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Should Religion and Business Be Miles Apart? A Brutally Honest Look at How Religion is Keeping Us Poor and Stuck

Religion is a powerful force in Kenya. It shapes our values, our work ethic, and even our politics. But somewhere along the way, we’ve been fed a twisted version of faith—one that glorifies suffering, discourages critical thinking, and keeps people broke. Let’s talk about how religion, especially in business, has been misused to keep us poor and stupid, and what we can actually do about it.

The Prosperity Gospel Scam: Pray, Pay, Prosper?

You’ve probably seen it: pastors rolling in brand-new SUVs, wearing designer suits, while their congregants walk home barefoot after giving their last KES 200 to “plant a seed.” The prosperity gospel tells people that if they tithe more, God will bless them financially. Yet, the only ones getting rich are the pastors. Meanwhile, the faithful remain in financial struggle, waiting for miracles instead of making smart money moves.

The Reality:

  • Giving 10% of your income to a church while struggling to pay rent won’t make you rich.

  • God does not operate like a pyramid scheme—He won’t double your money because you dropped an envelope at the altar.

  • Financial success comes from strategy, investment, and knowledge, not from “claiming” wealth in Jesus’ name.

The Solution:

  • Give wisely. Support causes that actually uplift people.

  • Invest in your own financial education before handing over your hard-earned money.

  • Understand that faith should empower, not enslave.

Religion and Business: Ethics vs. Exploitation

Religion, when used correctly, can instill strong business ethics—honesty, fairness, and social responsibility. But in Kenya, it has also been used as an excuse for exploitation.

Examples of Religious Hypocrisy in Business:

  1. Christian Bosses Who Preach but Don’t Pay

    • Ever worked for a business named Jehovah Jireh Enterprises or Blessed Hands Cleaning Services only to find the owner refuses to pay salaries on time? They’ll tell you, “God will provide,” but somehow, God only provides for them.

  2. Fasting Instead of Financial Planning

    • Some people pray over failing businesses instead of fixing real issues. You can’t fast your way out of bad customer service or poor management.

  3. “Brotherhood” Discounts

    • Church members expect free services or extreme discounts because “we are all brethren in Christ.” But the same brethren will pay full price elsewhere.

The Solution:

  • Separate faith from financial irresponsibility.

  • Stop expecting miracles in areas that require common sense.

  • Respect people’s work and pay them fairly, no matter how “God-fearing” your business is.

Religion, Parenting, and Society: Raising Stunted Thinkers?

From a young age, Kenyan kids are taught obedience, not critical thinking. Schools and parents emphasize memorizing Bible verses over understanding real-world challenges.

The Consequences:

  • Kids grow up believing questioning authority is sinful.

  • Women are taught to “submit” in marriages, even in abusive situations.

  • People don’t negotiate salaries or demand their rights because they’ve been told to “be humble and trust God.”

The Solution:

  • Teach kids practical skills alongside faith.

  • Encourage questioning and open discussions instead of blind obedience.

  • Balance spirituality with logic and personal empowerment.

Should Religion and Business Be Miles Apart?

Not necessarily. Ethics in business are important, and many religious principles promote fairness and kindness. However, the problem arises when religion is used as an excuse for laziness, exploitation, or financial irresponsibility.

Where Religion Should Help:

  • Encouraging honesty, fairness, and service in business.

  • Promoting community-driven financial support (e.g., SACCOs, ethical lending).

Where Religion Should Stay Out:

  • Business decisions based on prophecy instead of planning.

  • Using faith to manipulate or exploit workers.

  • Pushing people to “trust God” instead of teaching financial literacy.

Final Thoughts: Faith with a Dose of Reality

Religion isn’t the problem—it’s how we apply it. Faith should empower, not enslave. It should inspire ethical business practices, not financial naivety. If you find yourself constantly praying for financial breakthroughs instead of making solid business moves, it’s time to rethink how faith fits into your finances.

Let’s use faith wisely, work smart, and stop waiting for miracles that will never come. Because faith without works is dead, and so is a bank account without financial sense.

What’s Your Take?

How has religion influenced your business or financial choices? Do you think it should be separate from business? Let’s discuss!

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