Neo-paganism is a wave of new religion and unethical movement common among the youths. This ugly trend cuts across all tribes and religions in the country. To say the least, this menace is currently gripping the society, and unless something is done urgently to reverse the situation, the country may be dangerously walking on the precipice.
Many lives, unfortunately, have been lost on account of this false belief. It is a re-invention of what happened in 19th century medieval Europe where there was a multiplicity of deities, both feminine and masculine. Today in our society, the youths in particular, are in a frenzy with this sudden and ungodly development, simply because of the craze for material acquisition. It’s deceptive, despicable and unacceptable in all measures, as it concerns human dignity.
Shrines and deities of different shapes and sizes are being patronised by young minds. In these shrines, human sacrifices are made, with people disappearing now and then without trace; they are kidnapped for ritual purposes, unfortunately. Nigeria, our native land, no doubt, is passing through a phase beyond corruption and bad governance.
Bad behaviour is not only when you embezzle our common patrimony, synonymous with Nigerian politicians and leaders in our society at various levels. Why the excesses of today’s politicians, (those caught), oftentimes adorn major headlines of national dailies is because, they occupy public offices and are supposed to lead by example, both in their private and public lives.
The multiplier effect of corruption and its attendant consequences therefore, is what the society is reaping and going through today. We are at a point where ”anything goes”! You can get rich overnight, and no one cares how you made the money, the young and the old alike! In fact, parents now accept car gifts from their undergraduate children whom they sent to school to study. Some even go as far as celebrating and giving thanks in the church. That is how bad our society has degenerated! That is also why the rate of crime and criminality is on the increase, and may continue to rise day by day because good men have refused to act!
The younger generation who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow are seriously enmeshed in vices and corrupt tendencies at such alarming rate, never known in time past. The stories of ritual killings and sale of body parts are everywhere. The Yahoo and YahooPlus boys are on the loose, and no one cares what becomes of them and the society in the future. There is no more dignity in labour. People commit all kinds of crimes nowadays, without fear of the law and order governing the society, or even God that created them.
Bothered by this ugly development, the Catholic Bishops of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, comprising the Archdiocese of Lagos and the Dioceses of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta, at the end of their first plenary meeting for the year 2025, which took place at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, issued a communique, warning on the rising practice of neo-paganism which is gradually creeping into the society, and promoted by the youths.
According to the communique, ”We observe with concern the rise of neo-paganism among some of the young population in our country and the consequent threat to the purity of the Christian faith, and the lapse into practices that undermine the Christian faith and values. Many young people are being lured into money-making rituals and internet fraud activities, backed up by neo-pagan beliefs that give or offer false promises of wealth and protection.
It is imperative that religious leaders and parents take urgent action to address this trend by providing our young people with a sound biblical and moral foundation that is strengthened by appropriate mentorship opportunities, in order to equip them to navigate the complexities of our modern world. We must also engage with them in a more intentional way, and listen to their concerns, so that we can provide them with relevant and meaningful support”.
That said, every serious society sanctions bad behaviour, to put in check those coming behind such acts. Man has always rebelled, and that is why Christ came to the world and admonished those who have ears to hear His words and be saved. ln all, the government has a role to play to ensure that the society is back on track. The problem of corruption, poverty, violence, unemployment, nepotism, insecurity must be addressed. Again, the government must find solutions to the struggling economy, and revamp the education system.
The authorities must also ensure that the gap between the haves and the have not is reduced. The youths of this country must be meaningfully engaged, rather than create opportunities for idle minds. As the popular saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Society too must rise to the occasion and continue to say no to vices such as neo-paganism that threaten the very fabric of our society and belief system.
Neo-paganism may be one of those ways the devil is using to detract the young ones from focusing on what is noble and enduring, in building a better society. We should resist this trend, remain steadfast, and work together as God’s children.
