CHRISTIAN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS: A MORAL CONCERN IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA


CHRISTIAN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS: A MORAL CONCERN IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA  

ABSTRACT: 

The study examines Christian participation in politics: amoral concern in contemporary Nigeria, the study has the following objectives, To examine the level of Christian participation in politics considering the moral concerns in contemporary Nigeria, To examine the factors limiting Christian participation in politics in Nigeria, To determine the prospects of Christians active participation in politics in Nigeria.

Concerning methodology for this study, data was obtained from primary source that is questionnaire. The data to be obtained out there in the field shall be presented in a tabular form and analyzed through the use of a simple percentage table to enhance quick and easy understanding of the respondents’ responses or opinion the topic being researched on. The statistical took employed to test the hypotheses of the study is the regression and chi-squared. The sample size of this study consists of thirty-two (32) respondents. This research work adopted the convenience sampling technique in selecting the respondents from the total population. A total sample size of two hundred and forty (200) respondents was selected from the research population using the convenient sampling method.

The study has the following findings; to examine the level of Christian participation in politics considering the moral concerns in contemporary Nigeria. To examine the factors limiting Christian participation in politics in Nigeria and to determine the prospects of Christians active participation in politics in Nigeria.

This research will educate the general public on the level of participation of Christians in Nigerian politics and will also enlighten on how the teachings of Christianity can be used as a tool for national development through eradication of corruption and other social vices.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        i

Approval Page   -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        ii

Declaration        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        iii

Dedication          -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        iv

Acknowledgement      -        -        -        -        -        -        -        v

Abstract    -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        vi

Table of Contents       -        -        -        -        -        -        -        vii

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background of the Study    -        -        -        -        -       

1.2    Statement of General Problem   -        -        -        -       

1.3    Objective of the Study         -        -        -        -        -        -       

1.4    Research Questions   -        -        -        -        -        -       

1.5    Hypothesis   -      -      -      -      -      -      -        -        -       

1.6    Significance of the Study    -        -        -        -        -       

1.7    Scope of the Study      -        -        -        -        -        -       

1.8    Definition of Terms    -        -        -        -        -        -       

CHAPTER TWO – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction          -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -

2.2       CONCEPTUAL ISSUES   -        -        -        -        -       

2.2.3POLITICS IN THE CIRCULAR    -        -        -        -       

2.2.4 THE VARIETIES OF POLITICAL EXPERIENCE         -                 

2.5 POLITICS IN RELIGION       -        -        -        -        -

2.5.1 The Role of Religion Today      -        -        -        -

2.6 POLITICS AND RELIGION BE KEPT SEPARATE          -        -        ­

2.6 BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF POLITICS       -        -        -

2.6.1 Purpose of Government            -        -        -        -        -

2.6.2 Origin of Politics               -        -        -        -        -         -

2.6.3 Christians Duties to the Politics      -        -        -        -       

2.6.3 Submit and Obey the Authorities             -        -        -        -       

2.6.4 Times of Disobedience                     -        -        -        -        -

2.6.5 Dual Citizenship                      -        -        -        -        -         -

2.6.6 How Should Christians, Vote           -        -        -        -        -

2.7 CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS        -        -        -        -        -

2.7.1 Political Involvements             -        -        -        -        -

2.7.2 How Christians Should be Involved         -        -        -        -       

2.7.3 Why should a Christian be involved in politics        -        -       

2.7.3 Spiritual Obligation to God    -        -        -        -        -

2.7.4 Social Obligation to Others     -        -        -        -        -

2.7.4 Moral Obligation to Truth      -        -        -        -        -

2.7.5 Eternal Obligation to Righteousness       -        -        -        -       

2.8 SUMMARY OF CHAPTER                    -        -        -        -        -

BIBLIOGRAPHY                                -        -        -        -        -         -

DICTIONARIES                                 -        -        -        -        -        -

JOURNALS AND PAPERS                -        -        -        -        -

REFERENCES                                          -        -        -        -        -

CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1    Introduction       -        -        -        -        -        -        -        32

