Dare Babalola
The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised Christians to desist from engaging in confrontational or abusive exchanges under the guise of defending their faith, insisting that no believer has the responsibility to “fight for God.”
The warning was issued on Wednesday in Kaduna by the association’s chairman, Joseph Hayab, who called on Christian faithful, especially young people and religious leaders, to exercise restraint in their responses to religious criticisms circulating on social media.
Hayab expressed concern over the growing trend of aggressive online debates involving religious matters, noting that such interactions often escalate tensions rather than promote understanding among faith communities.
According to him, many of these exchanges, though presented as spiritual defence, contradict core biblical principles and end up fueling division and hostility.
He explained that the Bible discourages unnecessary arguments, particularly those that are provocative, unproductive, and capable of stirring conflict among individuals.
“Scripture clearly cautions believers against engaging in disputes that serve no constructive purpose. Such arguments are often destructive and lead to bitterness, both for those involved and those observing,” he stated.
The cleric emphasised that Christians are called to respond to provocation with wisdom and calmness, rather than emotional or insulting reactions, even when their beliefs are challenged.
He further noted that faith should not be expressed through insults or verbal attacks against other religions, adding that such conduct is inconsistent with Christian teachings.
Hayab maintained that the concept of defending God through human confrontation is unnecessary, arguing that divine authority does not depend on human aggression for protection or validation.
He stressed that reacting harshly to provocation misrepresents the message of Christianity, which is rooted in peace, patience, and moral discipline.
The CAN leader also warned that excessive involvement in online religious disputes weakens the credibility of the Christian message and undermines its moral influence in society.
He urged believers to avoid conversations that degenerate into insults or hostility, saying such engagements add no spiritual or societal value.
Hayab added that Christians who resort to abusive language in religious debates often distort the teachings they claim to defend and damage the public perception of the faith.
In recent times, social media platforms have become hotspots for religious arguments in Nigeria, with heated exchanges between users of different faiths sometimes spreading rapidly and intensifying tensions across communities.
