Christianity has been a dominant religion in Nigeria since the 15th century, attracting millions of followers across various denominations. However, while many continue to embrace the faith, some believers have chosen to leave after years of devotion.
Three former Christians have publicly shared their reasons for abandoning the religion, detailing the experiences and realizations that led to their decision.
1. Abraham Daniel – Former Pastor
After serving for over a decade as a pastor at the Dunamis Church, led by Dr. Paul Enenche, Abraham Daniel renounced Christianity and identified as a humanist. In a social media post, he questioned why suffering persisted among believers despite prayers and fasting. He recounted how church members struggled financially while pastors lived in comfort, which led him to doubt the existence of a loving God.
Daniel resigned from the church in 2018 and has since faced criticism for his views. Despite this, he has gained support from some individuals, including those who set up a GoFundMe campaign on his behalf.
2. Genesis Eririoma – Former Church Leader
Genesis Eririoma, another ex-pastor, shared on Facebook that he left Christianity after realizing he no longer believed in the gospel. He stated that his departure was not out of frustration but rather a result of his personal discoveries about religion.
Although he has left the faith, Genesis admitted that he misses the impact he made in people’s lives as a pastor and the strong sense of community within the church. He is now working to recreate that sense of belonging among non-religious individuals.
3. Shalom – Pastor’s Daughter Turned Atheist
Shalom, the daughter of a pastor, caused a stir online when she revealed why she abandoned Christianity. In a now-deleted social media post, she described religion as a tool used to control people and take away their personal power.
She recounted the internal struggle she faced when questioning her beliefs, experiencing fear and cognitive dissonance before ultimately deciding to leave. According to her, she eventually realized that Christianity was a system designed to make people dependent on external forces rather than themselves.
The Perspective of a Christian Apologist
Keith A. Little, a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of America, explained that leaving the Christian faith is often a deeply personal decision. He noted that many who abandon religion do so due to personal experiences, perceived injustices, or unanswered questions about suffering and divine intervention.
