10. They argue that bringing tithes into the storehouse is a way to secure God’s blessings, echoing promises of abundance. Critics like Dr. Damina, however, contend that tithing was part of the Old Testament law fulfilled by Christ and does not apply under the New Covenant. Instead, he advocates for voluntary and cheerful giving, a perspective shared by the Catholic Church, which emphasizes proportional giving rooted in personal conviction and generosity.
Dr. Damina’s attack on the Catholic Church escalated with harsh criticism of the Holy Communion, which he dismissed as “a stupid white thing,” asserting that it lacked biblical foundation. He argues that the repeated Eucharist undermines Christ’s singular, complete sacrifice. However, such criticisms fail to recognize the theological and historical significance of the Eucharist, which, according to Catholic tradition, is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, as found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. This practice is not a mere ritual, but a sacred act of remembrance that has been passed down through the ages. To dismiss this sacred practice as meaningless is to disregard the continuity of Christian tradition.
Dr. Damina also criticized the Catholic Church for allegedly discouraging its followers from reading the Bible. While it is true that the Church historically restricted access to scripture, particularly in the Middle Ages, this has long since changed. Today, the Catholic Church encourages scripture reading both privately and in communal settings. Catholics engage with the Bible through Mass, Bible study groups, and other spiritual practices, ensuring that scripture remains central to their faith life.
Additionally, Dr. Damina’s assertion that the Catholic Church did not contribute to the formation of the Bible is also inaccurate. While the Church did not author the Bible, it played a crucial role in compiling the biblical canon. Through rigorous discernment, the Church established the texts that would become the Bible, a process that spanned centuries. The Catholic Church does not claim authorship of the Bible but rather sees itself as the guardian and interpreter of God’s revelation.
Despite the contention, Christianity at its core calls for unity and dialogue, not rivalry. The Catholic Church, in particular, seeks to build a community of believers that serves others, fosters peace, and exemplifies Christ’s teachings of love. This spirit of inclusivity transcends denominational divides and fosters mutual understanding, even with those who hold differing views. The Church actively participates in ecumenical dialogue, working alongside other Christian denominations and religious traditions to address global challenges such as poverty, social justice, and climate change.
Christianity, especially as expressed through the Catholic Church, is not a battleground for competition, but a call to service. The mission is clear: to share the love of Christ with all people, regardless of their background, and to build a community where all are welcome. This is not a faith of exclusion, but one of inclusion, where each individual’s path is respected, and dialogue is encouraged.
In the face of theological disagreements, especially in regards to the Catholic priesthood and practices, Christians should strive to approach these topics with humility and intellectual honesty. The Catholic priesthood, deeply rooted in scripture and tradition, should be understood in the context of its historical and theological significance. To dismiss it without recognizing its rich foundation is to overlook a crucial aspect of the faith.
Finally, Dr. Damina and others in positions of spiritual authority must prioritize fostering community and support among believers, rather than perpetuating division. Christianity is not about outdoing others; it is about growing together in faith and love. The relationships built in a spirit of encouragement and mutual respect are the ones that will sustain the faith and strengthen the Christian community.
Christianity, at its heart, is about love, understanding, and dialogue. It is a faith that transcends rivalry and division, urging believers to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives. It is in fostering these values that the true spirit of Christianity can flourish—an environment where believers and non-believers alike can live in peace and contribute to a more compassionate and unified world.
Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus, currently writing from the Kukah Center in Abuja, Nigeria.
