MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Bishop Nathanyel Ben Israel, head of the faith-based organization Israel United in Christ, has called on Liberians and other Africans to critically examine the religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and educational systems they have embraced, arguing that many were introduced to the continent through Western influence during slavery and colonialism.
Speaking to journalists during a media engagement in Monrovia on Thursday, Bishop Ben Israel questioned the historical origins of several religious denominations practiced in Liberia, including Pentecostal churches, Seventh-day Adventists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He argued that Western powers used religion and other social institutions to influence African societies during periods of slavery and colonial expansion, claiming that many Africans have consequently adopted religious practices that do not reflect the original teachings of the Bible.
According to the bishop, God’s expectations are based on obedience to His commandments rather than membership in particular religious denominations. He maintained that people should prioritize biblical commandments instead of identifying themselves primarily through religious institutions.
Bishop Ben Israel also challenged the celebration of Christmas and Thanksgiving Day in Liberia, arguing that these observances are not explicitly prescribed in the Bible but were established through Western religious and cultural traditions.
Beyond religious matters, the bishop connected what he described as Western influence to Africa’s continuing economic difficulties, questioning why Liberia remains economically challenged despite its substantial deposits of gold, diamonds, iron ore, and other natural resources.
He argued that foreign interests continue to benefit from Liberia’s natural wealth while many citizens struggle with poverty, unemployment, and limited economic opportunities.
The head of Israel United in Christ also criticized the continued operations of Firestone Rubber Company in Liberia, questioning whether the company’s activities have delivered sufficient economic and developmental benefits to the country.
He called on the Liberian government to prioritize foreign investment agreements that provide measurable benefits to citizens, strengthen the national economy, and contribute to long-term development.
In making his argument, Bishop Ben Israel referenced former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, describing them as leaders who, in his view, demonstrated resistance to American influence and Western political pressure.
His remarks raise broader questions about the historical relationship between Africa and Western powers, the influence of foreign religious institutions, the preservation of African cultural identity, and the country’s ability to maximize the benefits of its natural resources.
However, the bishop’s claims concerning the origins of religious denominations, the introduction of Christian traditions, and the relationship between Western religious influence and Liberia’s economic conditions represent his organization’s position and require independent historical and factual examination.
