IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL PRACTICE (IJRCP )

E-ISSN 2579-0501
P-ISSN 2695-219X
VOL. 9 NO. 3 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijrcp.v9.no3.2024.pg64.76

---

Christianity and Moral Decadence in Central Nigeria

Nanlir Kartim NAPBUT PhD, Rose Bulus Boyi (PhD -in-view) and Ayodele Adeyinka ATOWOJU PhD

---

Abstract

This study examines the continual incidences of moral decadence in Central Nigeria, in spite of her reputation as a region with a dominant Christian population. Despite the proliferation of churches and regular promotion of evangelism moral decadence has continue to increase in its propensity, manifesting in corruption, violence, and immorality. The paper employs mixed- methods approach. The findings reveal a disconnect between Christian teachings and practices the peoples' moral values. Furthermore, with factors like, fake prophesies, arranged miracles, syncretism, prosperity gospel emphasis, and leadership failures have contributed to moral decadence. Conclusively, this study contributes to ongoing discussions on Christianity, morality, and social change in Nigeria, offering insights for scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders seeking to address moral decadence and promote a more just and equitable society.

keywords:

contextualized Christianity, leadership failure, moral decadence, Prosperity

---

References:

Ajayi, J.F.A., Christian Missions in Nigeria 1841-1891: the making of new elite, London:
Longman 1965.

Ayegboyin, Deji, and Akin Ishola. Christianity in Nigeria: A Historical Perspective. Journal
of Religion in Africa, vol. 37, no. 1, 2007.

Baikie, Adamu (ed.), Wusasa: Souvenir pictorial presentation with a brief historical
introduction, Zaria: Wusasa Diocese, n.d.

Benson Idahosa, You Are God’s Battle Axe (Benin City, Nigeria: Idahosa World Outreach,
2010).

Bolaji, Labanjo, 1970, Anatomy of Corruption in Nigeria, Ibadan: Daystar Press. Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999

Bulatao, Jaime C. Phenomena and Their Interpretation: Landmark Essays, 1957 1989.
[Manila]: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1992.

Crampton, E.P.T., Christianity in Northern Nigeria, London: Geoffrey Chapman 1975.

Debra J. Mumford, “Prosperity Gospel and Africa American Prophetic Preaching,” Review and
Expositor 109 (2012).

Ebhomele, E. and Atebe, S. (2013) “David West: Nigerian Churches Stink with Corruption”
www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/05/17/david-west-nigerian-churches-stink-with-
corruption.htm1.Accessedon14?08/2013.

Ehusani, George, 2003, Religion and the Scourge of Corruption in Nigeria, in Corruption,
Accountability and Transparency for Sustainable Development, Ota: ALF Publications.

Evangelical Missionary Society of ECWA Prayer Calendar, 1998/1999.

Fuller, Clare, Banfield, Nupe and the UMCA, Ilorin: World Partners Publication 2001.

Gaiya A.B.M Christianity in Northern Nigeria 1975-2000 Koni nkujke Brill NV: Leiden, 2004.

Galadima Y.B and Yusufu Turaki, Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology 20.1. 2001.

Ibrahim, Jibrin. Christianity and Social Change in Nigeria. Journal of Religion and Social
Change, vol. 30, no. 1, 2010, pp. 67-80.

Idensi, F. “Missionary Dairy: Honour Itim” in Daily Sun Newspaper, September, 12. 2010.

Idrees A.A and Yakubu A.O (Editors) Studies in the History of Central Nigeria Vol. 1. Nigeria:
CSS Ltd.

Ifemesia, C.C., ‘The “civilising” mission of 1841: aspects of an episode in Anglo-Nigerian
relations’, Journal of Historical Society of Nigeria, ii (1962) no. 3, 291-310.

Igbafe, Philip. The Christianization of Nigeria. Journal of African Studies, Vol. 10, no. 2,
Kalu, Ogbu. Christianity in Central Nigeria: A Historical Survey. Journal of Nigerian
Studies, vol. 15, no. 1, 1996.

Kraemer, Hendrik. Religion and the Christian Faith. London, UK: Lutterworth Press. Conn,
Harvie M. 1956, 1984.

Lausanne Movement (Africa Chapter), “Lausanne Theology Working Group Statement on the
Prosperity Gospel,” Evangelical Review of Theology 34.2 (2010): 99;

Maltese, Giovanni. “Prosperity Gospel” ed. Michael Wilkinson. Brill’s Encyclopedia of Global
Pentecostalism 2020. Online. https:// referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/brill-s-
encyclopedia-of-global-pentecostalism/prosperity-gospel-COM_044880?
s.num=3&s.f.s2_parent=s.f.book.brill-s-encyclopedia-of-global-
pentecostalism&s.q=maltese.

Mate, R. “Wombs as God’s Laboratories: Pentecostal Discourses of Femininity in Zimbabwe,”
Africa 72.4 (2002) 549-568.

Mckenzie, P.R., Inter-Religious Encounter in West Africa, Leicester: Studies in Religion 1976.

Muraina, B.M and Ucharia U.U, Moral Misconduct Among Students of Higher Institutions in
Nigeria: A Case of Selected Higher Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria 2014).

Nicholas Pweddon (forthcoming), A History of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria
(LCCN).

Ojo, Matthews. Christianity and Social Change in Nigeria. Journal of Religion and Social
Change, vol. 25, no. 2, 2005.

Olusanya, G.O., ‘The ‘freed slaves’ homes: An unknown aspect of Northern Nigeria social
history’ Journal of Historical Society of Nigeria 3 (1966) no. 3, 531; also

Peter, C. B. “The Church’s Response to Poverty: A Jungian Appraisal of the ‘Prosperity
Gospel’ Phenomenon,” Ogbomoso Journal of Theology 14 (2009).

Readily available names were Moses Olubi and one Abraham who were in both Panyam and
Kabwir among Mwaghavul and Ngas. Barnabas Ngwa Gompwell, an Ngas evangelist,
worked in Kabwir and Wusasa until his death in 1973.

Pwary, Zazwal John, ‘Longuda evangelists in the development of the Lutheran Church of
Christ in Nigeria (L.C.C.N.), 1922-1967’ (MA dissertation, department of Religious
Studies, University of Jos, 1999).

Tasie, G.O.M., Christian Missionary Enterprise in the Niger Delta 1964-1918, Leiden: E.J.
Brill 1978.

Vingborg, Lisabeth, Nigerians Engaged in the Mission Work Today, Jos: Grace Foundation
Media Services, 2001.

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back