3.2    Research Design         -        -        -        -        -        -        32

3.3    Area of the Study       -        -        -        -        -        -        32

3.4    Population of Study   -        -        -        -        -        -        33

3.5    Sample size and Sampling Techniques        -        -        -        33

3.6    Instrument for Data Collection   -        -        -        -        33

3.7    Validity of the Instrument -        -        -        -        -        33

3.8    Reliability of the Instrument       -        -        -        -        34

3.9    Method of Data Collection  -        -        -        -        -        34

3.10  Method of Data Analysis    -        -        -        -        -        34

CHAPTER FOUR – DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.0    Introduction       -        -        -        -        -        -        -        36

4.1    Data Presentation and Analysis -        -        -        -        36

4.2    Characteristics of the Respondents     -        -        -        36

4.3    Data Analysis    -        -        -        -        -        -        -        39

4.4    Testing Hypothesis    -        -        -        -        -        -        46

4.5    Summary of Findings          -        -        -        -        -        -        51

4.6    Discussion of Findings        -        -        -        -        -        52

CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0    Introduction       -        -        -        -        -        -        -        54

5.1    Summary  -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        54

5.2    Conclusion         -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        57

5.3    Recommendations      -        -        -        -        -        -        58

          References -       -        -        -        -        -        -        -        61

Appendix  -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        62

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY:

Nigerian Christianity dates back to the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the early nineteenth century, which was followed by the emergence of a literate African elite, consisting of liberated and returned slaves as well as local converts. The need for political stability in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, all segments of the Nigerian society are interested in the political future of the nation. However, this interest is approached from various dimensions. A major interest in the Nigerian polity is the Christian participation in politics, moral concern in contemporary Nigeria.

Politics is about the acquisition of power and the use of such power. The Oxford Dictionary of Words defines politics as “matters concerned with acquiring or exercising power, within a group or an organization”. Onyekpe (1998) defines the term politics as the struggle for power which itself is the authority to determine or formulate and execute decisions and policies, which must be accepted by the society. It is the struggle for power of governance, especially executive authority (Onyekpe 1998).

Onyekpe however gives a caveat to the first part of his definition. According to him, the struggle for or the acquisition of power and the reaction of the society to it, depend greatly on the level of political development of the country. In an undemocratic society, it does not really matter whether the decisions and policies are accepted by the society. Thus the value of political power or politics leaves little or no room for the people to have input, except where democracy has already been entrenched.

Abogunrin (1984) in his paper titled “Towards a Unifying Political Ideology and Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria: A Christian View”4, opines that Christianity and politics are two inseparable institutions in the human social psyche and structure. He equally asserts that earthly governments are mere agents of God’s theocratic governance of the physical and the spiritual world (Abogunrin, 1984). He, however, points out that the ideals of Christianity is a good guide to better political conducts, but the practices of such ideals are usually influenced by the socio-cultural institutions in the society, including politics.

Christians have always present argument based on the statement of Jesus Christ that “Give unto Caesar what is Caesar and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matt. 22:17-22). This phrase has often been used to exclude from participation Christians and clergymen, who want to venture into politics. Matthew Hassan Kukah however, disagrees with this school of thought, with an exegesis on this passage. He writes that what Jesus really meant was not that Christianity and politics do not mix, nor did He mean that Christians should not participate in politics, the coin was representation of the power of Caesar and that was why the coin had Caesar’s sign. In the case of God, His authority is over and above the realm of Caesar’s empire. In that sense both Caesar and his coin are under the aegis of God and the issue of separation or Christians should not participate in politics is an aberration (Kukah 1998). It should be noted that the argument of these opposing schools are hinged on their belief, perhaps based on experience, that politics often corrupt Christian religion. Also that political leaders use Christianity as a platform to deceive the people.

