Rivers State University Journal of Religious and Cultural Studies (RiSUJORACS)
Rivers State University Journal of Religious and Cultural Studies (RiSUJORACS) is a Multidisciplinary online and print Journal of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The Journal is a forum for the publication and dissemination of well-researched, original and policy-oriented articles, discussions and reports across disciplines in the humanities. Our main interest is the “Pivotal Role of Religion and Culture in Human Society and Development.” Therefore, every well-thought-out article on any human endeavour is welcome for publication. The Journal accepts only works that have not been published previously. Manuscripts must conform to the writing format and instructions on our call for papers per time.
LAW, TABOO AND MORAL ORDER: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OLD TESTAMENT ETHICS, MOSAIC LAW AND AFRICAN RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
This study examines the relationship between law, Taboo, and moral order in Old Testament ethics, especially Mosaic Law and African religious experience. Mosaic Law signifies a covenant grounded in divine revelation to ancient Israel traditions, African religious moral system operates through taboo, common norms, and ancestral authority. Findings reveal that despite differences in textual versus oral transmission, Covenantal monotheism versus plural spiritual hierarchy. Both traditions function as a sacred aim at preserving community stability, community relations, spiritual harmony, and social justice. Mosaic Laws sustain respect, harmony, and divine sanction, while African ancestral taboos sustain cosmic balance through continual mediation and traditional enforcement. The study argues that taboo functions as sacred law, and Mosaic Legislation may be seen as a historically codified covenantal moral order. By bringing this with Old Testament theology into dialogue with African religious ethics, this research contributes to comparative moral theology, African hermeneutics, and postcolonial ethical discourse.
Copyright (c) 2026 Oluwaseyi N. Shogunle, Stephen Osunlana (Author)
THE PLACE OF PRAYER AND WORKS IN THE POLITICAL RECOVERY OF NIGERIA
The political degradation in Nigerian society has led to a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria. In a context marked by deep political socio-economic instability, many Nigerians turn to prayer as a source of hope. No human society exists without religion. Prayer functions not only as personal devotion but also as a communal practice that fosters resilience. However, reliance on prayer alone without actions risks passivity and undermines structural reform. This paper examines the intertwined roles of prayer and works in the political recovery of Nigeria. This paper also delineates “works” as the spectrum of civic engagement, policy implementation, institutional accountability, and public service that concretize aspirations for democratic governance. This paper adopted a Historical Method with Descriptive Approach, and also involved a thorough review of literature, discussion with masses, Church organizations, and religious leaders, as well as data from Journals, and Textbooks. This paper discovered the power and potency of prayer in social transformations that some Nigeria leaders have failed to use. It has also established a link between prayer and social transformations. This paper concludes that a synergistic approach where prayer informs ethical motivations and works enact structural change offers a more holistic framework for Nigeria’s political recovery.
Copyright (c) 2026 Okechukwu Orah (Author)
BORO (1938-1968) AND RESOURCE CONTROL IN NIGER DELTA: A BIBLICAL REFLECTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Resource control in this context depicts a state where the owners of the means of production utilizes and produces goods and services for their profit and gain and as well pay tax to the government. In is operational in system where true federalism is allowed. The struggle for freedom from slavery and quest for the control of resources is inherent in man when obviously marginalization and strangulation creeps into the domain of the oppressed minorities. The Niger Delta is an epitome of poverty, empty in the midst of plenty and neglect. The above angered Isaac Adaka Boro who then reacted against injustice in the region. In the light of this research, attention is given to Adako Boro movement, his fight against injustice in Niger Delta, Boro as pathfinder of resource control in Niger Delta, Boro and the struggle for Niger Delta Autonomy, exploitation, devastation and war in Niger Delta, the need for social justice in the Niger Delta, environmental justice and its principles. The research also looked at Biblical reflection on environmental justice. Historical method of research was used for proper understanding. The research made used of books, journals and internet sources and recommends that host communities should be allowed to control their resources and pay tax to federal government as this will enhance development in the area.
Copyright (c) 2026 Clifford Meesua Sibani, Goka Muele Mpigi (Author)
AFRICAN RELIGIO-CULTURAL LANDSCAPES AND THE QUESTION OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT: REASSESSING INDIGENOUS INNOVATIONS AND THEIR DISJUNCTION WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL TRAJECTORIES
The question of underdevelopment of the African continent especially in this age of modern technological advancement has remained an intractable challenge to contemporary scholars. While some are of the view that the continent can only develop if it is allowed to do so within her rich cultural context; others think that the transfer of technology from the West is the only viable alternative to its development. This study takes a mid-way position by critically examining the interconnectedness and disconnectedness of African culture and modern technological advancement. As a philosophical research, the paper adopts the discursive and analytical approach in analyzing extant scholarly views on this subject matter. The entire discussion is pitched against the backdrop of cultural liberalism or cultural revivalism theory. The study argues that while modern technologies are undoubtedly useful tools for development of the African continent, some technologies have the potentials to negatively impact on African culture / values. The paper also unraveled some issues that serve as major impediments to technological development in Africa. The paper concludes that the call for development of Africa outside of its cultural context is not only counterproductive but destructive and therefore recommends the development of Africa within its cultural milieu as the most viable alternative. It also calls on policy makers in Africa to have a retrospect of the lost traditional African technologies and formulate policies that could promote rather than undermine them.
