Articles

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Open Access
THE ROLE OF MUSLIM WOMEN DA'WAH ORGANIZATIONS IN DERADICALIZING POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN NASARAWA STATE
(Department of Islamic Studies, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-01-15) Abdullahi, Adamu Sulaiman; Yahaya, Sulaiman; Kaura, Ruqayya Abubakar
Open Access
ROLE OF ISLAMIC STUDIES TEACHER OF SECONDARY SCHOOL IN REFORMING SOCIETY IN NASARAWA STATE
(Department of Islamic Studies, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2019-10-18) Yahaya, Sulaiman; Tijjani, Rufai Ahmad
Education does not mean only teaching people to know what they do not know. It also means teaching them to behave better than they do. Because of the inseparable bond between Islam and education, the teacher in school has to be committed to the society and answerable to the people. His actions and words are the targets of scrutiny. More so, he must be a dependable and responsible person whose role does not end with one, two or three hour teaching, thereby coming to an end, but it continues even after, implying that his professional duty is one that extends to the society. An Islamic studies teacher in school must be one who tries to relate the Islamic perspective to the academic subjects that he teaches. If subjects are not Islamized, the result is that students may not view Allah (S.W.T) to be the Author and Controller of the Universe.
Open Access
ISLAMIC APPRAISAL OF THE PRACTICE OF BOKANCI (SORCERY) AMONG MUSLIMS IN NASARAWA SOUTH
(Department of Islamic Studies, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-06-11) Abdullahi, Adamu Sulaiman; Yahaya, Sulaiman
Different disciplines have examined the history of Islam in Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone in particular and Nasarawa State in general which started in the early 18th century. However, the impact of the practice of Bokanci among the Muslims has not been systematically studied. Therefore, this paper examines the extent of the involvement of Muslims in the practice of Bokanci in Nasarawa State using the Southern zone as a case study, with a view to assessing impact of Tawhid on them. In agreement with previous researches, this study notes that the issue and practice of Bokanci is still in existence amidst the Muslims of Nasarawa South. Field work carried out in the five Local Government Areas of the Nasarawa South indicated a high level of Bokanci as an aspect of religious syncretism among the Muslims. It also revealed that certain factors of this contemporary age which include emphasis on job promotion, love charm, monogamy, economic prosperity and adversity, lack of employment, as well as ignorance are responsible for the widespread of this phenomenon. The paper recommends that the Islamicgroups and organizations engaging in Da ’wah activities should intensify effort in preaching the creed of TawhTdamong others. Relentless and ceaseless religious campaigns and awareness could be mounted by Muslim scholars everywhere in the villages and towns of Nasarawa South with a view to making the Bokaye and their clients realise the evil effects of syncretism (particularly, Bokanci). They could be made to realise that Islam is a perfect and pure religion which integrates the spiritual and mundane aspects of life through the concept of Tawhid which refers all matters of faith and worship to Allah (SWT) alone for the solution of all kinds of problems that may face human existence.
Open Access
The Necessity For Contextualisation Of Christianity In Tivland: A Case Study Of African Theology
(Department of religion studies Nasarawa state university keffi., 2016-02-16) Victor, Igbum
The theological worldview of a Tiv man or woman is deeply understood when there are dislocations in the harmonious flow of life, occasioned by witchcraft and or demonic powers. Such occasions are been identified by the supernatural causes of problems through the activities of religious specialists, who through ritual appeasement would normalize the strained relationship either between them and the supernatural or between men and their neighbors. Nowadays, the Tiv Christians are becoming increasingly convinced that traditional approaches to theology do not really make sense within their own cultural patterns and thought forms. This unsatisfaction has given rise to the growth of many churches within Tivland apparently to address the cultural and environmental issues relating to the understanding of God, hence theology. The researcher is of the opinion that the growing identity of local churches is contributing to the necessity of the development of truly contextual theologies that would include and balance cultural identity, social change and popular religiosity with the elements of scripture and tradition. This paper therefore seeks to contextualise Christianity in the context of the African culture and recommends that the Christian churches in Tivland should encourage members to express their Christian values in an Africans.
