It was the erudite German philosopher Karl Max who famously opined that “Religion Is the Opium of the People”. In drawing this conclusion must have based his thesis on the happenings around him. He must have seen and noted men’s penchant to control and extort his fellow using the cover of holy robes. He must have seen the quacking and trembling of the sheep as the shepherd approached. The impact of religion on man and living is more glaring today than it was or could have been in Max’s time. Organized religion is a virus, a cankerworm that eats away steadily at the very fabric that binds society, tearing down impregnable barriers with ease. Found a peaceful home you want to break? Teach one member the ways of one religion and a second member another different religion. Sit back, grab a bite and watch as each new convert gets busy winning souls among his own at whatever cost. All it takes for a free-for all eruption in that once peaceful space is a statement against the other sides believe. This beautiful world was pure until greed corrupted it but it was never dark until mankind invented religion. Don’t get it wrong, worship is not religion. The two are different. Worship is an act of devotion, a communion with divinity, a beautiful experience. Religion is a system, an organized and carefully manipulated structure with a chain of command. Worship is beautiful, religion is evil, pure evil. Worship is rooted in love and submission, religion is rooted in power, greed and the desire to control. The world today buckles under the weight of terrorism because religion has modified and endorsed evil as a channel to redemption. Karl Max would be shocked back to death if he were to come back to life and watch a single documentary out of today’s Syria, Libya, and Iraq et al. religion has divided us but we have a balm in LOVE. A balm that heals all wounds and reverses all curses. A balm so strong that it can heal to the marrow. Love is the way to go. The love that tells me that my neighbour is human and needs respect. Love teaches humility even in the place of achievement. Love teaches patriotism to one’s nation but respect for all people. In love, there are no victims, only victors. May love lead us always…

May the young heart never grow old!!!
---Chukwu Agwu.