Africa, African culture, African values, technology and development
Copyright (c) 2026 John Clerk Koko, Kenoye O. I. Uwom (Author)
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AS A TOOL FOR CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY OF THE NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION
Many churches and groups in the Nigerian Baptist Convention are not taking advantage of social media to expand and promote their ministries in our contemporary time. The study will appraise the impact of various social media platforms on Christian education ministries of a local church. The research employed a descriptive survey research design, and 274 copies of questionnaire were distributed among Baptist Christian educators in various churches of the Nigerian Baptist Convention who are on the Christian Education Department’s social media platforms. Connectivism theory is used that suggests that learning occurs through connections and networks. Findings revealed significant correlations between social media usage and increased engagement in Christian education. This work is also helpful to growing research on social media’s impact on Christian education ministries. In conclusion, social media platforms have significantly boosted the work of the Christian education ministry of a local church to reach a broader audience in the shortest time with limited resources and risks. Therefore, this study recommends increasing social media usage, improving internet ministry awareness, and encouraging the enormous participation of believers in the church’s teaching ministry using social media.
Copyright (c) 2026 Akinrinsola Aderibigbe ODUKOGBE, Oluwaseun Afolabi (Author)
LITURGICAL TRANSFORMATION AND THE RISE OF CHARISMATIC WORSHIP IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN NIGERIA
This article examines the liturgical transformation occurring within the Anglican Church in Nigeria and the concurrent rise of charismatic worship practices. Drawing on historical, theological, and sociological perspectives, the study explores how Nigerian Anglican worship has shifted from traditional Book of Common Prayer‑centred services toward more dynamic, experiential, and charismatic forms. Factors such as the influence of neo‑Pentecostal churches, Indigenous Christian Movements, Youth Culture, and Competitive Missional Dynamics are analysed. The article further considers theological implications for Anglican identity, liturgical coherence, and ecclesial unity. While charismatic elements have revitalized worship and contributed to church growth, they equally raise critical questions about liturgical integrity and continuity with historic Anglican theology. The study argues that the Nigerian case represents a distinct form of “Anglocostalism,” whereby Anglicanism retains its structural and sacramental framework while incorporating Pentecostal‑like charismatic expression. Ultimately, this shift is framed as a contextual response to the Nigerian spiritual landscape and reflects broader global patterns of charismatic renewal in mainline churches. Recommendations for further theological dialogue and contextual liturgical formation are proposed for sustaining both vibrancy and tradition.
Liturgy, Transformation, Charismatic Worship and Anglican Church
Copyright (c) 2026 Goka M. Mpigi (Author)
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM IN THE EARLY CHURCH AND INDIGENOUS PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN NIGERIA: CONTINUITY AND CULTURAL ADAPTATION
Baptism has remained a defining ritual within Christianity, symbolizing initiation, purification, and participation in the salvific work of Christ. While extensive scholarship has examined baptismal theology in the Early Church, limited attention has been given to its expression within indigenous Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. This article undertakes a comparative historical and cultural analysis of baptism in the Early Church and in three Nigerian indigenous Pentecostal denominations: the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), and the Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C&S). Drawing on patristic sources, doctrinal materials, field observations, and survey data, the study identifies both theological continuity and contextual transformation. Core elements such as immersion, repentance, and Trinitarian invocation persist, while ritual symbolism and administrative structures have been reshaped by contemporary ecclesiastical and cultural realities. The findings illustrate how early Christian traditions are preserved and reinterpreted within African Pentecostal contexts, contributing to broader discussions on religious transmission, adaptation, and identity in global Christianity.
Baptism, Early Christianity, Indigenous Pentecostalism, African Christianity, Ritual Adaptation, Comparative Theology
Copyright (c) 2026 Opeyemi Mayowa Adewale (Author)
ROLE OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY IN THE SOCIO-MORAL AND POLITICO-ECONOMIC CHANGE OF HUMANITY
This study critically examines the transformative influence of Islam and Christianity on the socio-moral values and politico-economic structures that have shaped human history. As two of the world’s major religions, Islam and Christianity have provided foundational ethical principles and normative frameworks that have guided human conduct, social cohesion, and governance systems across different civilizations and periods. The research explores how their core teachings and institutional practices have contributed to the formulation of justice, human rights, social responsibility, and economic ethics, thereby affecting societal organization and political authority. By tracing these impacts, the study highlights the enduring significance of Islam and Christianity in driving socio-moral development and politico-economic transformations, offering critical insights into the interplay between faith, society, and governance throughout human civilization.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sunday Mathew Omisola, Gabriel Testimony Adekola, Comfort Olufunlayo Godwin (Author)
RELIGIOUS REVIVAL AND SOCIAL CHANGE: A HISTORICAL STUDY OF THE PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENT IN NIGERIA
The Pentecostal movement in Nigeria has evolved from a marginal religious expression into a major force shaping the nation’s spiritual, social, and public life. This paper examines the historical development of Pentecostalism and its relationship with social change, tracing its roots from early indigenous revivalist movements, particularly the Aladura churches, through mid-twentieth-century global Pentecostal influences, to the rise of Neo-Pentecostalism from the 1980s onward. Using historical and sociological perspectives, the study analyses Pentecostal theology, leadership patterns, and institutional innovations, and how these have interacted with Nigerian society. It highlights contributions to moral reorientation, economic aspiration, political engagement, and the reshaping of social values, with particular attention to charismatic leadership, the prosperity gospel, faith-based education, and the Pentecostal redefinition of success. At the same time, the paper acknowledges critical concerns surrounding commercialisation, excesses, and doctrinal manipulation. It concludes that Pentecostalism in Nigeria functions not only as a religious revival but also as a significant catalyst for social transformation, illuminating the dynamic relationship between faith and development in contemporary African contexts.
