The Religion of Conscience

By

Ogunniyi Abayomi

John was a Christian who adhered to the teachings of Jesus Christ, he was observed on the lousy streets of Lagos reading the Bible and preaching on the basis of repentance that all might inherit the kingdom of God. John was apprehended by the anti-graft agency for an alledged financial crime and looting of public funds.

He donated some of these funds to the church as tithe and offering for the blessings of God to be pronounced upon his business by the clergy man.

Ali was a faithful Muslim observing the five daily prayers and tenets that guide the religion of Islam. A firm believer of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad whose reverence he upheld with high esteem. Ali was pronounced wanted by the anti-bomb squad of the police department over the suicide bomb attack that recorded a massive loss of lives and properties across the northern region of the country.

An exemplary model for religious devotees whose hidden acts raise a perplexed atmosphere over the stance of religion in society, absconding morality to enact the excuse of survival in a filthy society including individuals who claim to be practical towards their religious belief.

The values, conduct, principle and character emphasized in their sermon could neither be corrected nor acted upon, kicking against the wrong vices in society, raising a controversial premise over the existence of religion. The emblem of truth and sanity fails to exhibit its identity at a specific time against the injustice and disorder because individuals practising their religious neglect the morality and values society demands.

The people study the doctrine to observe the knowledge of spirituality while the act of solitude towards their actions fades away from their soul. They neither regret nor remain conscious of their attitide, rather it is an obligated will and service to the reality that diminishes the value of man in his society.

Do we uphold the virtue of honesty among our fellow brethren? A rhetorical question we sometimes eat away on the table of hyprocrisy and negative subject of righteousness over our fellow individual.

Some may shed blood amidst the extreme individual who enacts evil to fufill a doctrine, yet use and raise this same to the clouds to receive blessing with their conscience lost and beclouded by rage.

Conscience, the ability to discern between the good and evil path of our lives is completely a mirage in our religious circle. We believe in miracles but we abscond the truth that would edify our spiritual life. We are rather disposed to greed and position, popularity and fame, neither of which are the basis of living a life worthy of emulation.

Conscience restores sanity and truth when we know shortcomings and correct them. Conscience is the deep solitude of our action towards our fellow men. Do we choose to imbibe or derail?

Ogunniyi Abayomi

Ogunniyi Abayomi was born July 11, 1991 in the city of Lagos, where he resides. A poet and essayist whose works have been published in various journals.