The Impact of Christian Religious Studies in the Moral Development of the Nigerian Child: a Case Study in Rccg Ile-ife Osun State
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of Christian religious studies (CRS) on the moral development of Nigerian children within the context of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) community in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Specific objectives include:
- Evaluate the content, delivery, and pedagogical approaches of the CRS curriculum implemented within the RCCG community in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
- Investigate the cultural and contextual relevance of CRS teachings within the RCCG community.
- Understand the role of parents, church leaders, and the broader RCCG community in shaping the moral development of children.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
CONCEPT OF CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Christian Religious Studies is one of the subjects taught in secondary schools in Nigeria. The teaching of the Christian Religious Studies (CRS) could be dated back as 19th century with the pioneers of Nigerian Education (Afolabi, O. T. (2016). In attempting to discuss the concept of Christian Religious Studies beneficially, it is imperative, to begin by clarifying various terms with rigour and exactitude to avoid any possible news conceptions in the mind of any reader. The word ‘Christian’ etymologically comes from this Greek words ‘Christian’ and Christos; meaning “follower of Christ” and anointed one”, it is used three times in the New testament of the Bible (Act11:28, 1 Peter 4:16). The Bible tells us “it was in Antioch of Syria that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christian”. The question that borders the mind of the reader, which the researchers consider in this definition process, is ‘who is a Christian? The answer to this question can be formulated only in a cumulative fashion. Thus a Christian is a social human person in whom God is present in grace but who is at, same time, prone to act against the, divine preference. Agabi, (2017) states that a Christian is one who professes and belief in Jesus Christ or fellows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Anole added that a Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity and Abraham, monotheistic religion based on the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, who Christian belief is the Messiah. Okorie, (2019) opines that a Christian is a particular kind of human being, not in the sense that a Christian has a different biological or psychic structure, but in the sense that a Christian has moved to a different level of human consciousness. Ogunnaike, (2018) equally state that a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, that a person who believes and practices the tenets of the Christian faith in the Holy Scripture (Bible). However, in the context of this study, a Christian is referred to as students who practice Christianity and learn it in school as one of a religion in the world. Religion in the other way has been heated with lots of debate about the meaning and its practices in human society. Its etymology can help to define the concept. Religion is derived the Latin noun ‘religio’, but with some ambiguities arising from these different verbs that are allied with the noun –‘religion’ to turn constantly” or to observe conscientiously”‘religari to bind on self (back) and ‘religere’ (“to choose again”) (Okorie, 2019). Each of these verbs according to Okoro points to three possible religious attitudes. Though it is not clear from which verb the noun is derived, each of the verbs is consistent with the view that religion “a relation to God.” McBrien in Okoro (2019) says that religion thus has to do with the whole human existence, and not merely with some special sector of it. He further stresses that religion is the whole complex of attitudes, convictions, emotions, gestures, rituals, beliefs and institutions by which we come to terms with and express our most fundamental relationship with reality (God and the created order, perceived as coming from gods creative hand).
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 one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which one hundred and nine (109) were returned while one hundred (100) were validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 100 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on the impact of Christian religious studies in the moral development of the Nigerian child: A case study in RCCG Ile-Ife Osun state. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on the impact of Christian religious studies in the moral development of the Nigerian child: A case study in RCCG Ile-Ife Osun state. The study it was specifically set to outline place of parenting on the health of church.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 100 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent is RCCG Ile-Ife Osun state.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores the profound impact of Christian religious studies on the moral development of Nigerian children within the RCCG community in Ile-Ife, Osun State. While CRS serves as a powerful vehicle for imparting moral values, fostering character formation, and promoting social cohesion, there is room for improvement in curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and community engagement strategies. By addressing these challenges and building on the strengths of CRS, stakeholders can work together to nurture the next generation of morally responsible citizens who embody the timeless virtues of love, compassion, and integrity in their lives
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the impact of Christian religious studies (CRS) in the moral development of Nigerian children within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) community in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of CRS and promote holistic moral development among children:
- Collaborate with educational experts, religious scholars, and community stakeholders to review and enhance the CRS curriculum. Ensure that the curriculum reflects contemporary moral challenges, incorporates diverse perspectives, and integrates experiential learning opportunities that engage students in moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.
- Provide professional development opportunities and resources for CRS teachers to enhance their pedagogical skills, deepen their understanding of moral education principles, and incorporate innovative teaching methods that promote active learning and moral reflection in the classroom.
- Foster partnerships between schools, churches, and families to strengthen parental involvement in moral education and community-based initiatives. Organize workshops, seminars, and family outreach programs that equip parents with the knowledge, skills, and resources to support their children’s moral development at home.
References
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