The Role of the Church in Our Society
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the stud are;
- To ascertain the role church play in society development
- To ascertain the area society need church to be developed
- To ascertain the relationship between church and the society
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
Conceptual Framework
Functionalism is one of the oldest conceptual frameworks in sociology and similar fields of study (McBride and Giem, 2006). It primarily focuses on the social arrangements that facilitate the aspects of a society that make it function, survive and prosper. These arrangements generally focus on cultural values and institutional operations/activities that appear to contribute to a society that pragmatically works and is supported by a great number of its participants. Functionalism recognises that there can be dysfunctional values or institutional operations (e.g. the response to the hurricanes of 2005 in the U.S.), but primarily focuses on modifying values and institutional functions in order to reduce dysfunctions. Conflict theory, in many ways, takes the opposite view. Theorists in this tradition often suggest that societies are not so much based on some sort of functional consensus, but instead that a dominant, powerful group imposes its values and institutional arrangements upon the whole population. Dissidents are imprisoned, expelled or simply killed. Revolutions start in attempts by those who are oppressed to overthrow the dominant power structure. Dealing with dysfunctions through slight modifications is not regarded as being possible – the focus is rather on radical social change. Finally, symbolic interactionism as a conceptual framework focuses on a kind of Hegelian dialectical process, whereby the functional thesis and conflict anti-thesis can, through dialogue and interaction at all levels, change society to move towards some type of transcendent synthesis that helps society to avoid conflict and bring the greatest good to the greatest number of its members (Henslin, 2004; Mill, 2002).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the role of the church in our society
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of role of church in our society
Summary
This study was on the role of the church in our society. three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the role church play in society development, to ascertain the area society need church to be developed and to ascertain the relationship between church and the society. The study adopted a survey research design and conveniently enrolled 80 participants in the study. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from SMEs in Nasarawa state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Churches and all faith institution in a religious society like Africa, in particular, are expected to play a very important role in motivating and influencing the social-political and economic life of the people within their community. As has been stated in the beginning of this article, religion goes further and beyond its role in strengthening the social fabric. Religion exerts a cultural influence so deep that it has in effect become a defining factor of the world’s major civilizations. Despite the shortcomings of some of the Pentecostal churches, especially in their emphasis on health and wealth gospel, their contribution to nation building cannot be overlooked as their contribution is significantly remarkable, bridging the gap where the government of the day is lacking behind, especially in the area of qualitative education. In this way religion, Pentecostalism in particular, does influence society. However, the Church, especially the Pentecostal movement can do better with the resources available to the Church because they influence the majority of the highly placed young Nigerian working class. Pentecostals can do better to fulfil the Great Commission which should not be limited to preaching alone but aiming at the converting and influencing the totality of a common human. The bad leadership and bad governance which have resulted in the socio-political and economic backwardness of the nation paved way for the recognition of the Pentecostal movement by most young Nigerians as the saviour of the moment. Pentecostalism has the ability and has created the infrastructure (i.e. hospitals, schools and universities) to instil values and principles guiding a generation to overcome their social problems and live life to its fullest. Therefore, there is no doubt that the churches in this category have contributed immensely to the religious, political and socio-economic development of the country
Recommendation
The churches should be more active in the development of the community, rather than being passive, as if it is the role of the government to develop the community.
Christian churches should focus on economic development in terms of creating jobs for people, rather than always asking them to ‗give‘ whenever they attend church services.
Christian churches should offer teachings that are capable of transforming the lives of the citizens in the community, so that they can be gainfully employed and take care of their families.
Christian churches should not just base their development on social aspects, but try to balance this with other important areas, such as education and health.
References
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