Pentecostalism; Social Change; Revival Movements; Prosperity Gospel; Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2026 Olaitan Oyedele OLAOBA (Author)
RELIGION, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE: FAITH-INFORMED STRATEGIES IN RESPONSE TO GLOBAL HEALTH CRISES
This research paper deals with religion and public health. Moreover, faith-informed strategies are vital in a global crisis. It can help in behavioural change as well. The purpose is to evaluate how religion impacts health behaviour and to assess the effectiveness of faith-based strategies in promoting compliance with health advice. The author systematically reviews empirical evidence, policies, and case studies, including those from COVID-19, polio eradication campaigns, cholera, and chronic diseases to support their argument. Learning from the Blue Shield Coalition: The Power of Faith. This study draws on evidence from high- and low-resource settings to identify mechanisms by which faith influences health decisions, including authority of religious leaders, trust networks in the community, culturally relevant messaging, and the ritualization of health practices. The research highlights the potential of faith-based organizations to improve public health by increasing vaccine uptake, encouraging preventive behavior, decreasing misinformation, and assisting with psychosocial issues. The research also highlights barriers such as resistance to interventions on religious grounds, lack of partnerships between religious groups and health authorities, and differences in the capacity of religiously affiliated institutions to promote health. The conclusion highlights the important role that public health strategies shaped by faith can play in achieving sustainable behaviour change in religious communities. Experts recommend having religious leaders involved in the public health planning process; developing health communications that respond to and reflect the cultural and religious context; and institutional partnership between religious organizations and health sector organizations. This research adds new knowledge about how to use religion in the service of public health. Specifically, it provides a roadmap to which policy-makers, health agents, and faith communities can work together to enhance health outcomes globally and locally during a health crisis.
Faith-Informed Health Interventions; Religious Leadership; Public Health Behavior; Covid-19 and Global Health Crises; Community Engagement
Copyright (c) 2026 Pius Barinaadaa Kii (Author)
POSTMODERN CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON LITURGICAL INNOVATIONS IN PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE
The world is becoming complex due to contemporary developments and the ever-changing ideas penetrating disciplines and human life by the emergence of postmodern culture. The impact of this cultural shift on liturgical practices in Pentecostal churches in Abeokuta is significant but has also created a bias between the traditional and contemporary settings. This has raised questions on theological correctness and cultural soundness in observance using postmodern condition theory. This study investigates Postmodern Cultural Influences on Liturgical Innovations in Nigerian Pentecostal Churches with particular reference to Abeokuta, Ogun State. Using survey research design, data were collected from 200 respondents, including pastors, church workers and members. Findings indicated vastness in liturgical innovations using social media and multimedia equipment (90%). Pastors, church workers and members perceived that liturgical innovations encourage active participation (61%), attract new members (80%), and makes worship more meaningful (52%). Findings also revealed that modern liturgical practices may not align totally with biblical teachings (65%), compromises church core doctrines (55%) and weakens traditional theological values (65%) as results indicated that liturgical innovation does not aid true connection to God (59%) and causes distraction from spiritual focus (66%). This study contributed a germane insight to ecclesiology, the study of the church.
Postmodern Culture, Liturgical innovations, Pentecostal Churches, Abeokuta
Copyright (c) 2026 Victor Opeyemi Adeogun (Author)
PENTECOSTAL MEGACHURCHES AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A DIACONAL REASSESSMENT
Public discussion about Nigerian Pentecostal megachurches frequently focuses on prosperity preaching, charismatic leadership, and rapid institutional expansion. While these features are undeniable, they have often overshadowed another dimension of Pentecostal activity: the role many of these churches play in social welfare and community development. This article re‑examines the relationship between Nigerian Pentecostal megachurches and social development by focusing on the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) as a representative case. Drawing on scholarship in African Christianity, religion and development studies, and public theology, the article argues that Pentecostal megachurches should not be understood only through the lens of prosperity theology or religious entrepreneurship. Rather, they also function as important social institutions that provide educational opportunities, healthcare initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and economic empowerment programs. Through these interventions, such churches contribute to wider processes of community transformation within Nigerian society. The study therefore proposes a diaconal reassessment of Pentecostal megachurches that recognizes both their theological motivations and their practical engagement with social needs. By situating RCCG within the broader discourse on religion and development, the article demonstrates that Nigerian Pentecostalism represents a significant religious actor in the pursuit of social wellbeing and community resilience.
