Religions Press Initiatives- RPI, Department of Religions, University of Ilorin (2026)

09/02/2024

*RELIGION PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*TOPIC: TRUSTING YOUR INTUITIONS*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: Friday, 9th February 2024.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️
*WRITTEN BY:*
Kamaldeen Naeemah

*INTRODUCTION*
Most times, you feel the urge to do things the way they come to mind. Yet, you find it unbelievable that such thoughts comes from you, so you're stepping back. What sense of self do you think you acquired?

*Topic Exposition:*
Imagine having a little helper in you, a very quiet and sincere friend that guides you through indecisive situations. The feeling is a good one, but how often do you trust it? Do you feel it's a trap to a failure, or you believe it's the best decision to make at a certain point of time? It can't always be correct, and that's fine.

The fear of failure affects everyone of us. It starts from the intuition, as every human has a single one each, to themselves. The fear that your thoughts might not be correct, avoids us from giving a trial in trusting our intuitions. Often times, we see it as something we should wave off, since the probability of people's approval has been automatically estimated to be a very low one.

Life's really beyond seeking approval from all sides of the world. The most important approval one should always seek,is a self approval. This starts with confidence, and a strong belief in all that comes from within you. If you neglect this sense of self, to subject to other's opinions without personally thinking it through, becomes very easy for you. You think that others have the potential to get it right, while the things that come from you are most likely to be a wrong one. But our common misconception, is that: Getting it wrong once, doesn't guarantee a lifetime failure.

Keep trying to believe in yourself. Your instincts might be wrong, but giving yourself the opportunity to try, makes it easier to see the world in better perspectives than you might have ever thought. Even those whose thoughts you're awaiting, aren't always sure of what their intuition dictates. So, why will you succumb to such system?

*Conclusion*
Trusting your intuition should be the next game you should play, from within yourself.
Remember – "Mastering yourself is true power." ~ Lao Tzu.
The game of mastering yourself, begins in the first stage of trusting your intuitions

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*Dedicated to:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*

*_Bedrock of Morality_*

30/01/2024

*RELIGION'S PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*Topic: TECHNIQUES IN HANDLING PEOPLE*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: TUESDAY 30th JANUARY, 2024.*
🕣 *7:00am*

Written by:
*ALABI ABDULALEEM A.*

*Introduction*
According to Prof. William of Harvard University, "Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake. We are only making use of only a small fraction of our physical and mental resources.
Human beings are gifted with the immense capability or capacity but they chose not to explore and unleash our Ikigai.

*Topic Exposition*
One of the best techniques in handling people rightly is *"to avoid criticism, condemnation and complain"*
This is because people don't criticize themselves for anything no matter how wrong it may be. Rather they always find ways to justify themselves.

This is seen as narrated by Dale Carnegie in one of his books, he writes;
"On May 7, 1931, the most sensational manhunt New York city had ever known had reached it's climax.
After weeks of manhunt on Growley - the killer, whom earlier before this was partying with his Girl friend, on the country's island.
Then a policeman walked up to him and said "let me see your license"? Growley, without saying a word drew his gun, and killed the policeman.
Meanwhile, on this day, 150 detectives laid siege for him in his top floor hide out. They chopped holes in his roof, smoked him out with tear gas, and intense firing.
Eventually, he was captured.
Meanwhile, while and shot, he wrote on a paper with his drilling blood *"under my coat is a weary heart but a kind one - one that would do nobody any harm"*. Isn't it surprising to hear that from a killer. Wasn't he trying to claim for himself an innocent and better picturesque.
Rather, the fact remains that, people don't criticize themselves for anything no matter how wrong it may be. Rather they find means to justify their actions.

To this end, it is worthy to point that rather than criticizing people, why not try to understand them, encourage, and appreciate them. With that, you can change and correct them to the right path. since the path of criticism does not usually yield positively.

*Conclusion*
In the word of Schwab, he declared; " I have yet to find the person, however great or exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than he would ever do under a spirit of criticism.
By and large, It is crucial to deal with people well, encourage them rather than finding leisure in complaints. If you can do this, you will learn to handle people more efficiently than you have been doing.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*To:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*
Ed WTF n
*Motto:* _*"Bedrock of morality"*_

23/11/2023

*RELIGIONS PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*Topic: KARL MARX AND HIS ECONOMIC VIEE OF RELIGION.*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: THURSDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

*Written by:*
*Oluwafemi Oluwatofunmi*

*Introduction.*
While so many scholars came up with their meaning about religion, Karl Marx developed his definition of religion from the economist's perspective. Marx pointed out the shortcomings of religion and derived for himself his meaning of religion.

