Religion In Contemporary Nigeria

The dynamism of religion all over the world presupposes that discourse on it generally is a continuous exercise. As religion influences the environment of its operation so also is the influence of the environment on the practice of religion. Nigeria, a multi-religious nation has experienced and is still experiencing the positive as well the negative aspects of religious practices in her socio-political, economic and cultural spheres. There is no doubt that religion is manipulated by some people, which portray it in bad light and makes it vulnerable to criticisms despite the unanimity about its potential to be a force for good in the society. Recent developments in Nigeria indicate that religion has a role in the survival or otherwise of the country. Such include the re-introduction of Sharicah penal code in some states in the northern part of the country, the emergence of Islamic banks, proliferation of private faith-based tertiary institutions, emergence of different factions and sects in religions and the challenge of insurgency using religion as camouflage in the name of the Boko Haram. This book addresses contemporary issues in the use of religion in Nigeria. Its uniqueness lies in the calibre of notable scholars who contributed to it from various ethno-religious and geographical backgrounds. It contains the views of eminent scholars from Islam and Christianity and is jointly edited by experienced professors in the two faiths. The overall aim is to enhance better understanding of religion and to promote peaceful co-existence between and among adherents of the two religions.

In Religion and the Making of Nigeria, Olufemi Vaughan examines how Christian, Muslim, and indigenous religious structures have provided the essential social and ideological frameworks for the construction of contemporary Nigeria. Using a wealth of archival sources and extensive Africanist scholarship, Vaughan traces Nigeria’s social, religious, and political history from the early nineteenth century to the present. During the nineteenth century, the historic Sokoto Jihad in today’s northern Nigeria and the Christian missionary movement in what is now southwestern Nigeria provided the frameworks for ethno-religious divisions in colonial society. Following Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960, Christian-Muslim tensions became manifest in regional and religious conflicts over the expansion of sharia, in fierce competition among political elites for state power, and in the rise of Boko Haram. These tensions are not simply conflicts over religious beliefs, ethnicity, and regionalism; they represent structural imbalances founded on the religious divisions forged under colonial rule.

The contributions fall broadly under Biblical Studies, Church History, Islamic Studies and African Traditional Religions. --Book Jacket.

Definitions and descriptions of religion by anti-religion scholars, philosophers and scientists often downplay the role, relevance, functions and contributions of religion to the society, and usually reduce it to a mere set of beliefs, doctrines, rituals and spirituality. In Nigeria, most of the critics of religion often forget that they owe Western education championed by the missionaries for most of their accomplishments in life. This is in addition to the spiritual assistance and healthcare services provided by religious leaders and institutions in the country. In our previous book - Religion in Contemporary Nigeria- we addressed issues in the use and misuse of religion in Nigeria. This volume focuses on the role of religion in Nigeria's development.This carefully selected compendium contains the submissions of eminent scholars from African Traditional Religion, Christianity and Islam and is jointly edited by experienced professors in the fields. The overall aim is to enhance better understanding of religion as a veritable instrument of development in Nigeria.

Students of religion and interested observers of politics in Africa will cherish this book for providing a thorough analysis of the origin and politics of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). A Dangerous Awakening chronicles the religious clashes in Nigeria, and shows how religion has been used in the struggle for political power. Dr. Enwerem bases his study on interviews and unpublished memos, papers and letters not otherwise accessible to the public. This book is an invaluable contribution to the study of contemporary politics and religion in Nigeria Of the few Nigerians qualified to write on this important topic, Dr. Enwerem is the best... Reflective, thorough and mature, he has written a brilliant account of the most dynamic organization of Nigerian Christianity during the 20th century. The book teaches, challenges and provokes - qualities that define an outstanding work that will stand the test of time.