NSUK Repository :: Browsing by Author "Mbachirin, Abraham T."

Browsing by Author "Mbachirin, Abraham T."

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Open Access
BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES: THE HOPE FOR THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-05-22) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Christianity and the Bible in particular have influenced many things in this world both positively and negatively. Peter Berger, an American Sociologist, once a strong advocate of secularization theory, after considering and studying world events carefully has turned around to write and lecture on desecularization of religion. According to him, religion has influenced many major activities and events in this world and will continue to do so. In his book, The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics, Berger contends that modernization is strengthened by religion and the assertion that the world is becoming increasingly secular is unfounded. Building on the premise of religious influenced, the paper attests that biblical leadership applied will help the decaying leadership in the Nigerian Church and civil government. The problem is that many people have not accepted that leadership is from God. The acceptance of this fact goes a long way in solving our leadership problem. If God instituted leadership, he also provided guidelines for leadership and these are found in the Bible where he speaks ex cathedra. This paper therefore, seeks to provide biblical principles for leadership that address the Nigerian situation.
Open Access
BIBLICAL ROOTS OF HERDSMEN AND FARMERS CONFLICTS IN NIGERIAN
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-10-10) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
One of the problems in Nigeria that makes the most news headlines these days is the farmers and herdsmen conflict. The devastating effect of the conflicts is overwhelming and unprecedented. It has led to the loss of many lives and destruction of property. Many people have been permanently displayed thereby creating forced migration. The economic and political instability associated with these conflicts is unresolved. Though the problem is more intense in North Central and North West, it has affected almost every state in Nigeria. Many reasons have been advanced for the root causes of the conflicts. This paper employs the Bible as a resource to advance the fundamental reason for the farmers and herdsmen conflict. The paper contends that the conflict has its roots from the curse on fanning and the ground in Gen.3: 17-19. Rearing cattle and tilling the soil for the production of food crops are all forms of fanning and the curse include all the problems associated with these forms as well as conflicts between them. This paper adopts an analytical approach and works with the interpretations of biblical scholars and relates the present conflict to the ancient curse.
Open Access
THE CHURCH AND CONTEMPORARY POLITICS: AN APPRAISAL OF THE BIBLICAL TEACHINGS ON POLITICAL SYSTEMS AND THE INVALIDATION OF THE PARTICIPATION OF CHRISTIANS IN PARTISAN POLITICS
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2012-04-17) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Contrary to the widely held belief that Christianity, like other world religions, canvasses a moralist ideology and should be approximated to political ideologies or that Christians be made to participate actively in partisan politics, this paper argues that the Bible does not provide such categorical directives. The paper refutes the popular injunction of Jesus* saying that ‘‘then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's" (Luke 20:25), as a clarion call for the Church to participate in partisan politics. Similarly, it investigates the various political activities of the chosen nation, Israel, in the Bible and finds no consistent model of political culture to validate the claim by some Christians for the Church to indulge in partisan politics.
Open Access
The Church’s Characterization of Satan in the Past and Now: The Implication for the Place of God in the Affairs of this World
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2021-10-28) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
This paper is about what the Church in the past believed and taught in respect of the role of the Devil and what the Church today especially the Nigerian Pentecostal Church believes and teaches is the role of the Devil and its implications of the teaching on the role of God in the affairs of this world. The Nigerian Pentecostal ascribes almost every human and world problems to the devil. The devil seems to be responsible for ever}' evil and bad thing that happens to individuals and the world. This paper compares the Pentecostal understanding of the role of Satan with the teaching of the Bible, the Church from the apostolic age and the mainline Church. Generally, the Pentecostal Church differs in many ways with mainline Churches but recently it is having a lot of influence on the mainline Churches. The Pentecostal representation of the role of the devil is a major shift from historic biblical Church. The Pentecostal representation implies that the devil is almost completely in charge of this world. The writer employs historical and analytical methods for the presentation of this paper.
Open Access
A Comparative Study of Women in Ordained Offices in the Mainline Denominations and Pentecostal Churches
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-11-23) Mbachirin, Abraham T.; Ganadu, Salama
The discourse on women in leadership positions in churches has occupied a ' significant space in theological debate in the Church today. Things like feminism, womanist movement and Human Rights have compelled discussions on the position and role of women in every aspect of human endeavor. The culture and religious practices and beliefs that suppressed women are been attacked and some are already giving way. In the Church today, the main issues revolve around ordained offices and leadership positions. A cursory' survey reveals that most Pentecostal Churches have no problem ordaining and giving leadership positions to women. Today, there are many Pentecostal Churches and ministries manned by women only. Further, most Pentecostal pastors have their wives as co-pastors or assistant pastors. There are however, fewer mainline Churches that have ordained women. The issue of women ordination encounters greater struggle in the mainline denominations than in the Pentecostal Churches. The reason for the difference lies in the theological and ecclesiological foundations of these two groups of Christians. The mainline denominations hold to well defined tradition and have an elaborate administrative structure. To critical analyze the issues involved, this paper will adopt historical and theological perspective.
