The State of the Church, Nigeria and Literature / Ep. 3

In this episode of "Boring Conversations," I had the privilege of speaking with Brother Anthony Nonso Dim, who shared his profound insights on a range of topics. We explored the significant role of religious leaders in shaping the political landscape of African countries, particularly Nigeria, and discussed the Church's approach to addressing national crises and global challenges. We talked about homosexuality and the ills homosexuals face in an unjust society. We looked at cancel culture and more. We appreciated the works of Bishops Godfrey Onah of Nsukka, Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto, and Adesina Ijebu-Ode, as well as Fada Oluoma, Charles Awuzie and his Evolve Conferences and his Big Brain Naija. We also looked at the evolution of the sales of indulgences, particularly in Pentecostal Churches and the new and false emphasis on tithing. We reflected on the weaknesses and strengths of Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen, and how people still react in disbelief about Merton’s sexual struggles and Nouwen’s homosexual orientation. Brother Anthony also delved into his literary journey, revealing his sources of inspiration, favourite authors, and his commitment to supporting emerging writers. He provided a glimpse into his current literary projects and shared his views on the vital role of literature in society, especially African literature. We touched on his reading habits, the perceived decline in the literary world, and his strong stance against book banning, alongside the blessing of possible readership that such brings too. Brother Anthony also shared his thoughts on the challenges of modern-day publishing and the need for more inclusive approaches. Through our conversation, we celebrated the extraordinary in the ordinary, aligning with our podcast's mission to uncover hidden gems in everyday life. We hope our listeners find inspiration in these insights and continue to appreciate the beauty in daily routines and small talks.