BBNaija Star Pere Egbi Engages in Heated Exchange with Pastor Over LGBTQ Interpretation
In a recent viral social media confrontation, former Big Brother Naija housemate Pere Egbi boldly challenged Pastor Dr Kevin M. Young's stance on LGBTQ issues, igniting widespread discussion among Nigerians online. The reality star and actor cited the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah to support his argument that same-gender relations are sinful, directly countering the pastor's claim that the Bible does not condemn LGBTQ identities.
Pastor's Pro-LGBTQ Tweet Sparks Controversy
Pastor Dr Kevin M. Young initiated the debate with a tweet asserting that being LGBTQ+ is not a sin according to the Bible, emphasizing God's unconditional love for all individuals regardless of gender identity. He stated, "Being LGBTQ+ isn't a sin, nor does the Bible ever say it is. You cannot 'repent' of your sexual orientation because you did not choose it, nor can you change it. God loves you the way God themself created you." This perspective, shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly drew attention from various quarters, setting the stage for Egbi's rebuttal.
Pere Egbi's Biblical Rebuttal Goes Viral
Responding to the pastor's tweet, Pere Egbi firmly disagreed, arguing that LGBTQ+ behavior is indeed a sin, comparable to other transgressions. He referenced the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as a key biblical example to substantiate his point. In his tweet, Egbi explained, "Being LGBTQ+ is a sin as other sins. It’s not a greater sin nor is it a lesser sin. God did not create a man for another man nor a woman for another woman. He didn’t make a man to be with other men. And to prove my point, it was for this same reason he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah." This response rapidly gained traction, amassing thousands of likes, shares, and comments across social media platforms.
Nigerians React to the Debate on Social Media
The exchange between Pere Egbi and Pastor Young triggered a flurry of reactions from Nigerians, with many users weighing in on the theological and moral implications. Supporters of Egbi praised his stance, while others critiqued his interpretation of scripture. Key comments included:
- liquid__fire said: "This topic is DOA (Dead On Arrival).... Apostle Pere, may God anoint your head with oil and make your cup run over."
- debs_dev commented: "It’s not the reason God punished sodom and gomorrah ooooo, please read your bible with spiritual intent."
- __la_arana_ said: "Saying 'nor does the bible says it is' when sodom and Gomorrah was literally mentioned in the bible ..?"
- enaginjah commented: "I totally agree with Pere. He also backed his points with the Sodom and Gomorrah story which is very significant."
- something_nuel wrote: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh. Cleave to his WIFE not another man."
- mercyessiensings said: "Genesis 1:27 (NKJV): 'So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.' God did not create them 'male and male'."
This diverse range of opinions highlights the ongoing cultural and religious tensions surrounding LGBTQ issues in Nigeria, where conservative views often dominate public discourse.
Background on Pere Egbi's Previous Statements
This is not the first time Pere Egbi has made headlines for his outspoken views. Previously, he gained attention for advising Nigerians to own cats as a means to deter snakes from homes, following the tragic death of vocalist Ifunanya. His willingness to engage in controversial topics continues to solidify his presence in the entertainment and social commentary spheres.
The debate underscores the broader societal conversations about sexuality, religion, and morality in Nigeria, with celebrities like Pere Egbi playing a significant role in shaping public opinion through social media platforms.
