An Open Letter To Pastor (Dr.) Abel Damina Of The Power City International, Headquarter Uyo-Akwa-Ibom State, by Dokpesi Timothy Adidi

Dear Pastor Abel,

I am writing this open letter to you with great joy in my heart, soul and spirit. I thank my God each time I think of you; and when I pray for you, I pray with joy (Philippians 1:3-11).  I have never met you before; but, I regularly come across your videos in the social media space. I became so attracted to your theological teachings and admire the level of your theological presentation and insights. I have also watched with keen interest counter reactions to your messages from other religious leaders in the same denomination but different churches with you. This for me is a wonderful development in Christendom. It is a wonderful development as long as adherents of the Christian faith and community will begin to think critically and do more research in regards to their faith and ask questions so as not to be cajoled by pseudo motivational speakers.

Nonetheless, it is also a pain in my heart to see divergence uncoordinated theological perspectives coming from members of the same fold. This indeed is a very strong impediment to ecumenical relations amongst the body Christ. This was exactly the reason Jesus Christ prayed that the Church established in his name will be one (John 17:21). This again suggests that Jesus Christ whom we emulate is aware of the issues and matters that will arise in the Church. Therefore, the experiences as we have them with the reactions and counter reactions are not new to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Abel, may I also bring to your notice that whatever dissenting theological voice you experience contrary to what you preach is not a new thing in the history of the Church. As far back as the Council of Jerusalem or Apostolic Council around c.48 – 50 AD as seen in Acts chapter 15, the apostles converged at the council to discuss matters that concerns the Gentile converts to Christianity. I was not born nor was I alive to know the dynamics involved in the reactionary concerns in those days of the heretical tensions; but, for a Council to be convoked it means there was a need to address a very critical matter that pertains to faith and morals. As such, the apostles would converge and brainstorm on matters that are of necessity. This went on and on with various councils that has constantly retained its consistency, flexibility and having recourse to Scriptures and Tradition.

By Tradition here I do not mean fetish consultations of indigenous religion; but Tradition within the context of the etymological meaning of the word “trado” and “tradere” meaning that which has been handed over from one generation to another. This is exactly the reason St. Paul will always make recourse to this particular scriptures saying “I taught you what I have been taught myself namely that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Here St. Paul did not hesitate to make reference to both Scriptures and Traditions. This underscores the importance of Scriptures and Tradition in theological discourses.

Nevertheless, I understand your theological views would not accommodate “Tradition” but would only make reference to Scripture alone (sola scriptura). As such, I do not really blame you for this and I will understand your position on this area of theology. It is not your fault as I cannot judge your religious formation and background. In all honesty, I appreciate the level of your theological insights and your ability to study extra to help in the juxtaposition of your hermeneutical interpretation.

In fact, if every other religious leader and their adherents should at least tow the path of academic pursuit (in recourse to faith and reason) to which you have begun; I can assure you we shall be reducing the level of religious ignorance and manipulation on the streets. No wonder Paul told Timothy “Study to make thyself approve” (2 Timothy 2:15). In fact, in the Old Testament this is corroborated thus “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Pastor Abel, so many people have died and marriages broken due to religious ignorance and manipulation; many have lost everything due to pseudo gospels preached by some ignorant and unschooled religious persons. Be that as it may, you have also come to the point of realization and can now see clearly due to your effort to preach in your own capacity as one who was once blind and can now see (John:25).

Pastor Abel Damina, despite this groundbreaking theological enterprise you are achieving I wish to say to you in a form of advice to spread your tentacles and see how you can achieve more. I would not know where you studied your theology; but, I believe the theological tradition you represent still needs to excavate more by delving into more theological discourses outside the theological tradition you represent. Most times when I weigh your theological depth and hermeneutics in areas of Christology, Biblical Theology, Soteriology, Systematic Theology and Moral Theology; I perceive a certain level of heretical value which defies basic or fundamental theology.

This is largely because of your inability to reconcile both Scripture and Tradition (what is uncommon amongst Pentecostals). Again, your depth of Biblical Greek and Hebrew needs more attention. I would not know to what level you could have gone deeper in Biblical Theology or Scriptures. Pastor, have it on records there is a difference between the study of Biblical Theology and Scriptures. You could just try to see the possibility of engaging other theological traditions not to be converted into them; but, to gain more in the analysis of logic, epistemic diversification and hermeneutic overhauling. I can assure you Pastor Abel that your theology will become sharpened and enticing to your listeners.

Theology is one of the most interesting disciplines in the world. Not the kind of theology studied for three (3) months to six (6) months. An average theological study for a first degree goes for four years and up to a Master Degree and Doctorate degree which I believe you are aware of can take an average of nine (9) to ten (10) years. Your openness to research more in other theological traditions can give you an analytical framework, high profundity and analytical precision to preach the gospel message without errors thereby relying on the Holy Spirit.

Conclusively, I am writing this open letter to you not to become antagonistic to you; but to create a symbiotic relationship in crossbreeding and hybriding ideas towards a robust intelligent and theological engagement. No doubt, I am learning much from you and doing lots of theological research due to certain positions you uphold as a Christian and religious leader. I might also have my biases or prejudices; but, at the same time I must continuously seek guidance from the Holy Spirit which I believe is the highest pastoral agent to guide our messages. May I reiterate again that you are indeed doing well; but much is left undone to help galvanize a robust theological atmosphere for seeking the truth with recourse to Scripture and Tradition. Also, remember that the scripture ipso facto is a traditional literature handed down to us from the apostles.

Please put me in your prayers as I continue to put you in my own prayers in the spirit of ecumenical relations and dialogue. I am not a regular ‘man of God’; but, I share in the three munera of the Common Priesthood of Jesus Christ by virtue of my baptism as a Priest, Prophet and King.

I wish you the very best in your Ministry

ADIDI, Dokpesi Timothy, Ph.D.