DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS

In today’s digital age, social media has become one of the most influential forces shaping the thoughts, behaviors, and identities of young people. This study, titled “The Impact of Social Media on Christian Youth in Benin City: A Case Study of Deeper Life Bible Church,” looks at how social media use affects the faith, moral values, and religious identity of Christian youths. The main goal of this research is to examine both the positive and negative effects of social media on the spiritual lives of young believers. Its objectives include identifying the patterns of social media engagement among Deeper Life youths, examining how social platforms influence their faith and moral discipline, and exploring the church's role in guiding responsible digital behavior. Data for this research were collected through a structured questionnaire given to young members of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Benin City. The study used a descriptive research design to analyze the responses with simple percentages and tables for clarity. This method made it easier to understand the social media habits, challenges, and views of Christian youths within a real- world religious context. The analysis offered valuable insights into how these young people manage their faith amid the rapidly changing media landscape, balancing spiritual beliefs with online exposure. The findings show that while social media serves as a powerful tool for evangelism, communication, and spiritual education, it also brings challenges like moral distraction, exposure to unchristian content, and a decreasing interest in personal devotion. Many respondents recognized social media's dual role as both a blessing and a test of faith. The study recommends that the Deeper Life Bible Church should strengthen digital mentorship programs, promote responsible social media usage, and utilize online platforms more effectively for evangelism and faith-building. Lastly, the research concludes that when guided by strong moral and spiritual principles, social media can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier between Christian youths and their divine purpose.

In the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to himself those he desired, and they came to him. The aim of this study was to evaluate the missionary enterprise of the Nigerian Evangelical Mission Association (NEMA) in Ibadan in light of Henry Venn’s threefold principles of mission. Some churches and mission organisations in Ibadan who are members of NEMA were assessed with the prism of Henry Venn's principles of self-supporting, self propagating and self governing. The methodology adopted for this study was historical and Phenomenological. The level of compliance and achievement of churches and missionary bodies which were registered with NEMA in realising these mission fundamentals informed the application of questionnaires and interview which were thoroughly analysed to secure accurate result. The findings revealed that through collaboration and networking which were the core principles of NEMA, some member churches and agencies had been better placed to carry out the Lord's command. It further revealed that though NEMA was the umbrella body for missions in Nigeria, many churches were yet to identify with it. Lastly, based on the principles of Henry Venn, churches/mission organisations find it difficult to raise adequate fund amongst nationals, though it was easier for indigens to propagate indigenous work. Therefore, there is the need for collaboration and corporation. Time, finance and the reluctance of participants to divulged necessary information posed some challenge. However, painstaking effort was made to secure the needed information. Efforts should be made towards creating awareness on the goals and modus operandi of NEMA and getting churches to key into her vision to be able to meet up with the goals of mission.

The research offers a comparative analysis of the concept of sacrifice in Christianity and African Traditional Religion (ATR), examining their theological foundations, ritual expressions, and moral implications. The study investigates how both religious systems conceptualize sacrifice as a medium of communication between the divine and humanity, while also identifying the points of convergence and divergence in their practices and beliefs. Using a descriptive and analytical method supported by secondary sources such as theological texts, scholarly journals, and Research Gate materials, the research reveals that both Christianity and ATR view sacrifices as a vital expression of faith, gratitude, and reconciliation. The study concludes that while both traditions differ in their theological orientation - Christianity being redemptive and eschatological, and African Religion being restorative and cyclical - they share a common vision of sacrifice as a means of achieving peace, moral renewal, and divine communion. The research recommends promoting Interreligious dialogue, contextual theology, and ethical reinterpretations of sacrifice that emphasizes compassion, justice, and ecological responsibility in modern society

