THE BIBLICAL EXAMINATION OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCHES(A CASE STUDY OF MINNA DISTRICT)


THE BIBLICAL EXAMINATION OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCHES(A CASE STUDY OF MINNA DISTRICT)  

ABSTRACT:

The main aim of the research is to determine if the difference in belief is the major cause of church division, the study made use of primary data from the information obtained from the distribution of research questionnaire. The study made use of a total population of 100. The sample of 40 was considered for the study, the data hypothesis was analyzed using the chi-square method. The study concluded that the difference in belief is the major cause of church division. Proper recommendations were made to assist the Pentecostal churches, the catholic churches and its member on the factors responsible for the divisions in the churches.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content                                            Page

Title page    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    i

Approval    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    ii

Dedication    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    iii

Acknowledgement    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    iv

Abstract    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    v

CHAPTER ONE

    1.1    Background of study

    1.2    Statement of problems

    1.3    Objectives of Research

    1.4    Scope and limitations

    1.5    Research questions

    1.6    Significance of study

1.7    Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Introduction

2.1.1 Establishment, Growth and Development of Churches

2.1.2 Theological teachings of Churches on Church unity

2.1.3 Factors that Cause Divisions in Churches

2.1.4 Effects of divisions on Churches

2.2 Conceptual framework

CHAPTER THREE

3.0    Introduction

3.1    research design

3.2    population of study

3.3    sample size/sample technique

3.4    research instrument: 

3.5    validity and reliability of instrument

3.6    sources of data collection

3.7    method/techniques of data analysis

3.8    limitations of the methodology

CHAPTER FOUR

    Data Presentation and Analysis

    4.1    Introduction

    4.2    Data Analysis

4.3    Test of Hypothesis

CHAPTER FIVE

    5.1    Findings

    5.2    Conclusion

    5.3    Recommendation

    5.5    References

5.6    Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background of the study

The will of God for us is that we are united, that is why Jesus prayed in John 17 that his disciples would have unity. He prayed in verses 20-23, “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those alsowho believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father,are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believethat You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, thatthey may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may beperfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them,even as You have loved Me”.

This prayer he madedid not just focus on the eleven remaining disciples but alsoto those who would reach discipleship through their ministry(Britney; 1994). The Bible lets us know that Christ Jesus is crediting his disciples with the numbers that will beproduced. Theprimary concern Jesus expresses at this time of his impending death is the issue ofunity among the disciples as their unity will most definitely be a vital prerequisite fortheir subsequent mission (Jessica; 2004:497).Disunity and division are threatsfound among the members of the Body especially as the Church increases and grows in numbers. As Christ is definitely supplicating theFather with references to God and himself, it is clear the unity herein described ismore transcendent than that of “simply human fellowship or the harmonious interaction of Christians” (Ebere; 1970). The external expression of this unity is to be the evangel of the Church to the world, which attests to the sending of Christ by the Father.

In 1 Corinthians 1:10 he exhorts, “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment”, here Paul states this directive and takes a hard stand against division and factions in the Church Body, in light of both personal division and in light of doctrine. Unfortunately, Paul himself falls victim to one of these chasms of opinion in his relationship with Barnabas. Paul’s terminology to address doctrinal differences (1 Corinthians 11:19 and Galatians 5:20) is haireseis, denoting a difference of sound doctrine, even to the point of being an unjustified group (Accordance 2010). Just prior to the prayer in John 17 Jesus had established the institution of the Lord’s Supper in light of the Passover celebration, an institution given in great part to exhibit and foster unity with the Godhead, and unity as members of the Body of Christ. Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 10:16, that the pinnacle of this desired oneness of communion, or church is displayed materially in the act of the Lord’s Supper, as it is a “sharing” in the blood and the Body of Christ. Mounce holds that the term church conveys the idea of fellowship, communion, participation and sharing (Mounce 2006:127, 247). Paul subsequently uses the term only in a religious sense rather than a secular one to denote something greater than a society, to denote a fellowship of a higher level; he as well uses this term to express a “religious fellowship (participation) of the believer in Christ and Christian blessings for the mutual fellowship of believers” (Hauck 1983:804). 1 John 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 affirm that church is also held with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in addition to the communion of the saints, it is the Holy Spirit alone however, who brings believers into this fellowship (Prime 2008:105). This evidence of church is an external, physical expression of the spiritual fellowship that is enjoyed by the Body being knit together with the Godhead (Hunsinger 2009:347). Thus, church is the internal religious fellowship or participation of sharing in the benefits of a relationship with Christ, yet manifesting itself at times in a physical expression through the Body of Christ. Schmitz cites homothumadon as being infused with ”togetherness”, such as is evidenced in the visible, inner unity of a group faced by a common duty or danger; it is a unity, or unanimity, not embracing a personal agenda, “but on a cause greater than the individual” (Schmitz 1986:908-909). Hence, descriptive of the early Church, it is used in Acts all but one other time in the New Testament, in an effort to accentuate the internal unity of the group.

1.2    Statement of the problem

The Church of Jesus is increasing in division instead of unity. This disunity mostly comes in form of cell division. Churches are splitting, division in church seminars are increasing as reconciliation consultants are succeeding, while division abounds (Raymond; 1996), and denominations continue to growin number due to social division as the causal mechanism.Theoretically, orthodoxy would confess that unity is possiblethrough the giving of Christ’s glory. The Church as a whole is rightly able to proclaim theologicaltruths, but is also expected to evidence them to the world through its witness, asdeclared unity is not merely positional (Carson 1980:201).Christianity todaysuggests a proactive separation may be in order as only a sentimental unity remainsamong major denominations (Christianity Today 2004:23). Bloomberg asserts that indeed this unity is difficult to acknowledge in light of the many splintering factions (Bloomberg 2008:224). As a result, the observed lack of unity in the Body of Christ isa devastating witness to the world.

