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A DIALYSIS OF HUMAN PERSONALITY AND THE EFFECT OF POVERTY ON CHARACTER
(KWASU Journal of Religious Studies, Department of Religions, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria, 2018) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
Abstract The concomitant effect of poverty on the character of a person cannot be over-emphasised. Poverty and the array of socio-economic woes in the society portend grave capacity that demeans and dehumanize the personality of an individual. A ‘person’ as a unit, loses personal ego and self-worth when the potential of what makes him/her a ‘Person’ and gives the individual voice and power in the society is lacking. In this scenario, a person’s character which is tied to personality will suffer some indignity. In the context of economic power therefore, viz-a-viz; poverty, the character of a Person cannot be fully exhibited, hence, the person is prone to a character dentations and incapacitation. This paper therefore, prods into the human personality in an attempt to conjecture the effect of poverty on the character of a person. If it can be said that the individual trait, character and temperament are the basic ingredients of personality; then it goes with the reason why personality reflects the different categories of people. Apparently, this explicates the purpose for having successful people and those who are not successful. The methods used in gathering data, are psycho-analytical, participatory observation, analytic and experiential.
A Hermeneutical Study of Leviticus 19: 15 and Its Implications for Judges in Nigerian Democratic Context
(Global Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, 2024) Peter Olanrewaju Awojobi
Justice is one of the attributes of Yahweh. Judges were appointed in ancient Israel by Yahweh for the Israelites to live in peace and harmony with one another. However, it was observed that the Judges in ancient Israel did not live to expectation. Leviticus 19: 15 was chosen as a text of investigation to determine the response of Yahweh to the Judges and its implications for Judges in Nigerian democratic Context. Historical and Phenomenological methods were used for the research. It was discovered that one of the organs that is expected to play crucial roles in governance is the judiciary. The study revealed that Judges and leaders in ancient Israel failed Yahweh. Also, since the inception of Democracy in Nigeria, the Judiciary has played and is playing important roles to protect the system. One of the major roles of the Judiciary is justice and equity for all and sundry in all election petitions, disputes in political parties, removal and reinstatement of elected officer. It was observed that some members of the judiciary are not living to the expectation of the law and the people. Some of them compromise justice for pecuniary gains. Some Nigerians opined that Judiciary has been compromised and as such cannot be trusted in the events of manipulations of electoral process or results by the politicians and the electoral body that has the responsibility of conducting elections. In view of this, many Nigerians no longer have trust in the Judiciary and this has brought the vocation in to disrepute.
A Plea for Vengeance in Psalm 35: 1-3 and its Reflections in African (Yoruba) Indigenous Churches
(Verbum et Ecclesia, 2024) Peter Olanrewaju Awojobi
Psalm 35 is one of the most popular, widely read and used Psalm among the African Indigenous Churches (Yoruba) in Nigeria. This study investigates why and how Psalm 35: 1-3 is used as a plea for vengeance among the Yoruba Christians in African Indigenous Churches in Nigeria. The study explores how the plea for vengeance is understood and expressed in the African traditional context. African Biblical Hermeneutics with the view of providing a useful lens to reread biblical text in African context was adopted for the study. It was discovered that as early as the third century Christian era the book of Psalms was used in the liturgy of the church. The notion of vengeance as found in Psalm 35:1-3 is a recurrent theme in African Indigenous Churches in Nigeria. This Psalm is used among the Yoruba Christians in African indigenous Churches as a plea for divine intervention against their enemies. Through a synthesis of biblical and traditional African sources, this paper demonstrates how the plea for vengeance in this is expressed in the cultural practices and beliefs of African Indigenous Churches. The plea for vengeance in this Psalm is a reflection of African Indigenous Churches’ understanding of key social issues such as justice, relationships between individuals and groups, and the need to maintain social integrity. Psalm 35 is usually read, sung, memorized, inscribed in parchment, chanted by African Christians and non-Christian as expression of faith in God to intervene in the issues confronting them as he did for the Psalmist.