Open Access
Their Gain Our Pain: Global Warming and its implication for African indigenous religion
(Department of Religous Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-02-03) Tasie, George
This article draws attention to the devastating impact of global wanning African indigenous religion. It x-rays how global wanning has led to the extinction of time honoured medicinal plants and herbs, and species of animals and fishes considered essential in traditional rituals and medicine. It further argues that global wanning has also introduced a variety of new diseases, which the generality of African traditional medicine practitioners are finding increasingly difficult to grapple with. This, as the paper observes, has opened a new window of challenge to traditional medicine men, diviners, herbalists and a host of other specialists who are saddled with the responsibility of predicting, explaining and controlling our space world.
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
HISTORY OF THE MANIPULATION OF RELIGION IN NIGERIA AND THE ANTIDOTE FOR UNITY AND PROGRESS
(Department of Religion Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2017-03-10) Ahmed, Elfaruk Ali
The history and the relationship between religion and the Nigeria State has been an old one. The pre-colonial, colonial and post colonial governments: whether military or democratic systems, had their experiences of religious abuses and manipulations in the nation. The problem of religious manipulation is as serious as that of corruption in the nation. Religious manipulators used the potency of religion in the nation on critical national issues and problems to carry out their activities for political and economic interests to the detriment of collective good. It was discovered that cases of religious manipulation were prone in places where there is illiteracy, ignorance, corruption, poverty and other socioeconomic and political challenges. Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria is fuelled mainly by religious and ethnic differences. The intensity and complexity of religious manipulation has increased over the years. It started more aggressively from the jihad of Uthman Dan Fodio, the colonial era and into the civilian and military regimes after independence. In the process, the rule of law, power sharing, distribution of resources, equity, policies and actions were manipulated. This brought about poverty, corruption, mediocrity, competition, mistrust, agitations and crises. It has helped in making the goal of national cohesion, collective security and welfare impossible. Therefore, there is the need for government and citizens to be informed, responsible and accountable, to rise to the challenge of coming together and build a nation that is just an egalitarian.
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
Witchcraft: Static or Changing?: Analysis of the Church’s Understanding and Involvement in Nigeria Today
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-06-24) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Witchcraft and superstitious beliefs are incidentally found throughout the history of all the ethnic groups in Nigeria. These beliefs, if not the religions of most Nigerians, were at the heart of their religion. In the pre- Christian era and among those who still practise the beliefs, everything revolves around it and every aspect of life is regulated, explained or connected to them. This paper examines the different approaches, practices and perceptions of witchcraft in Nigeria in order to see whether it has changed or remained static. The paper is divided into three dispensations and they are the pre-Christian, the missionary and post-missionary eras. Special attention is given to the Church’s approaches to witchcraft and superstitious beliefs in the missionary and post missionary eras. The paper looks at the general practices of witchcraft in Africa in order to ascertain the changing attitudes towards it. Reference is made to witchcraft in the history of the Church with a view of comparing what happened then and what is happening now. The missionary era serves as a reference point because when the missionaries came they worked towards stamping out witchcraft and they made Christians to disbelieve and regard witchcraft as superstition. What is happening in the Church today shows that missionaries failed in this project. There is resurgence of witchcraft in the Church today and the Nigerian society. Due to this, the reasons for the resurgence of witchcraft are briefly examined. This paper concludes that witchcraft is a practice that retards the Church and society, it should, therefore, be eliminated.
Open Access
Women & Healing Shrines among the Tiv People of Central Nigeria
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-02-17) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Africa a patriarchal society where there is an attempt to exclude women from public activities as much as possible. This happens among the Tiv people of central Nigeria, the fifth largest ethnic group as well. However, in the area of healthcare, it is impossible to completely exclude women. Tiv women have their shrines and also benefit from the shrines operated by men. In fact, there are shrines that target women in their operations. Other than that, shrines are opened to all people among the Tiv. The core matter of this paper is healthcare and healthcare is an important part of caregiving. Among the Tiv people, women play a recognizable role in caregiving. They are considered to be more affectionate than men. This paper argues that healing is part of caregiving and as such women cannot be excluded from it. Most of the times, healing takes place in shrines and thus, the necessity of women having and operating healing shrines. With the coming of western civilization and Christianity some of the shrines have waned out but they remain an important part of Tiv history and unceasing references are made to them. Given the nature of this work, this paper will adopt a historical and an analytical approach to identify women shrines among the Tiv people, analyze the activities associated with these shrines and identify the benefits women derive from men operated shrines.