According to Leicester Webb, these societies are united by certain political values, closely associated with Christian doctrines and ethics as it relates to justice, morality, freedom, equity, etc (Alfold 1981). However, B. Alford suggests that there is a possibility of effective and successful governance if Christians are actively participating in politics. Christians in Nigeria would rather not get involved in politics but the fact remains that Jesus Christ did not discourage political participation for the faithfuls. In Judaism, which provided background to Christianity, the God of Israel, Yahweh is the God of war (Josh. 6:20ff), economy (Ex. 16) and God of obedience and moral virtues (Num. 21:4-8). Yahweh is all in all in Judaic traditional thought and politics. Even though, politics in Nigeria has been marred with corruption, violence and even murder, these are against the Christian ethics and believe. This morality issue has been limiting the participation Nigerian Christians in politics.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The uncertainty about the future of Nigeria is unfortunately tied to poor democratic culture, which is an important ingredient of political life of every nation. Nigeria has been tagged, a failure in all fronts (political, economic, social and moral). Despite an abundance of economic resources, attempts to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development have not become a reality in Nigeria. Lack of political will, corruption, a deficiency of proper coordination for sustainable development programs, and wasteful patterns of production and consumption have hindered any meaningful progress in Nigeria. The non-participation of Christians in politics, monetization of politics and predentialism (popularly known as God-fatherism and God-son syndrome), violent behaviors of politicians such as political thuggery, political motivated assassinations, molestation of innocent citizens, seizure of ballot boxes, and wanton destruction of properties (ARSON), intimidation of political opponents, political sycophancy, looting, prevalence of cult’s activities and incitement of religious crisis in the name of politics, are negative behaviors exhibited by the political thugs in the name of politics in Nigeria. These aforementioned anti-social behaviors portrays the politicians as having no more fear of God, nor respect on their father’s land and human life, because money has been introduced into politics in Nigeria. This however, has made it necessary for the researcher to examine the Christian participation in politics considering the moral concerns in contemporary Nigeria.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

The following are the objectives of this study:

To examine the level of Christian participation in politics considering the moral concerns in contemporary Nigeria. To examine the factors limiting Christian participation in politics in Nigeria. To determine the prospects of Christians active participation in politics in Nigeria.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What is the level of Christian participation in politics considering the moral concerns in contemporary Nigeria? What are the factors limiting Christian participation in politics in Nigeria? What are the prospects of Christian’s active participation in politics in Nigeria?

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

The following are the significance of this study:

Finding from this study will educate the general public on the level of participation of Christians in Nigerian politics and will also enlighten on how the teachings of Christianity can be used as a tool for national development through eradication of corruption and other social vices. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7   SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY:

This study on Christian participation in politics, moral concern in contemporary Nigeria will cover the practice of Christianity as a religion in Nigeria and its influence on the politics. It will cover the participation of Christians in politics considering the moral concerns.

LIMITATION OF STUDY:

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

REFERENCES

Abogunrin, S.O, “Towards a Unifying Political Ideology and Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria: A Christian View”, in Onaiyekan, J.O (ed), Religion, Peace and Unity in Nigeria (Ibadan, NACS, 1984).

Alfold, B., “Religion and Politics” in Roland Roberts (ed) Sociology of Religion (Canada: Penguin, 1981).

Holy Bible

Matthew Kukah, “Religion and Civil Society”, in Dukor, Philosophy and Politics: Discourse on Values and Power in Africa (Lagos: Obaroh and Ogbiriaka Publishers, 1998), p. 16.

Nkem Onyekpe, J.G (Ed), “Politics and Political Power in Nigeria: Nature, Dynamics and Determinants”, in M. Dukor, Philosophy and Politics: Discourse on Values and Power in Africa (Lagos: Obaroh and Ogbiriaka Publishers, 1998).

.

CHRISTIAN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS: A MORAL CONCERN IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA



TYPE IN YOUR TOPIC AND CLICK SEARCH.






