Soyinka again, condemns religious fundamentalists

Soyinka again, condemns religious fundamentalists

NOBEL Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has again condemned religious fundamentalism in Islam, as exemplified by the Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria.

The Professor of literature made the condemnation on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, during the third Zik lecture series, organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the institution.

He also condemned fundamentalism in Christianity, where he said that some pastors and clergymen destroy historical artifacts in various communities in Nigeria, in the name of cleansing sins.

Soyinka, who spoke from a handwritten script stated that the major problem of a black man is intolerance of other people’s views, opinions and worship system, stating that the social upheaval in the country will be reduced to the minimum, if Nigerians begin to understand people’s individual differences.

He noted that the attitudes of some fundamentalists in Islam and Christianity should be totally discouraged for peaceful co-existence among the people of this country.

He finally enjoined people to allow the practice of other religious beliefs, whether in the traditional pattern, Islam or Christian fashion and added “we can only use our ways of life and draw worshipers not by force.”

He used literature, history and sociology to drive home his points in the midst of thunderous applause and ovation from the audience.

Source: Tribune