Charging for holy water is unbiblical. God’s power can’t be sold

A Nigerian church has come under fire for selling ‘miracle products’ supposedly imbued with healing properties. The Bible does talk about holy water, anointing the sick with oil and even inanimate objects healing people – but God’s power shouldn’t come with a price tag, warns Kate Orson

In Nigeria, the drug approval agency (NAFDAC) has warned people not to buy ‘miracle products’ such as holy water - and even holy soap! - being offered by Christ Mercyland Deliverance ministry. The church, run by popular televangelist Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, offers products that claim to have healing properties and can even cure infertility. But NAFDAC said the claims were “bogus” and the products did not have their approval. 

In response, a BBC article quoted the church as saying it is ‘’law-abiding’’ and has been using “spiritual items in expression of [their] spiritual beliefs”.

Whether the products are actually illegal remains to be seen, but Mercyland are far from the only place that believers can purchase water supposedly from the river Jordan or pre-blessed holy oil. The Lourdes online gift shop sells holy water, soaps and oils blessed at Lourdes, as do many other outlets. But what does the Bible have to say about such products? And should Christians buy them?