By faith Chondol
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned Christians against engaging in hostile religious debates, emphasizing that believers cannot “fight for God” through insults or abusive arguments.
In a statement on Wednesday 15 April 2026, Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, urged Christians particularly youths and clergy to exercise restraint amid rising religious provocations on social media.
He described online debates framed as a defense of faith as “vain and unprofitable arguments” that often lead to strife and undermine the teachings of the Bible.
“The Bible warns Christians against engaging in vain arguments. Such debates generate strife, ungodliness, and ruin both the speakers and the listeners,” Hayab said, citing Titus 3:9 and 2 Timothy 2:23.
Hayab stressed that verbal attacks do not defend God but instead diminish the essence of Christianity. “Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ can ‘fight’ those who fight Him. No one can battle against the Lord because He is an omnipotent warrior who never loses,” he said.
He further warned that reacting emotionally to provocation or copying misguided zeal could misrepresent the Christian faith and weaken its moral authority.
In recent years, social media platforms like Facebook, X, and WhatsApp have become hotspots for inflammatory posts targeting religious figures and beliefs, occasionally leading to physical confrontations.
Hayab concluded by urging believers to avoid divisive and unproductive conversations, emphasizing that the true defense of faith lies in promoting love and peace, not hostility.
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