RESEARCHWAP.NET

Researchwap.net is an online repository for free project topics and research materials, articles and custom writing of research works. We’re an online resource centre that provides a vast database for students to access numerous research project topics and materials. Researchwap.net guides and assist Postgraduate, Undergraduate and Final Year Students with well researched and quality project topics, topic ideas, research guides and project materials. We’re reliable and trustworthy, and we really understand what is called “time factor”, that is why we’ve simplified the process so that students can get their research projects ready on time. Our platform provides more educational services, such as hiring a writer, research analysis, and software for computer science research and we also seriously adhere to a timely delivery.

TESTIMONIES FROM OUR CLIENTS


Please feel free to carefully review some written and captured responses from our satisfied clients.

  • "Exceptionally outstanding. Highly recommend for all who wish to have effective and excellent project defence. Easily Accessable, Affordable, Effective and effective."

    Debby Henry George, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA.
  • "I saw this website on facebook page and I did not even bother since I was in a hurry to complete my project. But I am totally amazed that when I visited the website and saw the topic I was looking for and I decided to give a try and now I have received it within an hour after ordering the material. Am grateful guys!"

    Hilary Yusuf, United States International University Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • "Researchwap.net is a website I recommend to all student and researchers within and outside the country. The web owners are doing great job and I appreciate them for that. Once again, thank you very much "researchwap.net" and God bless you and your business! ."

    Debby Henry George, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA.
  • "Great User Experience, Nice flows and Superb functionalities.The app is indeed a great tech innovation for greasing the wheels of final year, research and other pedagogical related project works. A trial would definitely convince you."

    Lamilare Valentine, Kwame Nkrumah University, Kumasi, Ghana.
  • "I love what you guys are doing, your material guided me well through my research. Thank you for helping me achieve academic success."

    Sampson, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
  • "researchwap.com is God-sent! I got good grades in my seminar and project with the help of your service, thank you soooooo much."

    Cynthia, Akwa Ibom State University .
  • "Sorry, it was in my spam folder all along, I should have looked it up properly first. Please keep up the good work, your team is quite commited. Am grateful...I will certainly refer my friends too."

    Elizabeth, Obafemi Awolowo University
  • "Am happy the defense went well, thanks to your articles. I may not be able to express how grateful I am for all your assistance, but on my honour, I owe you guys a good number of referrals. Thank you once again."

    Ali Olanrewaju, Lagos State University.
  • "My Dear Researchwap, initially I never believed one can actually do honest business transactions with Nigerians online until i stumbled into your website. You have broken a new legacy of record as far as am concerned. Keep up the good work!"

    Willie Ekereobong, University of Port Harcourt.
  • "WOW, SO IT'S TRUE??!! I can't believe I got this quality work for just 3k...I thought it was scam ooo. I wouldn't mind if it goes for over 5k, its worth it. Thank you!"

    Theressa, Igbinedion University.
  • "I did not see my project topic on your website so I decided to call your customer care number, the attention I got was epic! I got help from the beginning to the end of my project in just 3 days, they even taught me how to defend my project and I got a 'B' at the end. Thank you so much researchwap.com, infact, I owe my graduating well today to you guys...."

    Joseph, Abia state Polytechnic.
  • "My friend told me about ResearchWap website, I doubted her until I saw her receive her full project in less than 15 miniutes, I tried mine too and got it same, right now, am telling everyone in my school about researchwap.com, no one has to suffer any more writing their project. Thank you for making life easy for me and my fellow students... Keep up the good work"

    Christiana, Landmark University .
  • "I wish I knew you guys when I wrote my first degree project, it took so much time and effort then. Now, with just a click of a button, I got my complete project in less than 15 minutes. You guys are too amazing!."

    Musa, Federal University of Technology Minna
  • "I was scared at first when I saw your website but I decided to risk my last 3k and surprisingly I got my complete project in my email box instantly. This is so nice!!!."

    Ali Obafemi, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Niger State.
  • To contribute to our success story, send us a feedback or please kindly call 2348037664978.
    Then your comment and contact will be published here also with your consent.

    Thank you for choosing researchwap.com.