A Study of Bribery and Corruption in Exodus 23: 8 and the Nigerian Experience
(Integrity Journal of Arts & Humanities, 2024) Peter Olanrewaju Awojobi
Bribery and Corruption are social global phenomena that have generated debates among Scholars. They are problem of routine deviation from established standards and norms by public officials and parties with whom they interact. It is widely held that bribery and corruption and the bane of development of many nations in the world today. This study examined Yahweh’s instruction to ancient Israel on bribery and corruption. Exodus 23: 8 was chosen as text of investigation to establish Yahweh’s position on the issues under review. As a corollary, the study explored how Nigerians are expected to handle the issue of bribery and corruption in our contemporary time. African Biblical Hermeneutics was used for the study.
A Theo-Psychological Study of Divine Forgetfulness in Joseph Narrative in Genesis 41: 51
(Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts, 2024) Peter Olanrewaju Awojobi
Genesis 41:51 is a pivotal verse in the Joseph narrative. This act signifies a profound divine intervention, transforming Joseph’s traumatic past into a future of promise. This study exegetically analyzed the text, delving into its theological and psychological dimensions. Historical and exegetical methods were used for the study. The study reveals how divine forgetfulness is not merely an erasure of memory but a transformative grace. Theologically, it underscores God's active role in alleviating human suffering and facilitating reconciliation and new beginnings. Psychologically, it aligns with contemporary theories on memory and trauma, suggesting that divinely enabled forgetfulness aids in overcoming past adversities and fostering resilience. This study bridges ancient scriptural insights with modern psychological practices, providing valuable perspectives for theologians, scholars, and pastoral caregivers. It redefines forgetfulness as a divine gift, crucial for healing and fulfilling one's potential within God's providential framework. This groundbreaking approach challenges traditional views, presenting divine forgetfulness as a key to spiritual and emotional liberation, making this study a reference point for contemporary theological and psychological discourse.
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.
“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.
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.
AFRICAN THEOLOGY OF PEACEMAKING: PANACEA TO CONFLICTS MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
(: https://www.galda-verlag.de, 2023) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
Abstract The interpretation of the Christian faith in the context of African culture, religious life experiences and contemporary socio-political situations has been classified as what came to be formed as African theology. Parratt, on Reinventing Christianity in Mbiti (1998) states that African theology tries to bring about dialog and harmony between Christianity and the African cultural-religious heritage. In order words, African theology accommodates the engagements of Africans in political life, socio-cultural and religio-economic situation. In this context, it is important to align the crave for African theology to the pursuit of peaceful co-existence and peace building in African communities and Nigeria in particular. Africa needs peace to foster development and socio-economic growth. This paper therefore, invokes the framework of African theology as that which evokes African reality in manner, perspectives and worldview in constructing agenda for peace building process. The parameter for our data gathering is analytic and historical methods while relying on the instruments of personal participatory for data interpretation. We adduce here that, peace is instrumental to human and social development, hence, African theology content and context of community spirit and being our brother’s keeper will no doubt be an appendage of peacemaking process in our nation building.
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.
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.
An Exegesis of Malachi 3:6-12
(Scott Christian University, Machakos, Kenya., 2020) Fawenu, Bamidele Olusegun
This paper exegetes Malachi 3:6-12 using historical-grammatical method of exegesis and principlism in order to suggest a workable application of the injunction on tithing to contemporary Christians in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. This becomes necessary because of the recent resurgence of affront on the pro-tithing Churches’ teaching and practice of tithing. It was found out that for ancient Israelites who were the immediate audience of the Oracles of Malachi, tithing is inseparably connected to the agricultural produce from the land of promise; failure to remit the tithes appropriately resulted in seizure of rain and consequent failure of agricultural productivity of the land. Therefore, the injunction and penalisation attached to its default subsisted within the ambit of covenant relationship Yahweh had with the people. In relation to the New Testament teachings, giving is a timeless principle that subsumes tithing. Therefore, while percentage specific giving may not be rigidly mandated today, financial and material stewardship is a timeless principle for the community of faith then and now, which must be premised on genuine personal relationship with God.
An Expository Analysis of the Bread of Life Metaphor in John 6:35 and its Implication for Stomach Infrastructural Taxonomy in Nigeria.
