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African Polygamy: Church Action, · Community Reaction, and · Personal Interaction
(1994) A.M. OKORIE
Polygamy ~as been at the heart of the whole polemics within the Church and the African community. This social problem has been from tQ.e mid-nineteenth century until today. 1 The Western entry into Africa brought various changes, especially the introduction of Christianity. The Church and the community interacted, but in the practice of polygamy the Church and the community became strange bed-fellows. As Alan Tippett describes it: uThe .current situation is urgent."2 I shall briefly explore the nature, extent and function of polygamy, the problem or concern being debated, the Church action on polygamy, the community reaction in Africa, and my personal interaction with this sensitive socio-ecclesiastical issue.
The Kingdom of God and the Parousia of Jesus
(1995) A.M. OKORIE
AFRICAN WIDOWHOOD PRACTICES: THE IGBO MOURNING EXPERIENCE
(1995) A.M. Okorie
The Good News of Jesus Christ has brought salvation and hope to many who suffered in their former way of life. No greater contrast can be found than in the two different approaches to death, that of the Christian faith and that of African traditions. The Gospel liberates believers from the fear of death and fear of the living-dead. Yet the deep seated world view of African traditions persist, even in Christian communities. Dr. Okorie explores the mourning experience of the lgbo of Nigeria, as experienced particularly by the widows. He briefly mentions some of the ways in which the biblical teaching should transform the traditional approach to death. Death with alf the beliefs and practices surrounding this universal experience deserves more thought in order to know how to bring complete deliverance to God's people held in bondage of fear.
MEALS AS TYPE-SCENES IN THE THIRD GOSPEL
(1996) A.M.Okorie
Luke includes a reference to food in many chapters of the Third Gospel. It is obvious that meals play an important part in the Lukan presentation of the story of Jesus. The meals of Jesus have profound theological significance, and this significance mounts as each scene is carefully unfolded by the author. This paper is directed towards the establishment of a fixed pattern or type-scene which will serve to identify those scenes that can technically be called meal-scenes.
JOHN THE BAPTIST AND ELIJAH
(1999) A.M.Okorie
The purview of this paper is to examine the relationship between John the Baptist and Elijah. The paper will be divided into four parts: Old Testament background to the Elijah motif, John the Baptist and the Elijah motif in the Synoptic Gospels, as well as in the Johannine Gospel, and correlative issues.
The Concept of Religious Pluralism and Christian Faith in Yoruba land
(A publication of The Department of Religious Studies, Babcock University, Illishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, 2008) Adesina A. Olubitan
Pluralism and Christianity in Recent Drama of Yoruba Nollywood.
(A publication of The Department of The Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, 2012) A. A. Olubitan
The Place of Theological Education in National Transformation: The Nigerian Experience
(An Essay in Honour of Professor Cyril Okechukwu Imo by Department of Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos, 2012) Awojobi, Peter Olanrewaju
In recent times there have been tendencies in some religious circles to discredit the importance of theological education in national transformation. Frequently, an impression has been given that all that is needed for Christian ministry is the Holy Spirit and not theological education. Yet theological education is widely considered to be one of the factors affecting the future vitality and direction of Africa’s rapidly expanding church and nation. The thrust of this work is the place of theological education in national transformation in Africa with reference to Nigeria. The method used is historical. Theological education in biblical literature was investigated to establish how it was used as a tool for national transformation in ancient Israel and how it has been used or can be used to reposition Nigeria for the long awaited transformation. It was discovered that theological education shaped the lives of an average Israelite and thereby brought visible changes in the social and religious lives of the people. It is therefore recommended that theological education be encouraged at all levels of the development of the Nigerian child for the expected national transformation to be achieved.
POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMMES IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
(Department of Religious Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, 2014) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
Poverty is a pervasive and complex problem in the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria and especially in the rural regions of Nigeria, its indicators include low family incomes, poor remuneration for workers, inadequate housing, prevalence of diseases, acute water shortage, a pervasive unemployment rate, low producer prices, poor market outlets, and a lack of road networks to enhance transportation of farm produce1. Wealth created in rural areas is easily engulfed by the capitalist-oriented state economy, while restrictions are placed upon the capacity of the local people to develop2 . According to the rural poverty report of 2001 by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the task of eradicating poverty requires sustained and consistent, yet flexible, joint action. IFAD maintains that efforts to reduce rural poverty must be multi-targeted because the challenge of ending poverty in developing countries like Nigeria has many dimensions3. The dimension employed in our assessment however, shall be from the Christian perspectives. To this end, this paper aims at articulating the extent and the miasma of poverty in Nigeria; its challenges and the prospects of alleviating it.
An Exegetical Study of Genesis 2:18-25 vis-a-vis the Agitation for Same-sex Marriage in Nigeria.