*Topic Exposition*
Karl Marx (5 May 1818 – 14 March 1883) was a German-born philosopher, economist, political theorist, historian, sociologist, journalist, and revolutionary socialist. However Marx did not believe in following a teaching that was based on faith. He actually felt that this amounted to simply believing in a superstition. Marx believed that religion, like an op**te, gave a sense of security and salvation of something yet to come. However, he claimed this was all an illusion. He felt that religion taught individuals to focus on otherworldly concerns and not on the immediate poverty they were suffering. To quote Marx: "Religion is... a protest against real suffering. Religion is the moan of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world and the sense of senseless conditions. It is the o***m of the people."

Drawing from Marx's point that, the poor finds solace in the scripture. The scripture says "Blessed are the poor in heart for theirs is the kingdom of God". Marx sees this as a means for religion to subdue the poor under the disguise of an illusory happiness. He sees this as a misguided fantasy. Furthermore, Marx sees no reality in supernatural realm. He explained that God did not create mankind, instead mankind creates God. Man created an imaginary God for himself, this makes religion a fantasy to him.

He believes religion is a means of oppression that brings conflict of economic interest. Religious views were mere falsification to scientific truth and the real meaning of life. *However, the realisation of the falsifications in religion will be the natural death of all religious superstition.*

*Conclusion*
Religion has personal meanings and interpretations to every individual. Depending on your experience about the falsifications, realities and shortcomings of religion, this will bring you to the realisation of what religion means to you. Though Marx's opinions may be true, yet it is not static.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*To:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS (UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*
*Motto: "Bedrock of morality"*

22/11/2023

RELIGION PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*TOPIC: APPRECIATE, BUT DO NOT IDOLIZE!!!*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date:Wednesday , 22nd November, 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️
*WRITTEN BY:*
Elijah Ajeos

*Introduction*
The two terms appreciation and idolization are two different words commonly minced up by people in the modern world. While both words reflects our reaction towards someone or something, a careful look reveals one as just mere means of appreciation, while the other seems a little bit deeper than ordinarily appreciating.

*Topic Exposition*
As discussed above, in a society saturated with influencers, celebrities, and notable personalities, it's common to find individuals we deeply appreciate. However, it's imperative to discern appreciation from the perilous path of idolization. While appreciation allows us to value virtues and achievements, idolization often involves placing someone on an unattainable pedestal.

Below are some differences between both attributes.

*1. Embracing Imperfections:*
Appreciation involves acknowledging a person's positive qualities without turning a blind eye to their imperfections. Understanding that everyone has flaws enables us to grasp the human side of those we appreciate. This helps us recognize that even our role models have faced challenges and made mistakes that allows for a more authentic connection.

*2. Setting Realistic Expectations:*
Idolizing someone can lead to setting unrealistic standards for ourselves. People are intricate, and their lives aren't always as flawless as they may appear. By appreciating without idealizing, we establish realistic expectations and acknowledge that everyone is on their unique journey, filled with successes and setbacks.

*3. Fostering Personal Growth:*
Appreciation should serve as a source of inspiration for personal growth rather than creating feelings of inadequacy. Instead of trying to replicate someone entirely, focus on integrating the qualities you appreciate into your own life. This way, appreciation becomes a catalyst for self-improvement rather than a pursuit of unattainable ideals. On the other hand, extreme idolization often leads to personal beefs and envy at the end of the day if those so-called standards are not met.

*4.Recognizing Individuality:*
Each person is distinct, and what resonates for one may not for another. Appreciating someone allows us to value their individuality, but idolizing may prompt an attempt to conform to a mould that doesn't align with our authentic selves. Celebrate your uniqueness while drawing inspiration from others. You are the best version of yourself!

*5. Building Healthy Connections:*
Relationships based on appreciation rather than idolization are more likely to be robust and enduring. When we recognize and value the strengths and qualities of others without elevating them to an unrealistic level, we engage in more authentic connections.

