Religious provocations: NCA urges restraint, says Christians can’t fight for God

Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has urged Christians across the country to exercise restraint in the face of rising religious provocations, particularly on social media.

He warned that engaging in heated exchanges does not reflect the teachings of Christ and only deepens divisions among believers and other faiths.

Hayab gave the admonition in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, cautioning young people and clergy against what he described as “vain and unprofitable arguments.”

According to him, such engagements are capable of breeding discord and weakening the spiritual growth of believers.

Citing Bible passages including Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 2:23 and 1 Timothy 6:4–5, the cleric said Scripture consistently warns against quarrels that generate strife rather than edification.

He observed that many online religious debates have become counterproductive, degenerating into abusive exchanges that undermine Christian witness.

Hayab stressed that Christians are not called to respond to provocation with insults or hostility, even when their faith is mocked or misunderstood, insisting that “believers cannot fight for God.”

“The Bible warns Christians against engaging in vain arguments. Such debates are reckless, unprofitable, and capable of generating ungodliness that harms both speakers and listeners,” he said.

He added that he does not encourage Christians to insult the beliefs of others, noting that an honest study of the Bible shows that God remains the ultimate defender of His cause.

“It is not a show of strength when any Christian uses abusive words against others in the name of defending the faith. Rather, such actions diminish the Christian message and weaken its moral authority,” he added.