Open Access
CORPORATE SALVATION: ARGUING FROM BIBLICAL AND AFRICAN PERSPECTIVES
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2009-03-12) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
The propaganda of Globalization was that it was going to create a global village. On the surface, the language sounded community inclined. However, the instruments of globalization such as Internet communication system, telephone, satellite and cable televisions, advanced technology in banking and financial transaction (credit cards and money transfer), home marketing, fast food stores, just to mention a few have nothing inherent in them to create or encourage communal living. Globalization has thus compounded the problem of individualism and is helping to destroy the remnants of communal living in Africa. Christianity is a very power institution in Africa. It has the power and the instrumentation of remodeling society and establishing better value system. There are concepts in its sacred book that can instill the value of communal living which is at the danger of disappearing in our society. Unfortunately, Christianity has come to us clothed in western individualistic influence and has overtly emphasized personal and individual salvation. Contrary, This paper will discuss the biblical concept of corporate salvation which has the potentiality of restoring communal living in the Church and society at large.
Open Access
CORRUPTION AND TIV PROV ERBS: SEARCHING FOR THE ROOTS OF CORRUPTION IN TIV CULTURE
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2016-12-04) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
The desire of the present administration is to fight corruption with the hope of eradicating it. The picture of corruption in Nigeria is only comparable to malignant cancer which has gone deep into every aspect of societal life. It is so prevalent that in many quarters it is considered part of normal life. The Police, Custom Officers, Drugs Enforcement Agency, and even the Army are on the road are said to be involved in corruption. One of the characteristics of corruption is that it does not exist in a vacuum. It is usually anchored on something considered solid and justifiable. Thus, those who participate in corruption have one reason or the other to justify their acts. For many people, these reasons may not be cultural, but religious, economical, social or political. The project of many people is to find the roots for corruption. Largely, corruption in Nigeria is blamed on colonialism and its state structure and design. This paper is part of the effort to find the root cause of corruption among the Tiv of Central Nigeria. The universally accepted ideology’ is that a correct diagnosis will lead to the correct way of handling the problem. Corruption in Nigeria is supported by some aspects of our culture. This paper argues specially that some of the Tiv proverbs provide the solid anchor for corruption among the Tiv. Proverbs are part of the Tiv culture, consequently, fighting corruption is tantamount to attacking the Tiv culture. Thus, among the Tiv people, corruption is a cultural issue and approach to issues of corruption must be different.
Open Access
THE DEPARTURE OF THE DRCM
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-09-19) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Open Access
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF ANCIENT ISRAEL AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CHURCH TODAY
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-12-21) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
This paper deals with educational activities in ancient Israel. Education is Israel was in line with her level of civilization, occupation and the nature of her society. It was practical and was designed to help Israel preserve her religion. culture and deal with the daily challenges of life. Education was a gradual development based on the needs of the people and the type and methods adopted depended on these. The history and activities of the people of Israel is recorded in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, as such, the evaluation is based on the Old Testament mostly. The importance of considering the educational system of ancient Israel is for the Church and individual Christians to assert themselves of their involvement and attitudes to education today. The Bible is the standard for all Christian activities therefore, understanding the education in the Bible will help the church to evaluateits educational programmes. Due to the nature of this paper, historical and analytical methods will be employed. This paper argues that the educational programme of ancient Israel had a clear focus amidst cultural changes, influences from other nations and took into considering the nature of its society. The types of education and methods Israel adopted depended on what she wanted to achieve and the occupation of her people. It is therefore to be understood that there is a correlation between a type of education, methods and the nature of a society.
Open Access
The Ethics and Morality of Tiv Witchcraft and Superstitious Beliefs
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-01-04) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Some scholars of Christian and Jewish faith traditions such as Brunner; Buber, Barth, Niebuhr, and Bultmann uphold that only a belief in the absolute sovereign God can form an objective foundation for morality. Such an assertion is more authentic when referring to salvation. The Bible clearly affirms general or universal revelation and common grace which are given to all persons. This means that all persons no matter their faith or persuasion are capable of civil good and have moral values. This paper takes side with those sociologists who teach the functional theory of religion. The paper , contends that the Tiv religion comprising of witchcraft and superstitious beliefs (Tsav and Akombo) and practices have ethical and moral values which are healthy for the Tiv society.