*Conclusion*
Dear reader, the crux is to appreciate without losing sight of the human element in those we hold in high regard. Embracing imperfections, setting realistic expectations, fostering personal growth, recognizing individuality, and building healthy connections are integral aspects of maintaining a balanced perspective. By doing so, we not only honor those we appreciate but also nurture a healthier relationship with ourselves. Avoid Idolization today, but give room to appreciate firstly the Almighty who is the giver of life, and then, celebrate people's successes, but do not Idolize to a point of raising envy!!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*Dedicated to:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*

*_Bedrock of Morality_*

21/11/2023

*RELIGION PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*TOPIC: LIFE AS A PROCESS: A VIEW FROM THE POEM PANIC OF GROWING OLDER*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: Monday, ,20th November, 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️
*WRITTEN BY:*
Elijah Ajeos

*Introduction*
Everything in life about nan takes time and process, from the pregnancy period to the birth, then the naming ceremony, and to the formative years etc. Today's writing will delve this into the consideration of the poem *_"The Panic of Growing Older by Lenrie Peters_"*

*Topic Exposition*
Life is a journey woven with the threads of time, a gradual process that unfolds in intricate patterns, reflecting the complexities of human existence. This journey is vividly portrayed in the poem "Panic of Growing Older," where the verses resonate with the psychological and philosophical aspects of navigating the inevitable passage of time.

Psychologically, the panic associated with growing older stems from a fundamental fear of the unknown. The poem captures the anxiety that arises when contemplating the changes that come with aging, echoing the universal human experience of grappling with the uncertainties that lie ahead. This emotional turbulence is a testament to the intricate nature of our psychological relationship with time and the evolving self, hence Lenrie Peters psychologically shows the revolution of time and man's concerns .

Philosophically, the verses prompt contemplation on the nature of time and the essence of existence. The imagery of "days slipping like sand through fingers" invites reflection on life's transience. Existential philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre might argue that this anxiety is a confrontation with the finite nature of life, prompting us as individuals to seek meaning and purpose amidst the temporal flow.

Transitioning to a religious perspective, the poem's theme aligns with the broader concept that life, in its entirety, is a gradual process ordained by a higher power. Various faith traditions offer solace amid the panic of growing older. The promise of an eternal soul and divine sustenance, as highlighted reassures all believers that the gradual process of ageing is part of a larger spiritual journey with enduring significance.

*Conclusion*
Dear reader, life is a gradual process as considered from this writing, and for anyone to progress, we need the help and grace of the Almighty to strive through our cares. There is no shortcut to life, hence, follow the gradual process that leads to a lasting achievement.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*Dedicated to:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*

*_Bedrock of Morality_*

16/11/2023

*RELIGIONS PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*Topic: RELIGIOCENTRISM.*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: THURSDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

*Written by:*
*Oluwafemi Oluwatofunmi*

*Introduction.*
A careful look into religion points out the fault of bigotry, prejudice, flaws, and an upside-down view of the teachings stacked in paranoia. This is nothing but *Religiocentrism*.

*Topic Exposition*
Religiocentrism or religio-centrism is defined as the "conviction that a person's own religion is more important or superior to other religions." This character is often seen as obstinate prejudice or opinionatedness, carried out by one who is overly pious in matters of religion, often hypocritically or else superstitiously so. Hence, it could mean "religious paranoia".

In the modern world, there seem to be few cases when religiocentrism is discussed. Whilst we've so many of them right here, we're yet to learn from them. *Every of our religions centres its beliefs around a different God who belongs solely to each religion. Then if every religion has a God to itself, then, how many God there is? Which of them is the supreme?*

In some cases in religion, we need to apply rational theology. Because a person's religion is tagged as the "religion of peace" doesn't make other religions violent. Some call theirs "religion of love", but this doesn't mean others are hateful. However, some individuals still hold onto *the illusory truth effect*. These effects are psychologically referred to as the teachings we've heard often and often. Meanwhile, many grew up being taught that because they belong to a religion, they are better than others. This is unacceptable.