Pentecostalism, megachurches, social development, Redeemed Christian Church of God, diakonia, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2026 John U. Addo (Author)
NIGERIAN ONLINE DATING AND MATCHMAKING PLATFORMS: ITS SOCIO-RELIGIOUS IMPLICATIONS
This study examines the socio-religious implications of online dating and matchmaking platforms within the Nigerian context, a country characterized by diverse religious affiliations and strong cultural traditions. As digital technology increasingly influences romantic relationships, Nigerian youth and adults are turning to online platforms such as Tinder, Badoo, and locally developed apps like Naija-Date to seek romantic partnerships. The research explores how these platforms intersect with Nigeria’s religious values - primarily Christianity and Islam - and how they impact traditional norms surrounding courtship, gender roles, and morality. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 Nigerian singles aged 20 to 40 from Lagos and Port Harcourt to gather nuanced insights into personal motivations, religious considerations, and social perceptions regarding online dating. Overall, the study underscores the transformative role of online dating in Nigerian society, highlighting its potential to reshape social perceptions of love, marriage, and morality within a deeply religious culture. The paper discusses the implications for policymakers, religious leaders, and platform developers in fostering ethical, inclusive, and culturally sensitive online environments. This research made used of qualitative method as well as the utilized books, journals and internet sources. It recommends that research should explore how digital romance influences traditional marriage practices, gender dynamics, and religious perceptions over time. It concludes that further research into the long-term societal impacts of digital matchmaking in Nigeria is very necessary.
Online-Dating, Matchmaking, Platform, Naija-date, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2026 Moses Onyendu OKAI (Author)
A READER-RESPONSE EXEGETICAL ANALYTICAL OF 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-3
This study presents an exegetical and reader-response analysis of 1 Timothy 3:1–3, examining its theological, moral, and psychosocial implications for Christian leadership formation. Through textual, historical, and lexical analysis, the research explores key leadership qualifications such as aspiring to oversight (ὀρέγεται ἐπισκοπῆς), being “above reproach” (ἀνεπίλημπτος), “self-controlled” (σώφρων), and “not a drunkard” (μὴ πάροινον). The study situates the passage within the debated authorship of the Pastoral Epistles and the socio-cultural context of early Christian Ephesus, highlighting how these virtues functioned to safeguard ecclesial credibility and moral integrity. Integrating reader-response methodology, the research analyses seminarians’ interpretations and lived experiences, particularly in relation to contemporary challenges such as substance misuse, emotional strain, and ethical vulnerability in ministry. Findings indicate that seminarians perceive the text not merely as a prescriptive moral code but as a formative framework for holistic leadership development. Books, journals and other sources were utilized to address critical issues on leadership in the ecclesiastical order. The study concludes that 1 Timothy 3:1–3 offers an enduring paradigm for Christian leadership, emphasizing character formation, spiritual sobriety, and accountability. These insights underscore the need for theological education to integrate spiritual, ethical, and psychosocial dimensions in cultivating sustainable ministerial integrity.
Reader-response Criticism, Biblical Exegesis, Leadership Integrity, Leader Formation, Emerging Christian leaders.
Copyright (c) 2026 Olanrewaju Alafia Faderin, Chibuzo Ikechi Nwanguma (Author)
HOLY SITES AND NATIONAL IDENTITY AND INTEGRATION: RE-EXAMINING THE ROLE OF PILGRIMAGE IN NIGERIA'S RELIGIOUS SPACE
Pilgrimage remains one of the most significant expressions of religious devotion across cultures and civilizations. It as old as man and a powerful instrument through which people negotiate religious identity while simultaneously participating in broader national narratives. In Nigeria, a country characterized by profound ethnic diversity and religious pluralism, pilgrimage practices have evolved into socio-cultural activities that extend beyond spiritual obligations. This paper critically examines the role of pilgrimage to holy sites in shaping national identity and promoting integration within Nigeria’s religious landscape. Using a qualitative research design that draws on historical analysis, and documentary sources, the study explores how pilgrimage experiences foster intercultural interactions and collective consciousness among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds. The findings reveal that pilgrimage functions as a platform for social encounter where individuals from different ethnic, linguistic, and regional communities engage in shared religious experiences that strengthen feelings of belonging and national solidarity. Specifically, Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Rome, Muslim pilgrimages to Mecca, and local pilgrimage traditions associated with sacred sites within Nigeria create networks of interaction that transcend ethnic and regional boundaries. However, the study also identifies structural limitations such as economic inequalities, politicization of pilgrimage administration, and security challenges that constrain the integrative potential of pilgrimage in Nigeria. The article concludes that when supported through transparent policies and inclusive religious engagement, pilgrimage can serve as a viable mechanism for fostering national integration and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria's multi-religious society.
Pilgrimage, Sacred Space, National Identity, Religious Integration
Copyright (c) 2026 Pius Barinaadaa Kii, Lolo F. Bob-Manuel (Author)
GARRICK BRAIDE AND INDIGENOUS CHRISTIAN AGENCY IN COLONIAL NIGERIA: REASSESSING MISSIONARY NARRATIVES IN RIVERS STATE
The history of Christianity in Nigeria is often told through the activities of European missionaries, frequently downplaying the roles of local African actors who were crucial in spreading and adapting the faith. A key indigenous figure in this story is Garrick Sokari Braide, a Niger Delta prophet whose revival movement in the early twentieth century transformed the region's religious scene. This study reexamines missionary narratives by focusing on Braide’s role as an indigenous Christian leader during colonial Nigeria, especially in today’s Rivers State. Through historical and theological analysis, it investigates Braide’s prophetic work, his clashes with colonial missionary structures, and the rise of local church movements that challenged European church authority. The paper shows that Braide’s ministry marks an important moment in the Africanization of Christianity in Nigeria, as he made Christian practices relevant to local communities through native language, prophetic healing, and moral reforms. His revival movement gained large followings across the Niger Delta and helped lead to the founding of the Christ Army Church of Nigeria, one of Nigeria’s earliest African Independent Churches. The study further interrogates colonial missionary narratives that portrayed Braide as a dissident or schismatic figure and instead positions him as a catalyst for indigenous Christian agency and religious transformation. By highlighting the socio-political and cultural implications of his movement, the paper contributes to broader discussions on African religious leadership, colonial power dynamics, and the development of indigenous Christianity. Ultimately, this reassessment demonstrates that the expansion of Christianity in Nigeria cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the pivotal role played by African prophets such as Braide.