(2023) Oladosu, Samson Bisi
In all human travails, starvation appears to be the most worrisome. As a Yoruba adage “Bi ebi ba ti kuro ninu ise, ise buse”. Translated literarily, it means whenever food is removed from problem of poverty, that poverty is defeated. It is no longer news that Nigeria in the contemporary times has become an amphitheater of socio- political agitations, culminating in all sorts of criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, internet fraud, prostitution and all sorts of social vices. Looking inwardly, however, starvation cannot be ruled out as the basis for such socio-political unrest because “a hungry man is an angry man”. While the political class are found wanting in providing conducive environment for comfort by their promise and fail attitudes, others have been engaging in what they termed, “stomach infrastructures” in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2014, the rate at which stomach infrastructure is being rampantly engaged is no doubt becoming a taxonomy in Nigeria. This paper examines the historical background of the bread of life metaphor in John 6:35 and applies it in expositional form for the contemporary Nigerian context. Findings reveal that Jesus’ audience had been subjected to acute poverty by the powers that be and were desperate to survive by all means. The paper concludes that giving peanuts to citizens from our collective patrimony might be doing more harm than good to the peaceful co-existence of the Nigeria nation..
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.
BAPTISMAL RITE AND DECIMATION OF CHRISTIANITY: AN EXPOSITORY STUDY OF ACTS 19:1-7
(2022-12) Samson Bisi Oladosu
Twelve disciples found by Paul in Acts 19:1-7 were believed to go through a second baptism for their salvation to be valid. The passage as it were does not give a definite statement on the purpose of baptism whether for salvation or for identification. There are, however, four probing questions likely to agitate probing minds. These are: is baptism important or unimportant to Christian Kerygma? Why was it important for the disciples in this passage to do it right? If baptism is once and for all as claimed by Paul in Ephesians 4:5, why must Paul encourage these disciples to do it again? What should be the implication of this re-baptism to the unity of Christian Kerygma as taught and followed by Apostle Paul? This paper is an expository study of Acts 19:1-7. It adopts an exegetical and comparative analysis where necessary. It agrees with Pauline polemic that baptism irrespective of where it is done and as long as it is done right is right for Christian Kerygma. It recommends that any Christian subjected to the rite of baptism on account of a change of place of worship is nothing but a decimation of Christianity. Christian baptism must therefore be seen and approached in the light of Christian unity all over the world.
Biblical Prophecy: A catalyst for National Transformation
(KIU Journal of Social Science: Kampala International University, Uganda, 2020) Peter Olanrewaju Awojobi
Biblical prophecy in its character and form comprises the classical unity of prediction and proclamation, of foretelling and forth telling. Prophecy is a message from the divinity to humanity. Prophecy is the art of creating a bridge between the natural and the supernatural order. In most cases prophecy is directed at a particular person or group in a given situation. The main aim of prophecy is a positive change of attitude towards God or Man. The aim of this paper was to investigate the role Biblical prophecy played in the transformation of ancient Israel with the view of establishing its relevance in the Nigerian society. Historical method was used. It was discovered that Prophecy was used and still being used to regulate and control human behavior in ancient Israel and in the Nigerian society. The paper established that Prophecy has been instrumental to the growth and transformation of Nations. Prophets are therefore enjoined to use their office to foster unity and peace that will bring growth, development and transformation to the nation in which they serve.
"CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGE: ENVISIONING ST. BASIL’S LEADERSHIP FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION STRATEGIES IN GOVERNANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
(Humanitatis Theoreticus (H.T) Journal, University of Yaounde, Cameroun, 2022) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
Abstract Contemporary analytic economic science has consistently search for ways out in the fight against endemic poverty that has continued to plague Nigeria as a nation, and Africa at large. This accentuates the various intervention programmes being marshalled toward tackling this lingering phenomenon. It is obvious that, Africa in the 21st century needs a sporadic transformational development and national prosperity which can only be conceptualized in good governance and visionary leaders. Stemming from this understanding, Christianity, has contributed greatly in changing socio-economic landscape of Nigeria as a nation. Hence, this paper beams its searchlight into the patristic period in order to articulate poverty alleviation strategies in the light of the 21st century. What can be learnt from a fourth-century leader and Bishop concerning the lingering poverty situation of our day? Could a pre-modern church father provide contemporary analyst the framework for socio-economic change and governance? These research questions shall modulate the direction of this work. To this end, the historical and analytical research methods are employed in this paper. Our findings however, crystallized a clear vision of poverty alleviation in the founding of St. Basil the Great’s Basileias and the contribution that Christian doctrine and practice might make in catalyzing the poor out of the throes of poverty and how this can be envisioned or retrieved to help governance in Nigeria in the 21st century in order to actualize socio-economic change.
