Popular social media personality, Solomon Buchi has criticised churches organizing thanksgiving services over Arsenal F.C.’s recent trophy victory, saying the trend is beginning to “look like an idol” and questioning why football celebrations are being brought into church services.
Buchi made the remarks while reacting to a viral video that showed church members celebrating Arsenal’s triumph.
In a now-viral video, Buchi expressed concern about what he described as the blurring of lines between faith and football fandom.
“I might probably get dragged for this. I’m very happy that Arsenal won the trophy. But I’m an Arsenal fan, my wife is an Arsenal fan, most of my friends Arsenal fans, most of the people I know are Arsenal fans, most of the people I respect are Arsenal fans”.
“But see we can celebrate Arsenal’s victory without bringing it to church in that kind of manner. Because I don’t understand why a church is organizing a whole thanksgiving service because of Arsenal’s victory.”
Buchi added that while he understands playful banter from preachers to engage congregants, he believes testimonies centered on football victories cross a line.
“I understand the banter that preachers throw here and there just to make people laugh and lighten up the mood and be relatable. But people going out to give testimonies, I think they are crossing the thin line. It’s beginning to look like an idol. It’s beginning to look like we don’t understand what church is meant for”.
