Pastors of kitambo were not celebs, showed the way

American actress and singer, Jena Malone, put it very well when she said: “A lot of the powerful religious leaders, from Jesus to Buddha to Tibetan monks, are just talking about the same things: Love... and respecting yourself so you can respect others.”

Religious leaders are supposed to remain perfect role models to people so as to make the world a better place.

Sometimes I think those of us who grew up in the 1970s are lucky — many confusing religious sects had not taken root.

I must confess that being a Catholic, I was slightly shocked when I went to my village in Kisa to visit my grandmother. It was a completely new religion men, women and children would break into loud songs which they complemented with vigorous dancing as they praised God.

I was scared at first — I was tiny, almost my the size of my father’s shoes. I had to be reassured that they were not actually out to harm anyone — they were just worshiping in their own way, which I understood.

Mainstream churches had a following chiefly because of their religious leaders.

I had friends who were Protestants, but the story was the same — sobriety in worship.

Pastors and priests back in the day were known to be humble, especially to their followers. It was rare to find them mired in scandals the way we witness these days. They were not  flashy and never wore bling and shiny suits like celebrities.

One look at them and you would see the verse, ‘blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth’ as recorded in Mathew 5:5.

There was this priest who was our mentor as we grew up in Buru Buru; the late Fr Thomas. The priest really inspired the youth. Fr Thomas even made me join the choir when I was quite sure I had no talent. We grew up fearing God and the religious leaders also instilled this in us.

We would visit the priest whenever we were faced with life’s challenges. They would kneel with us to offer that important prayer to God — and they followed up on us. It was easy given most families were members of the Jumuia for house-to-house evening prayers led by the priest.

It’s sad that most religious leaders, especially those from emerging ‘personal’ churches, have their eyes focussed on the tithe and other collections.

There is very litte difference between many of them and the pop stars going by their expensive dressing — some have gold teeth.

They gas around in expensive fuel guzzlers to equally expensive homes as their flock hustle in seedy hoods.

Their excuse for the excess is that they have been blessed. Most of them have not gone through the ranks. In fact they just appoint or declare themselves bishops and apostles never mind that they have not attended any theological colleges. There is this one who preaches for hours on end on television without any reference to a single bible verse. It’s no wonder we have ministries right, left and centre after graduating from the streets with only a banner and stand.

From there they gather enough members to hire a tent, then an empty hall atop a bar before opening their headquarters and with it, money and endless extramarital scandals. And yes, they expect young couples to seek marital guidance from them. I am not judging but religion today is more of an investment, than for anything heavenly.

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@AineaOjiambo