Pastor Abel Damina of Abel Damina Ministries International stirred controversy by stating that God is not a Christian and questioning the exclusive claim of Christianity to salvation.
Addressing his congregation on Monday, Damina emphasized that the term “Christianity” did not exist during the lifetimes of key biblical figures like Abraham, David, and even Jesus Christ. He explained that these figures were known as disciples or believers, not Christians.
“Many of you think God is a Christian. God is not a Christian,” Damina asserted. “People went to heaven before Christianity started. Christianity began in Antioch in the Book of Acts. That should humble you and prompt a reevaluation of your theology.”
Damina further clarified that the term “Christianity” was coined by unbelievers who observed the transformation in the followers of Paul. “Before they were called Christians, they were known as believers and disciples. The transformation in their lives led others to label them as Christians, but many had already attained salvation long before this term existed.”
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He referenced biblical patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Abel, Isaiah, and David, as well as Jesus, highlighting that none of them were Christians by the modern definition.
Damina, known for his unconventional views, also faced backlash for his recent advice to those struggling with pornography addiction. He suggested that instead of battling the addiction, individuals should immerse themselves in the word of God while continuing to watch porn. According to Damina, this approach would gradually diminish the desire for pornography.
“Don’t struggle to stop watching porn,” he advised. “Keep watching it while you spend more time hearing the word of God. Over time, your appetite for porn will die, replaced by a growing desire for God’s word.”
This advice was met with significant criticism from conservative Christians. Pastor Gideon Odoma of Fortress Ministry was among those who condemned Damina’s stance, labeling pornography as a serious perversion and cautioning against trivializing such issues.