*Conclusion*
Conclusively, when we recognize the strengths and weaknesses in other faiths we'll see the faults in ours. Religiocentrism is based on ignorance and stereotyping. While it can't be totally resolved, it can be weakened through interfaith dialogue and understanding.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*To:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS (UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*
*Motto: "Bedrock of morality"*

15/11/2023

*RELIGIONS PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*Topic:NOT EVERY OPPORTUNITY IS TRULY A BLESSING*

*🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️*
*Date: Wednesday 15th November, 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

*🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️*
Written by:
*Elijah Ajeos*

*Introduction*
Oftentimes, opportunities present themselves as promising threads, weaving into the fabric of our journey in life. However, it is an undisputable reality that not every opportunity can be unequivocally deemed a blessing. Often, what appears golden on the surface may harbour unforeseen challenges and pitfalls.

*Topic Exposition*
The allure of opportunity can be deceptive, masking the inherent risks and complexities that lie beneath the gleaming surface. As author Paulo Coelho wisely remarked, "When you say 'yes' to others, make sure you are not saying 'no' to yourself." This cautionary advice encapsulates the essence of recognizing that not every offered chance aligns with our true aspirations or well-being.

Consider the tale of a man named Faust, who, in literature, famously struck a pact with the devil in exchange for boundless opportunities. While his deal granted him power and riches, the ultimate cost was his soul. This allegory underscores the importance of discernment and the potential consequences of blindly embracing every opportunity that knocks on our door.

Moreover, opportunities vary in their compatibility with our values, goals, and personal growth. It's essential to distinguish between opportunities that resonate with our authentic selves and those that may lead us astray. As philosopher Søren Kierkegaard observed, "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." Reflecting on past choices helps us navigate the delicate balance between seizing opportunities and safeguarding our well-being.

An adage also states "Not every opportunity is a blessing", serving as an urge for us to approach life's crossroads with mindfulness and discernment. While the prospect of new avenues can be enticing, it is crucial to evaluate them in the context of our long-term fulfilment and genuine aspirations. Because sometimes, opportunity looks enticing and good, until one delves into it and finds the bait in it.

*Conclusion*
Dear reader, you need the help of the Almighty in order to discern opportunities and make good decisions, hence learn to commit every of your ways to His all-knowing hands to make the best in life. Also, remember while being watchful that not every juicy offer is indeed true, some might just be a poison quoted in disguise. May God bless and guide us all!!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*To:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*

*Motto:* _*"Bedrock of morality"*_*RELIGIONS PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*Topic:NOT EVERY OPPORTUNITY IS TRULY A BLESSING*

*🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️*
*Date: Wednesday 15th November, 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

*🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️*
Written by:
*Elijah Ajeos*

*Introduction*
Oftentimes, opportunities present themselves as promising threads, weaving into the fabric of our journey in life. However, it is an undisputable reality that not every opportunity can be unequivocally deemed a blessing. Often, what appears golden on the surface may harbour unforeseen challenges and pitfalls.

*Topic Exposition*
The allure of opportunity can be deceptive, masking the inherent risks and complexities that lie beneath the gleaming surface. As author Paulo Coelho wisely remarked, "When you say 'yes' to others, make sure you are not saying 'no' to yourself." This cautionary advice encapsulates the essence of recognizing that not every offered chance aligns with our true aspirations or well-being.

Consider the tale of a man named Faust, who, in literature, famously struck a pact with the devil in exchange for boundless opportunities. While his deal granted him power and riches, the ultimate cost was his soul. This allegory underscores the importance of discernment and the potential consequences of blindly embracing every opportunity that knocks on our door.

Moreover, opportunities vary in their compatibility with our values, goals, and personal growth. It's essential to distinguish between opportunities that resonate with our authentic selves and those that may lead us astray. As philosopher Søren Kierkegaard observed, "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." Reflecting on past choices helps us navigate the delicate balance between seizing opportunities and safeguarding our well-being.

An adage also states "Not every opportunity is a blessing", serving as an urge for us to approach life's crossroads with mindfulness and discernment. While the prospect of new avenues can be enticing, it is crucial to evaluate them in the context of our long-term fulfilment and genuine aspirations. Because sometimes, opportunity looks enticing and good, until one delves into it and finds the bait in it.

