“Some Christians Lost their Faith by Eating Sallah Meat” — Pastor Jimmy Odukoya

Senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Jimmy Odukoya, has ignited conversations online following remarks challenging certain religious beliefs among Christians regarding food and interfaith relations.

The sermon, which has since gone viral on social media, addressed attitudes towards eating food offered by Muslim neighbours during festive periods.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about religious tolerance and cultural interactions in Nigeria, particularly during celebrations such as Eid al-Adha, commonly referred to as Salah.

Cleric questions religious rigidity

In the message, Odukoya criticised what he described as extreme interpretations of Christian doctrine.

“Some of us religion has bounded us where God has set us free. Some people want to tell you Christianity by what you eat. There are Christians who believe you lose your faith by eating Salah meat. What? You ate meat sacrificed to idols? You sat with them? You have Muslim neighbours, they invited you, they gave you meat and you ate it? You’re going to hell!. Can you imagine I went to a restaurant and saw someone with wine, and people began to question his faith? Please, what did Jesus turn water into? It was not grape juice.”

Message on tolerance and coexistence

He further urged Christians to embrace love and openness in their interactions with people of other faiths.

“If God has told you to go to your neighbour’s house who is a Muslim, and the only Bible he will read is your life, eat his food. Do not tell him you cannot eat it because it is Salah food. Sit down, bless it, give thanks and eat.”

The remarks echo previous teachings by some Nigerian clerics advocating peaceful coexistence in a multi-religious society.

Watch the video below…