Community Development in the Light of Ecclesiastical Sensitivity to Climate Change in Ilorin
(Routledge, 2019) Fawenu, Bamidele Olusegun
Climate change and consequent debilitating effect on humanity is a global phenomenon. Industrial carbon emission, pollution, improper waste disposal and poor waste management plus wrong agricultural practices are some of the human activities that have evidently aggravated global atmospheric warming. The need for humanity to rise to her responsibility of stewardship of the environment for a sustainable development of the community becomes emphatically germane. Therefore, this chapter examines the extent of awareness of Churches in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State Nigeria about the menace of climate change and ascertain their involvement in the fight against it. The data collected from a questionnaire administered to selected Churches were analyzed using simple percentage. The earliest reference to environmental care in Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15 was exegetically examined with bias for lexical and contextual implications of selected key words in the passage. The chapter shows that the Churches in the researched locale need to be more informed on this subject and get involved in helping the community to reduce human activities that encourage climate change so that developmental efforts could yield enduring results.
“Cultural Implication of Peaceful Religious Co-Existence in the Nigerian Pluralistic Society”
(THE PERFORMER Ilorin Journal of Performing Arts, Department of The Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Vol. 20, (2018: Special Edition), 2018) OLUBITAN, Adesina Abiodun
The age of the Anthropocene can be said to be characterized by religion. It is a statement of fact that man is "incur-ably religious"; and “this religion has continued to play a central role in the geo-political landscape and societal milieus of the world”. Peace and justice, of certainty cannot be undertaken or addressed in a meaningful way by any one religious tradition. It is obvious that no one religion can claim to be exclusive of the other in this God’s own universe. We are in a society shared by people of different cultures, races and diverse religious tenents. People of various religious groups do not only confront each other and not merely live side by side confronting modern problems, but jointly constitute the societies and communities of which we are all active members. In this conjecture, what can one say could be the possible cause(s) of violence? Also, what has made it so difficult to achieve peace in our world? It is obvious that, dialogue has to do with interreligious encounters in the process or processes of thinking together in order to champion a common cause. It is understandable that religion is an integral “shaper of values” which has critical foundational role. Hence, in line with this trend, the future of humanity especially in the Nigeria context in days ahead will depend on how well we manage the tool of dialogue for a peaceful co-existence. But, has dialogue really achieved much? What is the possibility of achieving authentic peaceful co-existence? It is in this nexus that this article is advocating for ‘value placement’ on each other’s religion for a peaceful religious co-existence in the society. This idea sub-sets in the understanding of religious and cultural social realities. The methodology for this work stems from experiential, observatory and participatory in addition to the use of secondary sources.
Derivative Codes for Conflict Management in African Cultural Communalism With Reference to Acts 6:1-7 and James 4:1-3
(2022) SAMSON BISI OLADOSU
Conflict is a social reality in human existence and Inter-Relationship. Conflict remains a possible phenomenon in a pluralistic society that is characterized by self-righteousness, self- centeredness, self-satisfaction, self-aggrandizement and self-promotion. This pyrrhic triumph of the self is always with a corresponding distaste for self-denial proper for union with God and man. In what Rudolf Bulttman refers to as the sphere of men’s thinking, planning, and desiring in their cares and wishes, their pleasures and pursuits, their pride and arrogance, conflict rears its ugly head in virtually all spheres of human endeavours in Africa as observed in socio- economic, political and religious interactions. This paper considered the concept of communalism, using biblical hermeneutic tools, for an egalitarian society where conflict would not only be drastically reduced, but would always be well managed whenever it resurfaces. Since there is no community that can develop in the absence of peace, communalism as an art must be made to reflect the realities of a typical African cultural methods of interactions as well as biblical modes of managing human differences exacerbated by desires. While some New Testament passages will be studied by related words, characters such as Jesus, Paul and Peter shall be cited in their conflict resolution approaches as examples for Africans in different positions of authorities who are daily faced with developmental challenges through series of conflicts and violence, either in politics, religious and educational sectors.

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