Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Religious Atonement as a Response to Indecent Dressing among Christian Youths

Oreoluwa Mary Isaiah, and Gloria Ngideka Ayantayo, PhD

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of indecent dressing among Christian youths has become a pressing concern for the church and Christian communities worldwide. Influenced by global fashion trends, peer dynamics, and a decline in moral standards, this phenomenon challenges traditional Christian values. It signals a more profound crisis in spiritual identity and formation. Scholars contend that immodest dressing is symptomatic of a spiritual disconnect from the principles of discipleship and holiness. In addressing this issue, this paper proposes religious atonement as a viable theological and pastoral response. Grounded in biblical teachings on repentance, confession, and reconciliation, atonement fosters inward spiritual renewal that influences outward behavior. This study argues that when embraced as a lived reality, the concept of atonement can catalyze behavioral transformation and spiritual growth, guiding Christian youths toward expressions of identity rooted in modesty, dignity, and reverence in alignment with scriptural values.

Keywords

Religious AtonementIndecent Dressing and Christian Youths

References

Adegoke, T. G. (2015). Youth culture and morality: The challenge of indecent dressing among Nigerian youth. Journal of Social Sciences, 10(3), 245–252. Afrilsah, M. (2024). Investigating the role of religion in shaping moral values and social norms. Mahogany Journal De Social, 1(1), 29-36. Ayantayo, J. K. (2009). Religion and morality in the Nigerian context. Ibadan: Hope Publications. Aziz, O. (2024). Modesty, Identity, And Dress Code: Addressing Challenges Of Indecent Dressing Among Muslim Female Students In Nigeria. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanity Development, 1(1), 08-15. Boaheng, I. (2021). Doing African Christian Theology: Some Non-negotiable Essentials. E- Journal of Religious & Theological Studies (ERATS), 7(12). Boaheng, I. (2021). A contextual theology of atonement for the Akan community of Ghana (Doctoral dissertation, University of the Free State). Buheji, M., & Founding, I. J. Y. E. (2021). Accelerating 'Youth Currency' out of New Normal Necessity. International Journal of Youth Economy, 5 (1): I-VIII. Duell, N., & Steinberg, L. (2021). Adolescents take positive risks, too. Developmental Review, 62, 100984. Ekwunife, R. A., Chukwu, C. O., Agha, O. G., Ukeje, I. O., & Anih, C. A. (2023). Mass Media and Politics in Nigeria: The Age-Long War. In Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance (pp. 8041-8048). Cham: Springer International Publishing. Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Inter-Varsity Press.). Nkomo, S. (2023). Narratives of Female Care Leavers' Aftercare Experiences in Harare, Zimbabwe: A Constructive grounded theory study (Doctoral dissertation, Women's University in Africa). Nzuki, J. (2023). Breaking the Yoke of Economic Dependency in Africa: Insights from Pauline Corpus on the Ecclesiastical Role. ShahidiHub International Journal of Theology & Religious Studies, 3(1), 239-260. Madu, J. E., Chukwudebelu, I. A., & Osigwe, C. N. (2024). African Christian Theology: A Matrix for Evolving an Authentic Igbo Christianity. Nigerian Journal of Arts And Humanities (Njah), 4(1). Mehta, C. M., & Arnett, J. J. (2023). Toward a new theory of established adulthood. Journal of Adult Development, 30(1), 1-5. Okon, E. E. (2017). Christianity and moral decadence in contemporary Nigeria. Journal of Religion and Human Relations, 9(1), 100–112. Olarewaju, V. T. (2022). Dress and Adornment in the Apostolic Church, Railway Line, Ilorin District Headquarters, Nigeria (Master's thesis, Kwara State University (Nigeria). Stott, J. (1986). The Cross of Christ. InterVarsity Press. Tiénou, T. (2023). The Contribution of Joel A. Carpenter to World Christianity. Interconnectivity, Subversion and Healing in World Christianity: Essays in honor of Joel Carpenter, 7. Willard, D. (2021). Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. NavPress. Wright, N. T. (2006). Evil and the Justice of God. SPCK.