*Conclusion*
Dear reader, you need the help of the Almighty in order to discern opportunities and make good decisions, hence learn to commit every of your ways to His all-knowing hands to make the best in life. Also, remember while being watchful that not every juicy offer is indeed true, some might just be a poison quoted in disguise. May God bless and guide us all!!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*To:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*

*Motto:* _*"Bedrock of morality"*_

10/11/2023

*RELIGION PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*TOPIC: CONSISTENCY*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: Friday, ,10th November, 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️
*WRITTEN BY:*
Kamaldeen Naeemah

*INTRODUCTION*
Being consistent is like doing the same thing a lot, like how your heart beats every day, and how you sleep everyday. It's a bit like when you promise something and really, really mean it, then actually do what you said. Imagine a calm river that always goes the same way, without a halt— that's an example of how consistency works.

*TOPIC EXPOSITION*
In everyday life, it's like the stuff you always do, like having your breakfast, or ensuring you eat everyday. Perhaps going to school, or going to work. Consistency makes normal things important and keeps everything steady.
Consistency applies to almost everything in life. To ensure something becomes successful, there's an important need to keep repeating the role played over and over, till the win/goal is achieved.

Friends are like that too. If someone always helps you and is there when things are good or bad, that's consistency. It's like when you plant a seed, water it every day, and soon you get a lovely product. Doing things regularly, even if they're small, can make good stuff happen. A friend who's always or almost always there during the most tensed times, stands more chance of gaining great trust from the other, than a friend who is not.

But sometimes, it's hard. Life can be tricky, and being consistent means not giving up even when things are tough. It's like getting back up immediately when you fall down, learning from mistakes, and still moving forward. This isn't a task for the "lazy". Consistency requires a lot of hardwork, and determination. The first key to achieving this, idea determined mind, while the other is to avoid procrastination.

Think of a group of educated scholars reading together. They need to read the same way to make good grades of the same range. This is an example of friends helping each other grow. In life, consistency helps us follow our dreams and be happy. Consistency also builds trust, like when you know someone will keep their promise. It's about being reliable without using too many words. Sometimes, when words aren't enough, what we do shows we care.

*CONCLUSION*
So, in life's big story, the main focus shouldn't be with friends or relationships alone . It should be actively fostered into life's dealings, such as religion, businesses, or a pending goal. Let consistency be your main character. It's serves as a pillar, a guide, and the nice feeling you get when you do things the right way every time. Remember, "Little by little, one travels far." — J.R.R. Tolkien. So, don't expect to achieve your goal after a click of 24 Hours. Success doesn't happen overnight.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*Dedicated to:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*

*_Bedrock of Morality_*

09/11/2023

*RELIGIONS PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*Topic: THE POWER OF SILENCE*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: THURSDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

*Written by:*
*Oluwafemi Oluwatofunmi*

*Introduction.*
Silence could mean a lot of things at the same time to different people. Yet it carries an unimaginable power that you'd probably not think of. In fact, silence sometimes makes a loud noise.

*Topic Exposition*
Silence is generally understood as the absence of any sound. Many at times silence is a form of a peaceful atmosphere in a noisy environment. Importantly, the advantage of silence appears dumb because a lot of people interpret silence as foolishness or being numb.

In the religious aspect, many religions hold silence as an important instrument when worshipping. While some religion sees singing, clapping, and dancing as an act of worship like Christianity, religions like Buddhism, Daoism and Zen observes silence. Yet, this doesn't take out the power of silence. In fact, it shows it is a way of connecting with the supreme.

In our day-to-day activities, we ignorantly practice silence without knowing what it does for us. It is always advised that the most conducive environment for learning is a silent environment. Some individual prefers to be silent in argument to avoid spilling what they shouldn't. In fact, silence is a means of inspiration for many writers and thinkers. At times silence saves many situations that could have destroyed lives and maybe properties. *Silence is not foolishness however it is a way of being foolish to be a wise man.*

*Conclusion*
‭‭James‬ ‭1:19-20 _My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires._

When a man lacks silence as an attribute he doesn't sound reasonable when he needs to. The power of silence is the ability to earn an individual respect. Not to make him less but even when he's less he's held in high esteem.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*To:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS (UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*
*Motto: "Bedrock of morality"*

