Liberia Country Information: Religion
Operation World Statistics
Hope for the Nation
The good news is that there are those who come in to work along side the people to meet their deepest felt needs. Through Orphan Relief and Rescue, Sharing International teams and staff desire to bring compassion in a form that will change lives, no matter a person's background. The most effective discipleship appears to be working alongside people to meet their deepest needs practically, and sharing faith with them through the process. The example of Jesus, being a servant to all while proclaiming
hope, is the way to experience real change in Liberia while celebrating with those whose faith sustains them. It is truly an encriching experience to be among those whom, though they have suffered, are still able to rejoice. Joy seems to abound! Unfortunately there are also difficult struggles for the people.
Spiritual Leaders Perspective
The people predominately believe in God, but are very uninformed as to what their beliefs actually are. Pastors in Liberia say the faith of the people is “a mile wide, but an inch deep.” They decry the fact that morals are hugely lacking even among professing Christians. Poverty drives women to prostitution, and marriage vows mean little to the majority. Even children are prostituted for the basic necessities of life.
There are lots of street "crusades." Many times these are only money-makers for the pastors. They often proclaim, “Give your money, God will bless you 100 fold!” The poor are becoming very disillusioned by this type of Christianity. It is hopeful that with the war over, people will have the provision they need for their families, and that greed will no longer be a factor in religion, government or any other aspect of Liberian society.