1.3    Objectives of the study

The chief objective of this study is to examine the factors responsible for divisions in the churches.

⦁    To know the biblical and theological justification which support divisions of fellowship within the Body of Christ.

⦁    To know what tolerances of division are biblically justifiable, or permitted in the scope of Scripture and

⦁    To know whether the Church is actually in alignment with Scripture, and how that should affect the behavior of Christians today in their role of glorifying God.

1.4    Research questions

⦁    What kind ofbiblical and theological justification exists to support divisions of fellowship within theBody of Christ?

⦁    What tolerancesofdivision are biblically justifiable, or permitted in the scope of Scripture?

⦁    What needs to be defined is whether the Church is actually inalignment with Scripture, and how that should affect the behavior of Christians todayin their role of glorifying God.

1.5    Research hypotheses

Ho: difference in belief is not the major cause of church division

Hi: difference in belief is the major cause of church division

Ho: the inability of churches to align with scripture does not impact negatively on the behavior of Christian

Hi: the inability of churches to align with scripture impact negatively on the behavior of Christian

1.6    Significance of the study

This study will contribute to the body of knowledge of Christian’s obedience in lightof Scripture in that it seeks to identify and then justify that paradigm of acceptableschisms or, permissible divisions. It then seeks to answer the question, “To whatdegree are Christians in accordance with Scripture in tolerating separations in theBody of Christ?”

The researcher aimed at identifying the implicationsof clearer understanding so that believers who are participating in any acts ofdivision may understand the error or validity of their actions. Division in churchesmustbe clearly defined if it is permitted in the scripture. This research has components that benefit on many levels: personal,professional, academic and practical.

1.7    Scope/Limitations of the study

This study centers onthe biblical examination of factors responsible for divisions in the churcheswith a view of finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Limitations of study

1.    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).

2.    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.

1.8    Definition of terms

Division:disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension or hostility

Churches:a building used for public Christian worship.

Christian:a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Unity:the state of being united or joined as a whole.

Disunity:disagreement and division within a group.

REFERENCES

Douglas JD (ed.) 1978. The New International Dictionary of the Christian

    Church(rev. ed.). Grand Rapids: Regency Reference Library.

Douglas M 1999. Leviticus as Literature.Oxford: Oxford University

Press.Driver SR 1904.The Book of Genesis. London: Methuen &Company.Dunn JDG 1977. Unity and Diversity in the New Testament: An Inquiry into theCharacter of Earliest Christianity. Philadelphia: Westminster Press.

Eckstein Y 1984. What Christians should Know About Jews and Judaism.

Waco:WordBooks.Edwards J 2000. The Works of Jonathon Edwards.2 Vols.Great Britain, 1834.Reprint, Peabody, MA: Hendrikson

Erickson MJ 2001. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology.“Separation”.

    SecondEdition.

Ed. Walter A. Elwell. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.

Erickson M 2003. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Books.

Errico RA 19911991. The Message of Matthew: An Annotated Parallel Aramaic-

English Gospel of Mathew.Annotated and translated from the Peshitta-Aramaic

text. Irvine, CA: Noohra Foundation.

Evangelical Convictions: A Theological Exposition of the Statement of Faith of theEvangelical Free Church of America. 2011. Minneapolis: Free ChurchPublications.

Fausset AR 1945. A Commentary: Critical, Experimental and Practical on the

    Oldand New Testaments.Vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Fee G 1987. I Corinthians.New International Commentary on the New

    Testament.Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Fenton, Jr. H 1987. When Christians Clash: How to Prevent & Resolve the Pain

    ofDivision. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press.

Foerster W. 1988.Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel G,

    ed.;Bromily    GW, tr., vol vii). Grand Rapids: Eardmans Publishing.

Forrester EJ 1986. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.“Church

Government”.

Vol 1.(rev. ed., 4 vols).Bromily GW (gen. ed.). The Grand pids:Eerdmans.

France RT 2007.The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The

Gospel of Matthew.Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Gage K and J 1984.Restoring Fellowship: Judgment and Church Discipline.

Chicago: Moody.

Gangel KO 2002.Holman Old Testament Commentary: Joshua. Ed. Anders

    Max.Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

Garland DE 1999. 2 Corinthians.The New American Commentary. Nashville:

Broadman& Holman.

Getz GA 1995. Joshua: Living as a Consistent Role Model. Nashville: Broadman

&Holman Publishers.

Gill J 1960. Dr. John’s Commentary. Atlanta: Turner Lassetter.

Howard k and Rosenthal M 1997.The Feast of the Lord.Nashville: Thomas

Nelson,Inc.

Hubmaier B 1989. BalthasarHubmaier: Theologian of Anabaptism. Classics o

ftheRadical Reformation, no. 5. Translated and edited by H. Wayne Pipkin and JohnH. Yoder. Scottsdale: Herald.

Hunsinger D (2009). Practicing Koinōnia.Theology Today, 66(3), 346-367.

Isaacs ME 1992. Sacred Space: an approach to the theology of the Epistle to theHebrews. Continuum International Publishing Group.

Jamieson R 1945. A Commentary: Critical, Experimental and Practical on the

Oldand New Testaments.Vol. 1. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Jeremias J 1966. The Eucharistic Words of Jesus. Translated by Norman

Perrin.New York: Scribner & Sons.

Jeremias 1983.Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel G, ed.;

BromilyGW, tr., vol iii). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing.

.

THE BIBLICAL EXAMINATION OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCHES(A CASE STUDY OF MINNA DISTRICT)



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.