When Faith Clouds Judgment: The Fine Line between Religion and Reason

I’ve tried to avoid this topic—religion and faith—but it’s one I can’t shake. Observing how deeply religious beliefs influence some Ghanaians’ reasoning, I feel compelled to write about it. Admittedly, the sway of religious faith isn’t unique to Ghanaians; it’s a phenomenon affecting people worldwide. But here, I speak from personal experience. I write this with utmost respect for all denominations and their practices, as someone who considers herself religious. I firmly believe in God and respect the integral role of faith in our culture.

However, faith can sometimes create barriers to critical thinking, personal responsibility, and accountability. This becomes especially problematic in matters of health. Just last month, I was emotionally shaken by an experience at the hospital. My sister-in-law was blessed with a baby boy, but her joy was overshadowed by the suffering of another woman in her room. This woman, also a new mother, faced life-threatening complications due to her religion’s prohibition on blood transfusions.

Her hemoglobin level had dropped to a dangerously low 3 g/dL, far below the typical range of 12-15 g/dL for women, indicating severe anemia. Combined with pregnancy complications like Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), both she and her baby were in dire need of immediate medical intervention—specifically, a blood transfusion. Yet, her husband, family, and she herself refused the procedure, firmly believing that if it were God’s will, both mother and child would survive without it.

Watching her family stand by, refusing the life-saving treatment in the name of religion, left me heartbroken. I felt for the mother, who shed silent tears, and my heart ached for the helpless newborn. Part of me felt anger, too—a pang of disappointment that no one was standing up for this defenseless child, whose fate was being decided by others.

One aspect that often frustrates me is the way some religious groups restrict healthcare access. Some members aren’t allowed to visit hospitals, while others can go but are forbidden from taking prescribed medication. Yet, ironically, they sell herbal drinks like sobolo at their churches. Interesting, right?

Then there’s the effect on education. Many of us witnessed this back in high school: students neglecting their studies to pray during prep time, hoping for a miraculous intervention during exams. Instead of reading, they rely on stories of devout individuals who claim an angel guided them to success without any preparation. Could it be that these people had actually studied in advance, got lucky, or simply exaggerated the role of faith in their results? Learning is subjective, after all, and so is the quality of preparation.

Another example is when certain religious rules prevent students from attending classes or exams on specific days, like Saturdays. For members of these faiths, options like distance education are impractical since weekend classes and exams are often required. Many who wish to further their education are left with no choice but to put their dreams on hold if their work schedules prevent weekday attendance.

Religious influence even affects mental well-being. In some churches, members claim the Holy Spirit “descends” on people, instructing them to publicly lash or humiliate others. They call out people’s supposed sins—from fornication to stealing—leaving them disgraced before the entire congregation.

This influence can also strain personal relationships. A friend once confided in me that her husband, a pastor, fasts constantly, often during her ovulation, leaving her feeling neglected. They’re trying to conceive, but his commitment to fasting seems to take precedence. She sighed and joked, “Was it a mistake to marry a man of God?” There’s also the suffocating pressure to keep such matters private, as a pastor’s wife, or safo maame, must maintain appearances.

And then there are the job-seekers who, instead of actively pursuing opportunities, spend all their time attending church activities, moving from pastor to pastor, sowing seeds in hope of a miracle. They don’t invest time in creating a CV, applying for positions, or building a small business. Faith, in this case, replaces necessary effort.

Perhaps most striking are the “Christian mothers” who prioritize serving their pastor over their own families. Right after church, some will rush to cook for the pastor, neglecting their husbands and children. Don’t get me wrong—serving your pastor is commendable, but there’s a difference between volunteering at the right time and letting it override family responsibilities. I sometimes wonder if God Himself questions whether they’re serving Him or a man.

When we’re unsure if faith is overshadowing reason: here are some possible questions we can ask ourselves:

Am I holding on to this belief out of genuine conviction, or out of fear of judgment?

Would I feel the same way if this decision affected someone I deeply cared about?

If someone else made this choice for me or a loved one, would I find it reasonable or harmful?

Is my belief encouraging personal growth and kindness, or is it limiting my ability to think critically?

Am I making this decision based on evidence and well-informed reasoning, or solely on what I’ve been told to believe?

Again here are some practical steps and questions to avoid illogical thinking:

Reflect on Intentions: Ask yourself, Is this decision rooted in compassion and care, or in fear and dogma?

Seek Diverse Perspectives: Discuss your thoughts with people from various backgrounds, including those outside your faith, to broaden your view.

Research and Educate Yourself: Look into the origins and reasons behind certain practices. Ask, “Does this belief serve a constructive purpose today?”

Consider Practical Impacts: Visualize the outcome of your choice on yourself and others. Will this decision help or hurt?

Consult Trusted Mentors: Choose people known for balanced thinking. Ask, What do you think about this? Is there another way to view it?

Evaluate Against Personal Values: Align the decision with your core values and ethics. Does it resonate with your sense of integrity, fairness, and compassion?

Faith should be a guiding light, not a blinding force. While spirituality offers strength, it’s crucial to balance belief with personal responsibility, empathy, and reason. When religion encourages us to care for others, to be kinder, to strive for excellence—that’s faith at its best. But when it binds us to choices that cause harm, restricts our personal growth, or limits our ability to think freely, we must pause and reflect. It’s up to us to ensure our beliefs enhance our lives, encouraging us to be wiser, more compassionate, and actively engaged with the world—not only in spirit but in sound mind and action.

With Love, 

Rammie.