Full Project – THE ROLE OF CHURCH IN NATIONAL BUILDING.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The role of the church in Nigeria’s national development is one that has been extensively explored in academic works. Oyedele and Adeyeye (2018) found that the church in Nigeria had a major impact on the country’s progress. The authors contend that the church has played a crucial role in advancing social justice in Nigeria, in addition to providing essential services like education and healthcare and creating a strong sense of community. Another research that emphasizes the church’s role in fostering peace and reconciliation in Nigeria is Alao’s (2017). The church, the author argues, has been instrumental in calming parts of the world where ethnic and religious conflicts have flared.

Adeyeye and Oyedele’s (2019) research highlights the role of the church in encouraging transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics. The authors contend that the church has been an outspoken supporter of government openness and accountability, and has helped spread democratic ideals and institutions. As a conclusion, it can be said that the church in Nigeria has made a substantial contribution to nation building through its advocacy of social justice, peace and reconciliation, and good governance. These efforts have been extensively acknowledged in the scholarly community and have contributed to Nigeria’s growth as a country.

Throughout history, the church as an institution has significantly influenced the political, social, and cultural climate of many different countries (Anderson, 2004). The purpose of this literature study is to present a broad perspective on the role of religion in nation-building, with a particular emphasis on the church’s impact on government, social harmony, and cultural advancement. The church’s impact on governments is one of the most important ways it has helped construct nations. The church has historically served as a trusted advisor to government officials, offering a moral compass and a foundation for ethical leadership rooted in religious values (Philpott, 2007). The Catholic Church, for instance, was essential in the formation of political institutions in medieval Europe, with the Pope frequently serving as a mediator between warring groups and fostering a feeling of unity among the numerous kingdoms (Barraclough, 1984).

A similar role was played by the Catholic Church in Latin America’s battle for independence from colonial rule and the development of national identities and political systems (Gill, 1998). The church has also been instrumental in bringing people together and strengthening national pride. The church has served as a unifying factor on several occasions, uniting individuals of different backgrounds and views (Putnam, 2000).

In the United States, for instance, different Protestant faiths have traditionally helped to forge a shared national identity and promote social harmony (Wald & Calhoun-Brown, 2014). Especially in post-colonial governments, the spread of Christianity in Africa has been related to the formation of national identities and the strengthening of social cohesiveness (Gifford, 1998). Many of the world’s greatest works of art, literature, and music include religious themes (Davies, 1996).

The church has also been an influential influence in the development of culture and the arts. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael were all commissioned by the Catholic Church to create masterpieces throughout the Renaissance (Burke, 1999). Authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, who frequently wrote on religious subjects, demonstrate the church’s impact on the formation of American culture (Reynolds, 1988). While the church’s participation in politics and society has often led to favorable results, there have been cases where it has backfired. The church has been blamed for maintaining socioeconomic inequality and authoritarian regimes in some instances (Freston, 2001).

The Catholic Church, for instance, has been under fire in Latin America for its backing of authoritarian governments in the twentieth century and its participation in the colonization and exploitation of indigenous peoples (Levine, 1992). When churches in Africa get involved in politics, they risk being labeled as political parties and fueling already-existing ethnic conflicts (Gifford, 1998).

The Church’s effect on nation-building is complicated, involving both good and negative factors. A number of countries’ governmental structures, social cohesiveness, and cultural advancements may be traced back to the church’s influence. There have been instances of injustice and inequity because of the church’s participation in politics and society. Scholars and academics will likely continue to focus on the role of the church in nation-building as nations progress and change.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The role of the Church in nation-building is controversial because of its complexity and diverse nature. The subject of how the Church affects a country’s growth and development is fundamentally one that involves many different aspects of society and culture as well as the political system.

By helping to form a society’s moral and ethical norms, the Church may have a significant effect on nation-building. Compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity all get significant emphasis in many religious traditions and may serve as vital guiding principles for people and communities as they try to improve their lives and the lives of their neighbors.

When it comes to helping those in need, the Church may be an invaluable resource, and not just because of the moral and ethical example it sets. Everything from operating schools and hospitals to feeding the hungry and housing the destitute falls under this category. The Church may aid in the development of stronger, more resilient societies by focusing on the day-to-day needs of individuals and communities.

It’s true that the Church doesn’t always have a constructive effect on nation-building. Intolerance, bigotry, and even violence have been attributed in certain situations to religious organisations. Furthermore, the Church’s sway might be perceived as a threat to secular institutions and principles, leading to societal tensions and disputes.

As a whole, the Church’s influence on nation-building is a complicated and diverse topic that merits further examination. Religious institutions have played and will continue to play a significant part in defining the social, cultural, and political landscape of nations across the world, with both positive and bad effects.. Therefore, the problem confronting the study is to appraise the role of the church in nation building. A case study of CAN Lagos state.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The Main Objective of the study is to appraise the role of Church in National building. A case study of CAN Lagos state.The specific objectives include:

To find out how effective CAN is in Nation Building.
To investigate the roles of CAN in Nation building.

To identify the factors militating against the effectiveness of CAN in Nation Building.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

How effective is Church in Nation Building?
What are the roles of Church in Nation building?

What are the factors militating against the effectiveness of Church in Nation Building?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

Ho: The roleof Church of Nigeria in National building is not effective.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Understanding the Church’s role in shaping nations is crucial for many reasons. Throughout history, the Church has been a major influence on the political, cultural, and social development of many countries. Understanding the role of religion and faith in shaping communities and nations may be improved by looking at how the Church has contributed to nation building. Understanding the Church’s efforts to advance social justice, human rights, and other ideals crucial to constructing healthy and resilient communities is another potential outcome of this research. Research like this has the potential to improve our understanding of the interplay between faith and culture, paving the way for more nuanced approaches to fostering positive social change.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the appraisal of the role of Church in National building. A case study of CAN Lagos state.

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

REFERENCES

Alao, A. O. (2017). The role of the church in promoting peace and reconciliation in Nigeria. Journal of Religion and Society, 19, 1-14.

Adeyeye, O. O., & Oyedele, O. O. (2019). The church and good governance in Nigeria. Journal of Church and State, 61(1), 1-20.

Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life (2008)Pentecostalism in Nigeria”. PewForum.org. Archived from the original on. Retrieved 13 September 2007.

Oyedele, O. J., & Adeyeye, O. A. (2018). The role of the church in nation-building: A case study of Nigeria. Journal of Religion and Society, 20(1), 45-62.

Minchakpu, Obed (2000). “Nigerian Churches will Challenge Islamic Law”. Compass. Compass Direct News Service. Archived from the original on 11 September 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.

Ekklesia(2006)Christians kill Muslims following warning by Nigerian Archbishop”. Ekklesia.co.uk. Retrieved 13 September 2007.

Anderson, B. (2004). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. London: Verso.

Barraclough, G. (1984). The medieval papacy. London: Thames and Hudson.

Burke, P. (1999). The Italian Renaissance: Culture and society in Italy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Davies, N. (1996). Europe: A history. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Freston, P. (2001). Evangelicals and politics in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

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