Garrick Braide, Indigenous Christian, Colonial Nigeria,Missionary Narratives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Innocent Karibo (Author)
ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE IN IGBO-AFRICAN METAPHYSICS: REFRAMING CLASSICAL ONTOLOGY WITHIN INDIGENOUS THOUGHT
The goal of this article is to reinterpret the Western metaphysical distinction between essence and existence by engaging the metaphysical thought of the Igbo of Africa. Western metaphysics, especially the works of Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, and Martin Heidegger, have articulated the notions of what a thing is (essence), and that it is (existence), while Igbo ontology offers a more relational and dynamic perspective, where being is understood as a relational force, vitality, and communal participation. Utilizing Igbo concepts of chi, mmụọ, ike, and communal ontology, this paper argues that Igbo metaphysics conceives existence as a concrete relational vitality that is harmoniously aligned with the cosmos, rather than as an ontological abstraction. Primarily, the paper analytically outlines classical positions and creatively reformulates them with African metaphysical concepts. The argument is that Igbo ontology, unlike most African Gross Metaphysical Systems that offer reductive impersonal/non-personal analogues to Western Systems, offer a robust, richly personal metaphysical structure with vital forces, the essence of the Supreme Being (Chukwu), to harmoniously integrate essence and existence. The paper profoundly examines the thought constructs and systems of Africa and presents them as fundamentally the basis of their creative thought indigenous to their culture, the non-derivatiive nature of African Systems of Thought as it pertains to the knowledge of reality. Finally, the study posits the thought of the Igbo of Africa enhances the current discourse of being, contingency, and relational ontology by focusing on participatory existence, rather than the existence of mere abstractions.
Igbo metaphysics; Essence; Existence; Vital force; Relational ontology
Copyright (c) 2026 Ignatius Nnaemeka Onwuatuegwu, Anthony Mbah Anikpe, Jude Chibuzo Udenkwo (Author)
ISRAEL-IRAN WAR: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN RELIGION AND POLITICS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETIES
The relationship between religion and politics has long shaped international conflicts and geopolitical rivalries. One of the most complex examples in contemporary global politics is the conflict between Israel and Iran. Although the rivalry is frequently interpreted through the lenses of security competition, nuclear proliferation, and regional power politics, religious identity and ideological narratives also play a crucial role in shaping the discourse and motivations surrounding the conflict. This paper critically examines the interaction between religion and politics in the Israel–Iran confrontation and analyzes how religious ideology influences political strategies, national identity formation, and public mobilization in contemporary societies. Using historical and analytical methods, the study evaluates the origins of hostility between the two states, explores religious narratives within political rhetoric, and examines how media and global actors shape the perception of the conflict. The paper argues that while geopolitical interests remain the primary drivers of the conflict, religious symbolism and ideological narratives intensify political rivalry and complicate diplomatic resolution. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the intersection between religion and politics in addressing contemporary international conflicts and developing sustainable peace strategies.
Israel–Iran conflict, religion and politics, Middle East geopolitics, religious ideology, international conflict
Copyright (c) 2026 Moses Onyendu OKAI, Eke Colnel Ogwumerum (Author)
ATONEMENT IN JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM AND AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION: A COMPARATIVE DISCOURSE
This article undertakes a comparative discourse on the concept of atonement in four religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion (ATR). It examines how each tradition understands the nature of wrongdoing, the means of reconciliation between the human and the divine, and the ethical and communal implications of atonement. In Judaism, atonement is explored through covenantal faithfulness, repentance (teshuvah), ritual sacrifice, and the observance of Yom Kippur. Christianity is analyzed with particular attention to the redemptive significance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, emphasizing substitutionary, sacrificial, and reconciliatory models of atonement. The Islamic perspective highlights personal accountability, repentance (tawbah), divine mercy, and obedience to God’s will, rejecting vicarious atonement. In African Traditional Religion, atonement is approached within a communal and cosmological framework, focusing on harmony between the individual, community, ancestors, and spiritual forces, often mediated through rituals and sacrifices. By comparing these perspectives, the study identifies both convergences such as the centrality of repentance and restoration and divergences in theological assumptions and ritual expressions. The article argues that understanding these varied conceptions of atonement enhances interreligious dialogue and provides deeper insight into how different religious worldviews address guilt, reconciliation, and moral restoration.