Open Access
Evaluating the Phenomenon of Party Defection in Nigeria
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2018-11-23) Goji, Deborah; Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Nigerian politics is characterized by switching political parties or what the politicians themselves call defection. This usually happens close to primaries and after elections. On the surface, politicians defect to find political space in other parties or just to air their grievances. It is practiced by politicians who feel that their right to rule has been denied them by a particular party but they can secure that right in another party Those who defect after election do so to identify with the ruling party and enjoy the benefits attached to the government in power. Though different reasons have been advanced for defection such as selfishness, meed ingratitude, and lust for power, this paper advances that the fundamental ideological reason is lack of a personal and party political philosophy to guide their political life and activities. It is assumed that each party is to have a philosophy or party manifesto and must force members to adhere to it. This is lacking in the Nigerian politics and members are left to their discretion in the political game. Political parties are the central political machinery and control mechanism of the nation's politics. When this is lacking, there is likely hood for bad governance. What forms the foundation of the examination of this paper is the concern for Nigerian political machinery which is the foundation of Nigerian government. When the center is weak, the whole system is bound to fall. Having weak and unstable political parties and politicians is the fundamental problem of governance in Nigeria.
Open Access
EXORCISM AND HEALING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
(Department of Philosophy and Ethics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2019-01-01) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
The belief that God can still exorcise and heal is very strong in our society. There are numerous faith healing ministries and many Pentecostal Churches that take exorcism and healing as their major activity. In mainline denominations people come requesting for prayers for their various problems. There are many examples of exorcism and healing of various kinds in the Bible and many people believe that the Church must be involved in this ministry. With this in mind it is examined in this paper that exorcism and healing in the New Testament which is contained in the promise of Christ to his followers that they will be able to perform miracles. Explored in the paper is the New Testament understanding of sickness, method of healing, sicknesses, and the power employed to exorcise and heal. From the New Testament examples, exorcism and healing were not limited to believers but unbelievers were able to exorcise and heal also. All these are to help us evaluate the activities oft hose who exorcise and heal today.
Open Access
EXPLORING THE ETHICAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIO-POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES OF ONE’S ESCHATOLOGICAL VIEW AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2013-05-12) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Religion is a very powerful instrument in the life of the Church as well as individuals. The power of religion is seen in the fact that it impacts the way its adherents live. Religion seeks to provide answers to various difficult issues and mysteries of human life. One of the most difficult questions of life is death. Death is unavoidable and in Christianity, death marks the end of life. Further, Christians have a strong belief and conviction that the present world would one day come to an end. The thinking about the end of the world occupies an important place in the Christian religion. It affects the present life. This paper will explore the different views about the end of the individual lives and the world and their implications for human living and how that affects our use and treatment of the earth. In other words, there is a correlation between the way we operate now .and our way of looking at the future. Humans generally translate their religious beliefs into real life, for good or for bad. The eschatological view of the Thessalonians led them to abandon their daily labours for lively hood and idlidly wait for Christ’ imminent return.
Open Access
HIGHLIGHTS OF NKST HISTORY
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-01-14) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Open Access
HOMESCHOOLING AND THE PRESENT NIGERIAN RELIGIO-CULTURAL CLIMATE
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-06-08) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
There is a growing need for the preservation of culture distinctiveness as well as the need to maintain one's religious identity in the face of cultural and religious pluralism in Nigeria. The undeniable fact is that Nigeria is fast becoming of melting pot of culture and religion. We are caught up in urbanization, modernization and globalization on every side. These have caused the extinction of some cultures and are eroding religious distinctiveness and blurring denominational lines. The Nigerian school's system and educational polices are geared towards national unity and integration over against interest in particular cultures and religions. Teachers in the conventional and private schools come from different religious and cultural backgrounds. In their teachings, they do not lay much emphasis on any particular culture and religion. The end result is the extinction of different cultures and religious identities. The school is a place where religion and culture can be more effectively transmitted to the next generation. However, this not the case in Nigeria and this kind of trend is dangerous for national development. This paper proposes an alternative educational or schooling system that is capable of preserving cultural distinctiveness and religious identity. The alternative is homeschooling. Homeschooling is not a new system and it is practiced in many countries today. Historical and analytical research methods will be employed to show how best this can be applied to the Nigerian situation. Homeschooling is by far the best instrument for the preservation of religious and cultural identities.