The research offers a comparative analysis of the concept of sacrifice in Christianity and African Traditional Religion (ATR), examining their theological foundations, ritual expressions, and moral implications. The study investigates how both religious systems conceptualize sacrifice as a medium of communication between the divine and humanity, while also identifying the points of convergence and divergence in their practices and beliefs. Using a descriptive and analytical method supported by secondary sources such as theological texts, scholarly journals, and Research Gate materials, the research reveals that both Christianity and ATR view sacrifices as a vital expression of faith, gratitude, and reconciliation. The study concludes that while both traditions differ in their theological orientation - Christianity being redemptive and eschatological, and African Religion being restorative and cyclical - they share a common vision of sacrifice as a means of achieving peace, moral renewal, and divine communion. The research recommends promoting Interreligious dialogue, contextual theology, and ethical reinterpretations of sacrifice that emphasizes compassion, justice, and ecological responsibility in modern society

This project examined the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping religious programmes in Living Faith Church Worldwide and the ethical concerns connected with its use in church activities. The study aimed to examine how AI is being used in religious programs in Winners’ Chapel, its effects on church activities, and the ethical issues associated with its application. The thesis adopted a qualitative research method. Data were collected through document analysis, observation of modern technological practices, and the use of published interviews and academic materials related to AI in religion. Relevant books, journal articles, church publications, online materials, and previous studies were also reviewed to provide a broad understanding of the subject. Thematic analysis was used to examine the information collected and to identify important patterns and themes related to AI in church programs. Findings from the research revealed that AI is gradually becoming part of modern religious practice in Winners’ Chapel through television evangelism, radio broadcasting, online streaming, mobile applications, social media communication, and administrative management. The researcher found that AI improves communication, sermon preparation, translation, media production, teaching, and church administration. It also showed that AI can support children’s ministry, adult Bible studies, and global outreach programs such as Shiloh. However, the thesis further revealed major ethical concerns, including privacy and data protection, algorithmic bias, overdependence on technology, reduction of human interaction, questions about spiritual authenticity, and the possibility of replacing important human roles in ministry.

Suicide remains a significant global public health concern, accounting for nearly 800,000 deaths annually and affecting millions more through suicide attempts. The phenomenon is influenced by a complex interplay of psychological, socio-economic, cultural, and religious factors. In Nigeria, perceptions of suicide are deeply shaped by cultural traditions and religious beliefs, particularly among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. This study examines the Igbo perception of suicide, exploring how traditional beliefs, communal values, and the influence of Christianity shape attitudes toward suicidal behavior. Drawing on existing literature, the study highlights the traditional Igbo view of suicide as an abomination that disrupts the relationship between the living, the ancestors, and the spiritual world. Such beliefs contribute to strong social stigma, affecting both the deceased and their families. The paper further discusses the implications of these perceptions for suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and support-seeking behaviors within Igbo communities. Understanding these cultural perspectives is essential for developing culturally sensitive approaches to suicide prevention and mental health interventions in Nigeria.

This study explores the cultural significance of the Kabowei Seigbein Festival and its relevance to the Kabo ethnic group of Patani Local Government Area, Delta State. The research aims to examine how the festival shapes the identity of the Kabo indigenes, fosters community cohesion, and promotes cultural preservation amidst modern influences. Specifically, the study investigates the historical origins and evolution of the festival, examines its impact on social integration and community development, analyzes the cultural practices and traditions showcased during its celebration, and assesses its relevance to younger generations and its potential for sustaining indigenous heritage. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study, combining both primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews with community leaders, festival custodians, and participants, as well as through direct participant observations by the researcher, who possesses an insider’s perspective of the event from personal experience. Additional data were obtained through online communications with key informants to verify observed practices. Secondary data sources, including relevant literature, festival documents, photographs, and videos, were analyzed to provide contextual depth. The data collected were subjected to thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and underlying meanings within the cultural framework of the festival. Findings reveal that the Seigbein Festival transcends mere performance; it represents a vital instrument for cultural preservation, spiritual renewal, and social unity among the Kabo ethnic group. The festival embodies ancestral valor and divine guardianship, reinforcing traditional values and collective identity. It also serves as a platform for intergenerational knowledge transfer, community development, and cultural tourism. Ultimately, the Seigbein Festival remains a living testimony of the Kabo indigenes’ resilience, spirituality, and rich cultural heritage in an era of increasing globalization and religious transformation.

