Bushiri Issue Exposes Intolerance And Disrespect

Religion is a touchy subject, and one should tread carefully when debating issues of religion. When news first broke out weeks back that Prophet Shepherd Bushiri of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) might not attend this past weekend crusade organised by members of his church in Botswana due to Visa restrictions, social media went bananas.

There is nothing wrong with people debating issues that affect their lives. Bushiri for reasons best known to him decided not apply for a Visa, as is required of him by the Government of Botswana, and his decision for some reason seemed to divide the society. Some people sought to find out why the ‘Man of God’ decided not to apply for a Visa, while his followers were in a fierce defensive mood. The debates took a different turn when people started hurling insults at each other and using offensive word towards each other.

Batswana pride themselves in being a tolerant nation, but where is the tolerance, when we cannot express our opinion, which might differ with another’s opinion, without using offensive language? Human beings are bound to have different opinions and perspectives on different issues, and that does not in anyway, give one individual the right to force their own opinion on others. Let’s agree that there is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone who is of legal age to choose what religion they subscribe to, and be given space to worship without harassment of any sort.

Editor's Comment
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