Christian Unity in Nigeria: Empirical Study of Various Christian Denominations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The major objective of the study is the empirical study of various Christian denominations in Uyo. Which is to be achieved through the following specific objectives
(i) To examine the basic factors that affect Christian unity in Nigeria
(ii) To make a brief historical study of these factors
(iii) To present ways of achieving peaceful religious coexistence in various Christian denominations.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Religion as a Social Institution
Austin, (2017) Religion belief in supernatural beings, a distinction between social and profane object. Religion as an institution is a powerful organization which has a lot of impact on our socio-economic and political activities. Religion has been deeply reflected in the socio-economic and political activities of many people whether as Christians, Muslims, African Traditional believers or any other religion in the world. Christianity and Islam are foreign religions in Nigeria they were introduced between 13th and 18th century by European and Arab people respectively. Micheal, (2014) the unexpected subject matter of religious studies; method and practice in the study of religion. Since virtually all societies have some forms of religion, it is a universal human institution. Religion varies from place to place. Religion can be traced back to the days of early man and sought a way of response to the unknown forces of nature in their various localities. Religion has generated a lot of controversies among people of diverse opinions in Nigeria. Time had been set aside for religious activities no matter the condition, Christian with different denomination engaged in prayers likewise Muslim and traditional religion, they practice their festival without chaos. Vexen, (2013) religion best describe in terms of the beliefs and practices of the bulk believers. When we imagine the evils deeds in many Churches and Mosque, we may come to conclusion that despite the disappointment that people meet from acts such as duping, fraud, rape, money ritual, they still very relevant with this institution. It has been observed that majority of Christians and Muslims do not know the origin and of their adopted religion. Titles are not left out among religion leaders such as, General overseer, Deputy General Overseer, Regional overseer, Bishop, Apostle, Dr. Rev, most superior leader, Evangelist, Lady Leader, Deaconess, Pastor, Prophet, Imam, Sheik, Alfa, Chief Imam, Father and mother of Adini, Oluwo, Apena and host of others. It seems there is no difference between religion institution and private organization the same set of innovation such as code of conducts including dressing, time allocation, titles that exist in private organization are now dominating religion institution which the members must adhere strictly in order to remain in the domain.
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 Christian unity in Nigeria: empirical study of various Christian denominations in Uyo. 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 Christian unity in Nigeria: empirical study of various Christian denominations
Summary
This study was on the Christian unity in Nigeria: empirical study of various Christian denominations in Uyo. Three objectives were raised which included; To examine the basic factors that affect Christian unity in Nigeria, to make a brief historical study of these factors and to present ways of achieving peaceful religious coexistence in various Christian denominations. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected churches in Uyo. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the finding and observation have revealed that, in the existence of obligation and responsibility of individual, the issue of rewards and punishment that are established in every society tradition, norms, value, custom and constitution of every nation should be uphold. People should live their lives and enjoy whatever they can see here on earth, because the speculation of religions about unknown place even before 70,000 years ago is uncertain, if any at the end, it will be additional for people. The fear of calamity that befell the early man that was led to persuasion and placating to unknown was gradually turned to prayer and sacrifice respectively by modern man through civilization, invention, discovering and ideas, the irony is that upon all sacrifices and prayers engaged by people they still experience all forms of calamity even the Almighty Death.
Recommendation
The Government should check the activities of religious leaders; also review the act that established them this will curb bad deeds among them also impede the effort of those who still nurse the ambition of joining religious evils.
. The core message of religion which is to provide a patterned and familiar way of overcoming life and environmental crises, and of the preparation and hope for a comfortable future, including adjustment and solving problems not only of overcoming anxiety but of ordering one’s relationship with God. It also supports social norms and positive personality in the society and these should uphold among people including leaders and followers.
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