In the Name of God? Religion, Silence and Extortion

Abstract

This article critically analyses the role religion (I refer here to Islam and Christianity) has played in promoting silence and extortion in  Africa with particular reference to Nigeria. In my philosophical analysis, African and Western literatures will guide my reflection on religion, the role it played in advancing the colonial agenda and its use in today’s African societies. This analysis seeks to present a case for the position that the colonial debris of disempowerment, injustices, manipulation, and extortion are still very much part of African society. They have only assumed new outlooks and language, thus plunging many Africans into silence in the face of what is often presented as sacred and unknown. The desired aim of this article is to present a philosophical critique of religion by comparing it with  existing use of religion in Africa, especially Nigeria.

Keywords: Religion, Christianity, Extortion, Silence, Nigeria, Injustice