(Department of Religious Studies Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye., 2014) Fawenu Bamidele Olusegun
The quest for acceptance of same-sex marriage as alternative to the traditional heterosexual marriage is a global phenomenon. The popularity of the practice as well as its legal and religious acceptance in the West contrasts the situation in Africa where majority of the countries have officially criminalized it. While most arguments in its favour from the west have centered on the need to respect fundamental human right of people whose sexual orientation prefers same-sex partners, the African’s abhorrence of it hinges on its morality as well as cultural alienation. This Paper, therefore, examines the issues involved in the context of the current agitation for legal recognition of the practice in Nigeria from a Biblical-Cultural perspective. This effort becomes germane given the fact that the practice is thriving in the west probably because of some ecclesiastical accent it enjoys. An exegetical analysis of Genesis 2:18-25 shows that the practice is alien to divine idea of marriage, which affirms gender distinction in marriage as cardinal to social interaction and perpetuation of humanity on earth. This biblical position aligns perfectly with the African cultural standpoint about gender distinction of marriage partners. Therefore, same-sex marriage does not appeal to Christian religious sensibilities and morality.
Poverty Alleviation as Human Rights: A Contextualization of Catholic Social Teachings
(Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions, 2014) Olubitan, Adesina Abiodun
“IMAGO DEI” AND THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE IN THE CONTEXT OF GENESIS 9:1-6.
(Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions, 2014-07) Fawenu Bamidele Olusegun
The biblical concept of the image of God remains an enigmatic theme in Old Testament Theology. Lack of consensus by biblical and theological experts on the interpretation of the concept makes the discourse a recurring exercise. The link between this theme and the dignity of man with respect to the criminal vice of murder demands attention, especially in the context of Nigeria as a densely religious nation. Therefore, this work argues against the violation of human life via religious violence in Nigerian. The concept of image of God and the various interpretations advanced by different Old Testament scholars and Theologians over the centuries is critically assessed, before running some exegetical comments on the reference text, Genesis 9:1-6 with specific emphasis on grammatical and lexical analysis. A brief reference is made to religious violence from the 1980 Maitasine riot up to the current Boko Haram insurgence and culminates in condemning killings citing that both Christianity and Islam emphasize the sanctity of human life. Calls are made to adherents of various religions to find a meeting point of all humans in the common creator of all and therefore respect the sanctity of humanity.
The Concept of Poverty and Poverty Alleviation in the New Testament. Implications for the Christian Church in Nigeria
(A publication of the Department of Philosophy & Religions, University of Abuja, Nigeria, 2015) Olubitan, Adesina A.
An Assessment of the Contributions of African Religion in the Promotion of Peace and Unity in Nigeria
(Department of Religion and Philosophy, Benue State University, Markurdi, Nigeria., 2016) Olubitan, A. A. (Ph.D.) & Olumide, E. B.
ADOLESCENT MORALITY AND THE CONCEPT OF RELIGIOUS THINKING FROM CHILDHOOD
(2017) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
In the words of Plato, “the ignorance most fatal to States and individuals is not ignorance in the field of technology or professions, but spiritual ignorance”. In this contemporary age, the perception of the adolescent can no longer be seen to be static. Instead, it has keenly followed a dynamic trend over times. In the Victorian times, the child was regarded as passive, ‘like a piece of was on which impressions had to be made’. But nowadays, they have energetic urges, drives and instincts, thereby making an average adolescent an ‘internal combustion engine, capable of spontaneous activity’. Unfortunately, this change has greatly affected their morality and bring-up. This presents before us concerned nagging questions. How will the future be safeguarded? How can morality be inculcated in the fibre of the adolescent? Ultimately, the society, the church and family units are the major contributory agencies in the life of a child. But singling out the religious institution in this context, our aim is to articulate the connection between morality and a child and how religious thinking or education can affects or impinge on the growing up child into the adolescent stage. It is understood that human beings cannot escape the inherent imperativeness of religion and morality upon our consciousness and life. It is a fact of religion that God is at the centre of life. Hence, using analytical and experiential methods, engaging the tool of interaction and personal participation, our findings showed that when basic religious instructions are instilled in the life of a child, it grows with them thereby making them to live a positive life and constantly having a recourse during their adolescent stage.