Atonement, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and ATR
Copyright (c) 2026 Nathan Anthony, Jerry Bismarck Maina, Baba Musa Mohammad (Author)
CONVIVIALITY AND FRATERNITY IN IKPIYUWAN FESTIVAL OF UGBOSHI-AFE IN EDO STATE, NIGERIAN
African traditional festivals serve as crucial mechanisms for social cohesion and cultural preservation. This study examines the Ikpiyuwan Festival of Ugboshi-Afe in Akoko Edo, Nigeria, focusing on how its age-grade system, communal practices, and ritual performances foster conviviality and fraternity. Using ethnographic methods including participant observation, oral interviews and archival research conducted between 2022-2023, the study documents the festival's seven-year cycle, hierarchical age-grade structure, and associated communal feasting practices. Findings reveal that while the festival historically reinforced social bonds through shared meals, masquerade performances, and collective rituals, it faces extinction due to the influence of Christianity, rural-urban migration, and the decline of subsistence agriculture. The study argues that deritualizing certain practices while preserving the festival's social and aesthetic dimensions could reconcile indigenous traditions with contemporary religious sensibilities. Recommendations include digital documentation, government sponsorship, tourism development and strategic adaptation of festival elements. This research contributes to scholarship on African cultural preservation by demonstrating how traditional festivals can be reimagined to maintain their communal essence while addressing modern challenges.
African Festival, Age-Grade System, Okpameri Culture, Cultural Preservation, Social Cohesion, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2026 Isaac O. Atere, Samuel Monday Aiyedun (Author)
INTERCULTURAL HERMENEUTICS AND AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION: IMPLICATIONS FOR PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY
This article examines the intersection of intercultural hermeneutics and African Traditional Religion (ATR) and their implications for Pentecostal theology and Christian education in contemporary Nigerian society. It argues that hermeneutical approaches that integrate African cultural worldviews enrich Pentecostal theology and enhance the relevance of Christian education. The study highlights the need for contextual interpretation of Scripture that acknowledges indigenous cosmologies, ritual practices, and moral values while critically engaging them from a biblical standpoint. The article concludes that intercultural hermeneutics provides a dialogical framework that strengthens theological reflection, fosters contextual pedagogy, and empowers the Nigerian church to respond to the challenges of pluralism, syncretism, and secularism.
Intercultural Hermeneutics, African Traditional Religion, Pentecostal Theology, Christian Education, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2026 Chikodi Josiah Wachukwu, Ekene Michael Mokwenye (Author)
A RELIETHICAL PRESSURES AND MORAL COMPROMISE IN CHRISTIAN POLITICAL PRACTICE IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
This study provides an empirical ethical evaluation of Christian political engagement in Ogun State, Nigeria, focusing on the tension between professed biblical values and political practice. Although Christian participation in politics is widely affirmed as a moral responsibility, fieldwork conducted in January 2026 reveals a significant credibility gap between Christian identity and conduct. Drawing on quantitative data from 426 Christian respondents, the study examines structural pressures shaping political behaviour. Findings indicate that 90.4% agree that Christians face pressure to compromise ethical principles, while 89.0% believe Christian politicians do not consistently follow biblical standards. Furthermore, 89.7% report witnessing electoral malpractice, and 93.2% perceive vote-buying and manipulation as normalized. Additionally, 68.5% believe church leaders cultivate political ties for material benefit, and 83.6% view religion as frequently instrumentalized during campaigns. These results suggest that ethical compromise is systemic. The study argues that Christian political involvement in Ogun State reflects weakened institutional support for integrity, not an absence of faith. Using a stewardship framework, it concludes that without deliberate moral formation, accountability mechanisms, and structural reform, Christian participation risks mirroring rather than transforming the prevailing political culture.
Christian Ethics; Political Participation; Ethical Compromise; and Stewardship
Copyright (c) 2026 Job Oluremi OKUNOYE, Lawrence Adelaja ADEIWA (Author)
SCULPTURAL INTERPRETATION OF GENESIS 2:7 AS A TOOL FOR CREATIVE SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIAN VOCATIONAL AND FINE ARTS EDUCATION
Genesis 2:7 provide one of the most vivid and personal accounts of the origin of man in the Hebrew Bible. The verse present humanity as being formed from עָפָר (ʿāphār, dust) of the ground, mould and shaped by God who יָצַר (yāṣar, forms), and brought to life through נְשָׁמָה (nešāmâ, breath). The imagery is physical and intimate, presenting human life as both earthly and divinely sustained. This study explored how that theological vision can meaningfully inform sculpture practice within Nigerian vocational and fine arts education. The study offers a close exegetical reading of Genesis 2:7 with attention to its key Hebrew terms; to reflect on the theological significance of divine formation and embodied life; to examine how sculptural processes especially in clay and other earth derived materials resonate with the biblical portrayal of humanity. The study combines biblical exegesis with reflective, practice led inquiry in art education. The text is studied within its literary and theological context, while sculptural formation is approached as a site of disciplined, material reflection. The study findings show that Genesis 2:7 presents a unified understanding of the human person as shaped matter enlivened by divine gift. The verb יָצַר (yāṣar) emphasizes intentional craftsmanship; עָפָר (ʿāphār) grounds humanity in material origin and humility; and נְשָׁמָה (nešāmâ) affirms life as something received. When read alongside sculpture practice, these themes take on practical weight. The shaping of clay, the correction of form, and the discipline required to complete a figure mirror, in limited but meaningful ways, the biblical language of formation. Studio work thus becomes more than technical training; it becomes an avenue for reflecting on human identity, fragility, and responsibility. The study concluded that the movement from dust to life provides a compelling idea for linking theology and artistic practice. By integrating exegetical reflection into sculpture curricula and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, Nigerian vocational and fine arts education can cultivate deeper intellectual engagement and creative awareness. Genesis 2:7 does not only speak about the beginning of humanity; it also invites thoughtful consideration of what it means to shape and to be shaped of being earth formed by purpose and sustained by breath.
