Title: Religion is Darkness
Author: Tunji Oreyingbo
Publisher: West Point Print and Media LLC
ISBN: 978-1-956001-01-3
Pages: 96
Genre: Religion
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
Pacific Book Review
Religion is Darkness is an insightful and provocative book about the difference between religion and spirituality. Author Tunji Oreyingbo has written a thought-provoking book which will resonate with readers.
Religion is Darkness examines the difference between organized religion and spirituality. Oreyingbo writes about the three major monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He details the beliefs of each religion and the main stories from the religion’s texts. He also writes about Jesus’ life in particular and how he reached out to people who were unbelievers. Oreyingbo contrasts that with the way the religions have been co-opted by leaders for selfish gains.
Oreyingbo criticizes the mixture of church and state in countries like Israel with the Jewish faith and Saudi Arabia with the Islamic religion. “The truth is government has no business funding religious pilgrimage in any sensible society and developing nations should stop this in the interest of her people. Anyone that sees pilgrimage to Mecca or Jerusalem as a necessity should sponsor self! When we intersperse government with religion, corruption is inevitable.”
Oreyingbo also critiques the commercialization of religion with prosperity gospel that promotes gaining material possessions over helping other people, especially in developing countries. He emphasizes godliness, which he sees as being honest with God: “God wants the truth, sincere love for others, honesty, transparency, and presentation of your vulnerability.”
Religion is Darkness also critiques religions’ emphasis on leaders and ministers instead of God himself: “To those who know God, their heart of compassion, conscience, and justice always align with the true and deep meaning of the word of God, and not its literal interpretations by those we have “gurualized” in our life.”
Religion is Darkness is a thoroughly researched book that shows Oreyingbo’s knowledge of the three major religions. The text also shows Oreyingbo’s knowledge of the difference between commercialized misuse of religion and true belief in Jesus’ teachings. This book would be best for people who believe in God, but want to move beyond the commercialized and judgmental aspects of religion. The book would also be best for readers who want to learn more about real spirituality and connection to God. Oreyingbo’s writing also breaks down the difference between religion and godliness in a way that’s easily understandable to readers. Religious people and even people who aren’t religious will gain insight from this book.
Religion is Darkness looks at religions that have been around for thousands of years in a fresh new way. Oreyingbo has written a book that will spark conversations with readers.