AN ASSESSMENT OF POVERTY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT: A CHALLENGE FOR THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH IN NIGERIA
(Journal of Philosophy and Christian Studies, Department of Religious Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi-Nigeria, 2017) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
Abstract Poverty has become an unprecedented phenomenon and indeed, a household name in Nigeria. Its escalating trend is alarmingly on the increase every day. However, the Church in Nigeria has her root and manual from the Bible. And in this biblical context where Christianity has its root, issues pertaining to the poor and poverty did not go unaddressed. The Bible presents to us the various understanding of poverty. Based on this discovery, it sufficed us to know, how has the contemporary church in Nigeria abide by this biblical tenet, to address the problem of poverty and the situation of the poor in Nigeria. This paper is however not to accuse the church in Nigeria of not doing anything or much to ameliorate the suffering of the masses poor; but to show how poverty and the social conditions of the poor were dealt with in the Old Testament and how the contemporary church in Nigeria can saddled herself with the responsibility of catering for the poor in line with the Old Testament injunctions and the theme of liberation theology on the poor. In this context, upon the assessment of the Old Testament on poverty we intend it to lay credence to the call on the church in Nigeria to see poverty alleviation as a challenge and a clear-cut obligation in order to stem-up her efforts in combating poverty and social malaise in Nigeria.
“Adolescent Morality and the Concept of Religious Thinking from Childhood”.
(Journal of Research and Development in Education (JORDE), Institute of Education and Professional Development. University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State. Volume 7, No. 1, 2017) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
Abstract In the words of Plato, “the ignorance most fatal to States and individuals is not ignorance in the field of technology or professions, but spiritual ignorance”. In this contemporary age, the perception of the adolescent can no longer be seen to be static. Instead, it has keenly followed a dynamic trend over times. In the Victorian times, the child was regarded as passive, ‘like a piece of was on which impressions had to be made’. But nowadays, they have energetic urges, drives and instincts, thereby making an average adolescent an ‘internal combustion engine, capable of spontaneous activity’. Unfortunately, this change has greatly affected their morality and bring-up. This presents before us concerned nagging questions. How will the future be safeguarded? How can morality be inculcated in the fibre of the adolescent? Ultimately, the society, the church and family units are the major contributory agencies in the life of a child. But singling out the religious institution in this context, our aim is to articulate the connection between morality and a child and how religious thinking or education can affects or impinge on the growing up child into the adolescent stage. It is understood that human beings cannot escape the inherent imperativeness of religion and morality upon our consciousness and life. It is a fact of religion that God is at the centre of life. Hence, using analytical and experiential methods, engaging the tool of interaction and personal participation, our findings showed that when basic religious instructions are instilled in the life of a child, it grows with them thereby making them to live a positive life and constantly having a recourse during their adolescent stage.
The Christian Theological Basis for Poverty Alleviation
(A Publication of the Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, 2017) Olubitan, A. A. Ph.D
“In Search of Good Governance": Domesticating Themes in Psalm 72 for Political Leaders in Nigeria.
(Department of Religious Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife., 2017-05) Fawenu, Bamidele Olusegun and Okunoye, J. O.
The level of development in many countries in Africa is not congruent with the stupendous natural and human resources at their beck and call. This situation has generally been connected to poor governance. Therefore, the quest for good governance is one of the major concerns of most countries in Africa and Nigeria in particular. Righteousness and Justice are indicated in Psalm 72 as germane if good governance will be actualized. Leaning on the classification of the Psalter by Hermann Gunkel, the fact that Psalm 72 is one of the Royal Psalms that describes the commitment of an ancient Israelite King to govern his people aright makes it a relevant choice for this study. Therefore, the themes, righteousness and justice as presented in the Psalm were domesticated for Nigeria political leadership. Both historical and exegetical methods with bias for historical-grammatical analysis of the Psalm were used for this paper. The exegetical engagement of the text brings to fore the symbiotic relationship between (personal) righteousness and administration of justice in governance as sine qua non for the prosperity of the governed. Such prosperity emerges as a moral cause and effect nexus built into reality for the governed.
An Interrogation of Perspectives on Pre-Mosaic Tithe-Related Narratives.
(Department of Religions, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria., 2018) Fawenu Bamidele Olusegun
Tithing which describes the giving of ten per cent of one’s income for religious purposes is a popular religious practice among Christians. Its occurrences and practice in the Old Testament can be classified into three era; pre-mosaic, mosaic and post-mosaic. Opinions are divided on Christian adoption of this ancient Israelite practice. The pro-tithing perspective leans strongly on Abraham’s model to argue that contrary to the anti-tithing dubbing of the practice as legalism, the practice predated the Mosaic Law. Therefore, this paper examines the three references (Genesis 4:1-10; Genesis 14:8-24 and Genesis 28:10-22) to tithing before the time of Moses and interrogates the dual perspectives arising from them with the intent to ascertain the tenability of the claim of tithing advocates. Historical and analytical approaches were used in achieving the set goal of this paper. Data from the biblical passages as well as from scholars’ views were critically appraised. It was discovered that the divergent opinions on tithing are due to making of assertions and querying of the narratives beyond what they were scripted to supply. Therefore, while the heroism of the biblical patriarchs of faith can be emulated, on the strength of God’s ownership of man and the inestimable blessing of redemption that believers in Christ enjoy, serving God with material possession should not be conditional neither should it be by compulsion.

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