עָפָר (ʿāphār), יָצַר (yāṣar), נְשָׁמָה (nešāmâ), Sculpture Practice, Exegesis, Anthropology and Imagery
Copyright (c) 2026 Jacob Boluwatife Micheal, Olanrewaju Michael Somoye, Habib Korede OLOWU (Author)
EMILE DURKHEIM’S FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE OF RELIGION: ISSUES AND IMPACTS ON THE NIGERIAN STATE
Emile Durkheim’s functionalist perspective of religion, issues and impacts on the Nigerian State is the centrality of this research. Society is structured to function smoothly and produce a desired result that provoke revolution. He viewed religion as a crucial social institution that promotes social cohesion, solidarity and stability by creating a shared collective conscience. Through collective ritual distinguishing the sacred from the profane, religion reinforces shared values and bonds individual to society, essentially worshipping society itself. The profane refers to mundane ordinary life: our daily routine/ grind of getting up in the morning, doing our ablutions, going to college, eating our daily Nachos, and doing the dishes. The sacred refers to anything which transcends the humdrum of everyday life: which typically take the form of collective representations which are set apart from society (spiritual places such as churches or mosques are the most obvious examples of ‘sacred’ spaces.). This research addresses Durkheim functionalist perspective, the functionalist perspective on religion, Durkheim and social solidarity, Issues associated with Emile Durkheim’s functionalist perspective of religion, criticisms of the functionalist perspective, limitations of the functionalist perspective and impacts of Emile Durkheim’s functionalist perspective of religion on the Nigerian State. Books, journal and internet materials were used and thus recommends that religion should be a symbol o peace and not a threat to societal unity. It recommends that individuals should embrace religion’s most important functions which is to reinforce the collective conscience as society cannot exist without it, according to Durkheim.
Emile Durkheim, Functionalist, Nigerian State, Perspective Religion
Copyright (c) 2026 Clifford Meesua Sibani, Regson Prince Uche (Author)
RE-READING DEUTERONOMY 22:22-24 IN THE CONTEXT OF PROMISCUITY IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
This study aims to critically re-read Deuteronomy 22:22-24 in light of contemporary issues of promiscuity within Christian marriage. The text address the consequences of adultery and the moral expectations surrounding sexual conduct in ancient Israelite society, serving as a foundation for understanding fidelity in marital relationships. This study aims to trace the socio-cultural and historical context of Deuteronomy 22:22-24 in order to explore how Israelite ancient laws can inform current discussions on promiscuity, marital integrity, and the challenges facing modern Christian marriages. The research methodology adopted in this research is historical critical method of biblical exegesis. It is observed that in the contemporary Christian marriage, extra-marital affair has put some Christian homes in disarray. African view of marriage encourages promiscuity especially among men while Christian culture is against such practice within the circle of marriage. Promiscuity has brought about escalated conflict in some homes, and has left adverse effect on members of the family especially dependants. The researcher recommends that adequate exegetical exploration of Deuteronomy 22:22-24 and proper application of its exegetical findings can impede adverse effects of promiscuity in Christian marriage.
Deuteronomy 22:22-24, Promiscuity, Marriage, Christianity, Exegesis
Copyright (c) 2026 Emmanuel C. Nheeme (Author)
STRATEGIC PLANNING IN CHURCH HISTORY: FROM JERUSALEM TO NIGERIAN MEGA-CHURCHES
The growth of the Christian church is a narrative intertwined with deliberate human organization alongside divine mission. This paper argues that strategic planning is an inherent and continuous aspect of ecclesial development, rather than a modern corporate intrusion. The problem identified is that while extant literature richly documents historical expansion and contemporary African Pentecostal growth, few studies systematically trace strategic planning as a consistent diachronic thread linking the apostolic church to modern phenomena like Nigerian mega-churches. Scholars like Kalu and Asamoah-Gyadu contextualize African Pentecostalism, and Ukah analyzes its corporate strategies, but a longitudinal analysis connecting these to ancient practices remains a gap. Therefore, this work aims to provide that comprehensive historical analysis, justifying it through the need to understand planning as a perennial theological and practical activity. It employs Paul G. Hiebert’s theory of Critical Contextualization, which explains how the church strategically adapts its expression across cultures. Using a historical-analytical method, the study’s scope spans from the first-century Jerusalem community to the contemporary Nigerian mega-church. Its significance lies in humanizing church leadership across ages and offering balanced insights for contemporary ecclesial practice. The findings reveal that strategic planning, from apostolic councils to media strategies, has always been crucial for mission, with Nigerian churches representing a complex, modern incarnation. Recommendations include embracing planning as spiritual discipline and institutionalizing critical feedback. The conclusion affirms that the church’s enduring vitality depends on uniting strategic wisdom with faithful theological anchoring.
