The Gospel of convenience

                      It is convenient to be pious in perilous times           Photo:Courtesy

By Oyunga Pala

There is a famous story told of a man who loved his dog to bits.

The dog was such a central part of his life that when it suddenly died after an unexplained illness, he was devastated. He decided to take the case to his pastor because he truly believed that the animal deserved a proper send off.

Therefore, he walked into the pastor’s house and kindly requested. “My dog was no ordinary dog. In fact, he was a being who joined me in prayer every morning and I would like to give him a proper Christian burial”.

The pastor looked at him in disbelief and declined to grant his request.” I am sorry my friend but it is not our custom to bury dogs. The church is reserved for humans. Maybe you can try out one of these new progressive churches who may be open to performing a canine’ last rites”.

CHIEF’S DEMONS

The man was a bit dejected but as he turned around to leave, he told the pastor, “In that case it is a pity. I was hoping to make a donation of Sh100, 000 to the church that fulfilled my simple request.”

The pastor literally grabbed him by the arm, “Hey, hang on a minute, why didn’t you tell me that your dog was a good Christian?”

I am reminded of that story every time I see the clamour of pastors offering prayers to leaders facing political challenges. Nowadays, whenever the national leadership is in trouble, the parade of holy pacification is incredible to watch.

Branding a denomination as pacifier of the chief’s demons must be profitable. Pious looking individuals in deep prayer, hands raised up to the sky are proof enough that faith in God will overcome all.

Conveniently, in times of peril, it’s wise to be pious.