Open Access
Tracing the Unholy Path of Christianity to West Africa
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-12-10) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
History is the teacher of the wise. YVe learn to live in the present and in the future by what happens in the past. YVe avoid the mistakes of the past and build on the strengths, courage, zeal, and prosperity of the past. It is like almost everything has a good and a bad side. This paper looks at the positive aspect of slavery especially as this history interacts with the history of Christianity in Nigeria. The paper ascertains that tans-Atlantic slavery was one of the major factors for the advent of Christianity in Nigeria and many other parts of West Africa. The paper acknowledges that slaver)' was abhorred and caused great damage to Africa yet something good came out of it. Slavery was a brain child of the Christian religion and it was practiced by Christians and this enabled the slaves to hear the gospel. After the abolition those slaves served as agents of bringing the gospel to their kinsmen.
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
PENTECOSTALISjM AND AFRICAN TRADITION RELIGION ON HEALING IN NIGERIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE BELIEF, METHODS AND APPROACHES
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-11-24) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
One of the most devastating problems of humanity is sickness. Sickness affects man physically, spiritually and emotionally. It affects everyone nor matter one's race, religion, social and economic status. It uproots one from a stable foundation of human existence. For this reason, it has been the concern of everyone to find and device ways of dealing with sickness. In reality, all religions have devised a way of dealing with sickness. Approaches to sickness are based on some worldview and understanding of health, sicknesses and healing. This paper compares Nigerian Pentecostalism and African Tradition Religion's view and practice of healing. Nigerian Pentecostalism and A frican Traditional Religions have the same worldview, understanding of sickness and healing. In fact, we can trace the beginning of Nigerian Pentecostalism to a reaction to western Christianity. There are many elements of African Traditional Religions in Nigerian Pentecostalism and prominent among them is the understanding of sickness and healing. This paper will make an assertion that there is a relationship between African tradition religion and Nigerian Pentecostalism. Methodologically, this paper adopts phenomenological and analytical approaches.
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
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
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
THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S SUFFERING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY AND CHRISTIAN LIVING
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-06-29) Mbachirin, Abraham T.
Open Access
Celibacy: From Different Cultures to Early Christianity
(department of religious studies, 2012-05-26) Ayuba, J.M
Celibacy is a commitment to remain unmarried and to renounce sexual relations, for a limited period or for a lifetime. Such a commitment places an individual outside human society in its usual form, and thus raises certain questions: What significance does such an individual, and such a choice, have for the human family and community as a whole? Is celibacy possible? Is there a socially constructive role for celibacy? These questions will serve as a guide in understanding the history of celibacy in the ancient cultures and early Christian era, which this paper seeks to examine.
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.
Open Access
Religion, Ethnicity, Politics and Minority Struggle
(Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-06-12) Mbachirin, Abraham T.; Yako, Ibrahim Handan
Nigeria is a multi-religion, multi ethnic, multi political and multi linguistic nation. People identify with either of these groups as a gate way to achieve political ambition and as such, use these essentials against one another, thereby causing unhealthy rivalry, jealousy and hatred against one another. These nurtured grievances have resulted in crisis and violence which have contributed greatly in under developing Nigeria. This article argues that religion, ethnicity, politics and minority groups are essential elements in national develop-ment than weapons of destruction and under development. It further opines that, if true democracy is practiced in Nigeria, religion, ethnicity, politics and minority struggles that are seen as trouble causal factors will automatically become cornerstones of national development. Therefore, this work examines religion, ethnicity, politics and minority struggles using sociohistorical methodology as the effective approach to understanding how these phenomena have devastated and disintegrated our bond of unity that have destroys and underdeveloped Nigeria and presents possible ways how religion, ethnicity, politics and minority groups can be used for nation building.