Open Access
HOW THE NONGO U KRISTU U I SER U SHA TAR (NKST) DEVELOPED THE TIV LANGUAGE
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2013-02-11) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Open Access
THE IMAGE OF THE TIV PEOPLE AS VIEWED BY OTHERS AND THEIR TRIBESMEN
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-04-20) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Open Access
Imprecatory Psalms and Curse Language of the Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-06-26) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
We must accept that Pentecostalism is a key aspect of Nigerian popular culture. According to Philip Jenkins, Pentecostalism is the most successful movement of the past century (2). Many of the Pentecostal Churches operate Television stations and are able to reach a vast population. Therefore the possibility to influence a large population is very high. To this end, whatever the Pentecostals are doing must be given special attention for it is likely to impact Christianity in Nigeria. Apart from Prosperity Gospel among Nigerian Pentecostal Churches and African Initiated Churches, imprecatory prayers are becoming popular among them. Imprecation is not new among them, it is also found in the Bible, mostly used by the Psalmist. This paper adopting a comparative approach, looks at imprecation or curse language from a wider context * of the Bible, Christ’s teaching and the Christian life. The aim is to show the theological and ethical foundations of the imprecatory prayers of the Psalmist and the Pentecostals. This will enable us ascertain the basis of their teaching and the similarities and differences that exist between the Psalmist and Pentecostal’s imprecation.
Open Access
THE LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES OF JOHN CALVIN FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH LEADERS IN NIGERIA
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-09-19) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Historians tell us that past events, human activities and thoughts can help us deal with the present and the future more effectively. It is because of this that history is described as a torch light that illuminates the past and guards against the repetition of the mistakes of the past, and as a national conscience of the human race. This paper deals with a historical figure, and a Church reformer, known as John Calvin, whose leadership principles can help in dealing with leadership problem in Nigeria in this century. Calvin lived and worked in a civil and religious climate that is analogous to ours. The civil and religious leadership of his time had failed, but he restored them. Church historians say Calvin is the greatest and most successful reformer and his reformation has wide social implications. It touches every aspect of life, most profoundly on welfare state, commerce, thrift, industry, hard work, and education. Though he was never an elected member of the city council of Geneva where he lived and worked, he masterminded the establishment of democracy in that city and transformed its governance. His democratic principles have spread far and wide making more impact in the United States of America and many European countries. This paper is a demonstration that biblical principles can transform and influence social life and governance.
Open Access
Liberation Theology and the Nigerian Socio-Economic and Political Situation
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-10-29) Goji, Deborah; Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Liberation theology is a contextual theology. It is the deplorable, unfriendly, deteriorating, exploiting and oppressive environment that gives birth to it. Unfortunately, the government or a certain group of people with strong affiliation with the government is usually responsible and controls the oppressive machinery. The concern of liberation theology is the plight of the poor, the downtrodden, and the marginalized. This paper proposes that the Nigeria socioeconomic and political environment in Nigeria is similar to places where liberation theology is operational. The socio-economic and political situation of the past twenty years or so, is that of increased poverty, unemployment, the oppression of less powerful groups by a more powerful group, political and ethnic marginalization, lawlessness of various kinds, the rise of uncontrolled terrorists groups, kidnapping and arm robbery, communal and ethnic clashes, and the continued displacement of people from their original homeland. The Nigerian Church is usually accused of not playing its prophetic role and addressing these issues but has become a praise singer to the government and is compromising its message. This paper asserts that there are some Nigerian Church leaders who are different and are using the language of liberation theology to address these issues. Consequently, the effort of this paper is identify the language of liberation theology among Nigerian Christians. A historical and an analytical approach will be adopted to articulate the assertion of this paper exploiting and oppressive environment that gives birth to it. Unfortunately, the government or a certain group of people with strong affiliation with the government is usually responsible and controls the oppressive machinery. The concern of liberation theology is the plight of the poor, the downtrodden, and the marginalized. This paper proposes that the Nigeria socioeconomic and political environment in Nigeria is similar to places where liberation theology is operational. The socio-economic and political situation of the past twenty years or so, is that of increased poverty, unemployment, the oppression of less powerful groups by a more powerful group, political and ethnic marginalization, lawlessness of various kinds, the rise of uncontrolled terrorists groups, kidnapping and arm robbery, communal and ethnic clashes, and the continued displacement of people from their original homeland. The Nigerian Church is usually accused of not playing its prophetic role and addressing these issues but has become a praise singer to the government and is compromising its message. This paper asserts that there are some Nigerian Church leaders who are different and are using the language of liberation theology to address these issues. Consequently, the effort of this paper is identify the language of liberation theology among Nigerian Christians. A historical and an analytical approach will be adopted to articulate the assertion of this paper.