The Church, from its inception, had been a beacon of hope, transformation and development in society. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the relationship between the church and state in Nigeria between 1960 and 2020. The study adopted a critical investigation into the relationship that existed between the church and the Nigerian nation in the areas of education, politics, morality, agriculture and human empowerment, interwoven with historical and phenomenological approaches in the process of writing. It also embraced a comprehensive understanding of some aspects of works that are unpublished, critical reviews of textbooks, articles in journals, newspapers, as well as data from the internet. The findings of the study illuminated how the relationship between the Church and Nigerian nation had engendered collaboration for growth and development in the area of education, agriculture, politics and moral development of the Nigerian citizenry through character and spiritual training, fair treatment of children, youth empowerment and eradication of women marginalization. It was recommended that the church has ability to foster group cohesion, nurture and sustain reciprocity among members of any community. Therefore, Christian congregations are expected to serve and deal with the social needs of their community. Also, the Nigerian Government should deem it necessary to always embrace the church in matters concerning the public and politics because the church influenced politics not only by ruling power but in so far as it served the communities in which it lives

The aim of this study was to examine the age long practice of denying Esan women the right to inherit from their parents. This practice which is rooted in custom and tradition of the Esan people have resulted in social, economic and political disequilibrium among family members. Parents are abandoned by their rich children in protest of a tradition that denies them the right of inheritance. The objectives of the study were to analyze the geographical location and the world view of the Esan people, examine the phenomenon of inheritance in Esan land as it relates to women, investigate women's rights to inheritance, investigate the root causes of the denial of women’s rights to inheritance in Esan land, bring to the fore the impact of disinheritance on Esan women, identify the similitude of Zelophehad’s daughters in Numbers 27:1-11 with the Esan situation and investigate if Moses’ judgement was a one-off practice or it became the norm in Israel. The study deployed a multidimensional methodological approach. The first is African biblical hermeneutics approach which has to do with the decolonization of biblical studies by putting into consideration African social, cultural, political and economic environment in interpreting biblical text. Another is the exegetical approach of biblical inquiry. This approach, adopts the grammatico- historical analysis of words and clauses in biblical text and applies its findings to a particular context. Additionally, this thesis utilized various secondary materials such as Hebrew dictionaries, lexicons, journal collections, and library resources. Oral interviews were also conducted to get views of the
Esan people on the subject of inheritance. The findings of the research include inter-alia: that the denial of inheritance to women in Esanland is against the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended in section 42 which protects every Nigerian against discrimination. Denial of inheritance to women in Esan is rooted in economic and spiritual matrix. The ancient Israelite society, though patriarchal in nature in an exceptional case gave inheritance of land to Zelophehad daughters; that the analysis of Numbers 27:1-11 is relevant to the Esan context as a model to address women right of inheritance; that there is a similarity between the ancient Israelite custom of inheritance and the Esan people in relation to women; that in the course of this research it was discovered that the beneficiaries of this current system prefer the status quo. While other who are disadvantaged by the system want a change. The research concludes that Esan land faces the problem of implosion if inheritance laws are not amended. Moses’ approach would go a long way in correcting a practice that has become a ticking time bomb in Esanland.

This study titled the "Prospects and Challenges of African Traditional Religion In
The Contemporary Society" was aimed at examining the acknowledgement of
African traditional religion in our contemporary time and society. This has become
necessary due to the various and conflicting teachings on the subject matter. The
method employed was historical and analytical. Data collection was from both
secondary and primary sources which include interviews from some selected
traditional rulers and leaders amongst others. The study revealed the disdainful
societal misconceptions generally associated with the traditional religion in African
which made it to have been forgotten with time, due to its inaccurate ideas and false beliefs. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that there should be a need to investigate and address its concept, thereby finding a way for its possibility to be recognized not only during our contemporary era but also in the
future which may pass through difficult challenges but with the aim of attaining and
achieving a positive goal.