06/11/2023

*RELIGION PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*TOPIC: FEAR GOD, AND BE VERY CONSCIOUS OF TOMORROW*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: 6th, November, 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️
*WRITTEN BY:* *Muhammad bn Abdulwahab (001)*

*INTRODUCTION*
*یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلۡتَنظُرۡ نَفۡسࣱ مَّا قَدَّمَتۡ لِغَدࣲۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِیرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ*
_"O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow" (Surah Al-Hashr 59:18)._

*TOPIC EXPOSITION*
The first mention of the fear of God in the Hebrew Bible is in _Genesis 22:12_ , where Abraham is commended for putting his trust in God. Proverb9:10 says that " *fear of God" is "the beginning of wisdom".*

Various religious traditions emphasize the fear of God as a cornerstone of ethical living. In Christianity, the Bible states, *"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom* " (Proverbs 9:10). This implies that recognizing a higher power instils a sense of reverence and moral discernment. Islam similarly underscores the concept of *Taqwa*, meaning God-consciousness or mindfulness of God in all aspects of life. The Quran states O YOU who have attained to faith! Remain conscious of God, and let every human being look to what he sends ahead for the morrow! And [once again]: Remain conscious of God, for God is fully aware of all that you do.

My dear brothers and sisters, *When a bird is alive, it eats ants. When a bird is dead, the ants eat the bird*. Time and circumstances can change at any moment.
Don't devalue or hurt anyone in life. As the Yoruba philosophers will say " *oni lamo a o mola* " meaning we are aware of today but tomorrow is hidden "
Don't ask "Do you know who I am, because, "you're nothing but sand, dust and also a food to the ants and maggots."

Philosophers and scholars across cultures have acknowledged the significance of moral consciousness and long-term thinking. *Aristotle*, a Greek philosopher, argued that virtue lies in finding the mean between extremes. Balancing our actions today with an awareness of their consequences tomorrow aligns with this ancient wisdom. Contemporary philosopher Albert Schweitzer stated, " *The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others* ." Such service-oriented perspectives inherently include a consideration for the future.

*CONCLUSION*
Lastly, dear brethren, You may be powerful today but remember, *time is always more powerful than you*. A tree makes a million matches.
Only one match is *needed to burn down a million trees*. Stop boasting, and bring down your ego. May God guide us, protect and put His fear in our hearts to do good always and help others.
*Fear God and be conscious of tomorrow!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*Dedicated to:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS*
*(UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*

*_Bedrock of Morality_*

02/11/2023

*RELIGIONS PRESS VOICES (RPV)*

📌📌📌📌
*Topic: MISPLACED JUDGEMENT ON RELIGION.*

🗒️🗒️🗒️🗒️
*Date: THURSDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2023.*
🕖 *7:00 am*

*Written by:*
*Oluwafemi Oluwatofunmi*

*Introduction.*
Our society is known to place myopic judgements on a particular religion. A popular opinion in this part of the world is that *anyone who doesn't belong to your own religion is a sinner and will be condemned before God.* This belief excludes the Afrelist alone.

*Topic Exposition*
Many highly esteemed individuals in our contemporary society are guilty of placing myopic judgments of religions, especially the ones they do not adhere to. A lecturer once said during a lecture that *"Before you judge a religion, taste from it, have an experience of the practices, worship and its beliefs.* It doesn't matter how good your religious practices might seem to you, it doesn't mean you're better than the adherent of the other religion.

Myopic opinion refers to speaking against the worship of the other religions. A vivid example of this is when an adherent of the Cross says an Afrelist is an idolator and will go to hell. This is even a more practical example that's common in our society today and which has caused such disparity bringing less unity among people because of personal opinions about the other's religion.

Moreso, people even bring in their personal experiences when it boils to religious cases. Many are being manipulated by the teachings of their religious leaders. They build on such teachings and affect the society negatively.

*Conclusion*
Scholars of religion, the place of unity in religion starts from where we understand ourselves and understands the religion of our neighbors before we judge them. Misplaced judgements are as a result of a prior conception of another's religion.

Therefore, before you say something about a religion, before you write against another's religion, make your research, find the truth, and neglect sentiments.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*To:*
*DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS*
*FACULTY OF ARTS (UNILORIN)*
➖➖➖➖➖➖
*THE PUBLIC*
*Motto: "Bedrock of morality"*

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