Strategic Planning, Church History, Nigerian Mega-Churches, Critical Contextualization, Mission Adaptation
Copyright (c) 2026 Moses Adeiza Odei (Author)
WOMEN AND CHURCH DEVELOPMENT IN TAI, RIVERS STATE: AN EXAMINATION OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA, ANGLICAN COMMUNION
Women have historically played significant roles in the development and expansion of Christian institutions across the world, and in Africa in particular. The need to recognize the contributions of women to socio-religious and economic spheres of our national life is becoming increasingly urgent. Within the Anglican tradition in Nigeria, women have contributed immensely to church growth through evangelism, social welfare, spiritual formation, and community development initiatives. This study examines the role of women in church development in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, with particular focus on the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). The study investigates the contributions of women's organizations such as the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild, and Girls’ Guild to church administration, evangelism, education, and social transformation. It also explores the challenges women face in leadership and decision-making within the Anglican Church. Using historical and sociological approaches, the research draws from secondary literature and contextual observations of Anglican congregations within Tai communities. Findings reveal that women constitute a significant proportion of active church members and remain central to sustaining church programmes and community outreach activities.
RELIGION, SPORTS, AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL AND MORAL TRANSFORMATION
Nigeria presents a distinctive socio-religious environment where deep spiritual commitment intersects with a rapidly expanding sports culture. As a nation characterized by strong Christian and Islamic identities alongside a vibrant youth population, Nigeria offers an important context for examining how religious frameworks shape sports participation and youth development. The study adopted a comparative mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from youths aged 15–25 across selected Christian-dominated communities in Southern Nigeria and Islamic-dominated communities in Northern Nigeria using stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires measured levels of sports participation, institutional support, parental influence, religious commitment, and indicators of positive youth development such as leadership skills, discipline, social cohesion, and resilience. Findings reveal that Christian communities more frequently institutionalize sports within church programs, youth fellowships, and missionary outreach initiatives. Sports are often framed as tools for evangelism, talent discovery, and moral formation, resulting in higher structured participation rates and broader gender inclusion. In contrast, Islamic communities demonstrate a more regulated engagement with sports, shaped by interpretations of modesty, gender interaction, and religious propriety. While male participation remains relatively robust, female participation is moderated by sociocultural and doctrinal considerations; however, communities that implement gender-sensitive arrangements report improved inclusion and developmental outcomes. Religion emerges not merely as a background identity factor but as a powerful social institution that structures access, meaning, and moral framing of sports activities. The study recommends the promotion of interfaith sports initiatives to foster national integration, policy frameworks that respect religious sensitivities while encouraging gender equity, and strengthened partnerships between faith-based organizations and public sports agencies. The study concludes that the intersection of faith and sports in Nigeria represents a dynamic and transformative space. When constructively harnessed, the sport–religion nexus can serve as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s pluralistic society.
Sports, Youth Development, Moral Formation, Social Transformation
Copyright (c) 2026 Folake Christiana OLUNLADE-TAIWO, Taiwo Bamiji OLUNLADE (Author)
MORPHOLOGICAL FORMATION OF ENGLISH OPEN WORD CLASS: NOUNS, VERBS, ADJECTIVES, AND ADVERBS
Morphology is a crucial component of linguistics that studies the internal structure and formation of words. This research examines the morphological formation of the English open word classes: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Open word classes are categories that readily accept new members into the language, making them highly productive in word formation processes. The study explores how morphological processes such as derivation, compounding, conversion, and affixation contribute to the creation and expansion of these word classes in English. The research further analyzes the structural patterns and functions of morphemes in forming nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, as well as the productivity of these processes in modern English. Data for the study are drawn from Standard English dictionaries, textbooks, and linguistic corpora. The analysis is guided by the Lexical Morphology Theory, which explains how words are formed and organized within the mental lexicon. Findings from the study are expected to demonstrate that morphological processes play a significant role in vocabulary expansion and grammatical flexibility in English. The study contributes to the understanding of word formation patterns and provides insights useful for linguistics, language teaching, and lexical studies.
Adjectives, Adverbs, English, Formation, Morphology, Nouns, Verbs
Copyright (c) 2026 Chukwumeka Nwokoji (Author)
ANGLICANISM AND MODERN PENTECOSTALISM IN RIVERS STATE: EXAMINING IDENTITY, CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
The growth of Pentecostalism in Nigeria has reshaped the country’s ecclesiastical and sociocultural landscape, particularly in the Niger Delta, where Anglicanism once wielded significant historical and institutional influence. This article examines how Anglican identity in Rivers State negotiates continuity and change amid a religious environment increasingly defined by charismatic spirituality, media-driven worship, prosperity theology, and youth mobility. Drawing on socio-historical and descriptive methods, the study traces Anglican heritage from its missionary foundations to its contemporary encounter with Pentecostalism. It argues that while Pentecostal expansion has challenged Anglican numerical strength and youth retention, it has also spurred liturgical flexibility, charismatic renewal, and new approaches to ministry and media engagement. The article further grills the tensions between episcopal order and entrepreneurial leadership, sacramental spirituality and experiential religiosity, and institutional stability and religious consumerism. Rather than interpreting the Anglican experience as decline, the study presents it as a process of adaptive continuity in which tradition is renegotiated in response to changing religious expectations. The paper contributes to broader discussions on denominational resilience, identity formation, and the transformation of historic churches in contemporary African Christianity.
Anglicanism, Pentecostalism, Identity, Continuity, Change