Department of Christian Studies

Permanent URI for this community

https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/54

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 90

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 Reflection on the Cost of Governance under Solomon's reign in the Context of the Quest for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
(The Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies, 2019-07) Fawenu Bamidele Olusegun and Samuel Oluwasegun Kolade
This paper critically reflects on the cost of governance during the reign of King Solomon as recorded in the biblical narrative, drawing parallels with contemporary governance challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the context of sustainable development. Solomon’s administration, though marked by unprecedented prosperity and monumental achievements, was also characterized by heavy taxation, forced labor, and extravagant state expenditure that ultimately led to public discontent and the division of the kingdom. Using a socio-biblical and contextual hermeneutical approach, this study examines how the burdens of governance in Solomon's era mirror Nigeria’s contemporary struggles with high administrative costs, political patronage, and misallocation of resources. The paper argues that for Nigeria to attain sustainable development, there must be a deliberate effort to reduce the cost of governance, promote fiscal responsibility, and ensure that leadership is focused on equity, justice, and the welfare of the people. The study concludes by offering biblically informed policy suggestions that can guide current governance toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
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 Christianity and the Fight Against Poverty: A Moral Discourse
(An International publication of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan. Nigeria, 2019) Adeshina A. Olubitan, PhD
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Appraisal of the Theology of Eucharist and its Significance to Mission-Oriented Churches
(A publication of the Department of Religions & Peace Studies, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Ojo, 2025) Owoade, Samuel Oluwatosin; Olubitan, Abiodun A., PhD
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.

Browse

Browsing Department of Christian Studies by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options