DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS

This study critically examines the concept of evil within the framework of Islamic theology and theodicy. It explores how Islam reconciles the existence of evil with belief in an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God (Allah). The research analyzes classical and contemporary Islamic perspectives on moral and natural evil, emphasizing the theological explanations offered by key schools of thought such as the Ashʿarites, Muʿtazilites, and Sufis. Central to the discourse is the Qur’ānic understanding of divine wisdom (ḥikmah), human free will (ikhtiyār), predestination (qadar), and the ultimate purpose of trials and suffering as instruments for moral growth and spiritual purification. By engaging both philosophical reasoning and scriptural exegesis, the work evaluates whether Islamic theodicy provides a coherent and satisfying response to the problem of evil. The study concludes that while Islam does not eliminate the mystery of suffering, it offers a distinctive synthesis that underscores divine justice, human accountability, and eschatological hope.

Igarra traditional Religion and cultural values have undergone significant alterations. The Igarra way of life has been changed by the impacts of modernity. The community spirit, hospitality, and interpersonal relationships that were part of Igarra cultural history and values have been affected. Their ancient religious beliefs and patterns of god and divinity worship have been corrupted. In recent times the situation has changed. This study investigated the influence of Christianity and Western culture on the traditional religion and cultural values of the Igarra people. The best outcome was achieved using a phenomenological research historical approach. The argument made in the study was that the traditional religion of the Igarra and its cultural values had been significantly influenced by Western cultural forces, particularly those related to Christianity, education, and industrialization, to name just a few. This research work proposed, among other things, that Igarra people embrace their cultural history and regard western cultures as an alternative way of life in order to confront and prevent the extinction of Igarra traditional
religion and cultural values.

This study investigates the role of religion in shaping academic performance among students of the University of Benin. Religion is a powerful social institution that influences values, behaviours, and discipline, all of which may have implications for learning outcomes. The research examines how students’ participation in religious activities, such as prayer, fasting, worship, and fellowship, contributes positively or negatively to their academic focus, study habits, and overall performance. It further explores how excessive religious commitments may sometimes compete with academic responsibilities, leading to struggles in time management and concentration. A mixed-method approach was employed, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather data from students across different faculties of the University. The findings reveal that while religion plays a vital role in promoting discipline, moral conduct, and motivation, excessive involvement in religious programmes can reduce lecture attendance and limit study time. The study concludes that a balance between spiritual commitments and academic responsibilities is essential for academic success.

The Johannine community, a scholarly concept related to the authorship and theology of the Gospel of John, faced numerous crises and challenges that had potential implications for the Nigerian Church. This abstract examines the main crises within the Johannine community and their potential implications for the Nigerian Church, these crisis faced by the Johannine community have implications for the Nigerian Church. The theological and social challenges experienced by the Johannine community mirror some of the persistent issues faced by the Nigerian Church. Understanding these similarities can facilitate dialogue, promote greater understanding, and potentially lead to the resolution of crises within the Nigerian Church. Additionally, it highlights the importance of addressing theological differences, promoting peaceful coexistence within society, and ensuring the religious rights and liberties of minority Christian communities

This work is on the Academic study of Religion in Nigeria : prospect and challenges the aim was to examine Religious studies the aim was to examine Religious studies the aim was to examine Religious studies as an academic discipline in Nigerian universities so as to ascertain some of the prospects and challenges that confront students in this area of study. Empirical and analytical method were employed in this research work and it was revealed among others that graduates of religion studies are not in any way limited in terms of employment or career prospects due to the perceived status of their discipline .The study showed that they can easily function in embassies, ministries Tourism and culture ,Pilgrims Board and so on. One of the recommendations from the study is that parents disarging their wards from studying religions studies due to fear of carrier .prospects or been able to gets suitable Jobs

Drug abuse among youths in Nigeria has been a problem to the youths and the society in General. The consequences of drug abuse are not only on the individual user but also on his or her offspring, family and the society, hence the need for it to be given serious attention. The method adopted for the research is phenomenological. This work is expected to create awareness, expose and provide useful information to people especially to the Nigerian youths on the effects of drug abuse and the challenges for the Nigerian churches towards drug abuse in Nigeria.The researcher dwelt on what the church should do to control or stop drug abuse in Nigeria. If the Nigerian youths should stop abusing drugs, they will be useful to themselves, their families and the society in- general.

The study was carried out to determine “influence of using online materials in teaching Christian religious studies: a case study of the University of Benin. The population of the study consists of one hundred and twenty (120) 400 level religious studies students in faculty education, university of Benin, Edo state. The sampling technique used for this study is simple random sampling technique one hundred (100) 400 level religious studies students in faculty of Education, University of Benin, Edo state respondents were chosen to represent the students’ population. Four research questions were made; What types of online materials are currently being used in the teaching of Christian religious studies at the University of Benin? How do educators perceive the effectiveness of online materials in enhancing student learning experiences in Christian religious studies? What are the challenges associated with integrating online materials into the teaching of Christian religious studies at the University of Benin? What strategies can be implemented to maximize the benefits and address the limitations of using online materials in religious studies education?The findings of the study revealed that; The use of online materials has also been found to improve student retention and recall of CRS concepts. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made; There should be a diverse range of online resources, the University of Benin should provide a diverse range of online resources that cater to different learning styles and needs.

This study assessed the abuse of alcohol in Delta State, Nigeria, and the role of the church in curbing it. The specific objectives were to; ascertain the effect of alcohol abuse among Nigeria youths, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, examine the effect of alcohol abuse on the health of victims and to investigate the role of the church in controlling alcohol abuse in the society. Data for this study we're obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Results shows the percentage of people involved in the abuse of alcoholism high. 60% out of 100% of people are drinking alcohol excessively. The causes of alcohol abuse includes; social factors, psychological factors and biological factors. The effects of alcohol abuse is numerous; these includes drowsiness, cancer in the intestines, blurred or double vision, liver disease. Some solutions to alcohol abuse were home cure remedies, the Keeley Cure, established institutions, pastorial care, Biblical Teachings. This study concluded that the percentage of people abusing alcohol is high. The study therefore recommends that government and private institutions should provide well equipped institutions where alcoholics can go to for help.

There is a gender gap in many employment settings, including the Church, as a result of the
underrepresentation of skilled women in leadership roles because women do not match the
stereotype of good leaders, society in general and the church in particular continue to make it
difficult for them to obtain leadership positions. Many reasons have been made in favour of
male chauvinism, which is largely widespread in African civilization, despite the undeniable
roles of women as homemakers and builders of nations. Many factors, including culture, church traditions, biblical evidence, the fundamental biological makeup of women, and religion itself, contribute to the prejudice against women in leadership positions in the church. The discrimination, unfairness, and injustice experienced by women appear to be ingrained. Even worse and more scandalous is the fact that religion has been and still used to justify the oppression and subjection of women in modern society. This study was carried out to examine Nigerian Women in ministry and gender discrimination, the case of Deeper Life Bible Church in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics was used to examine the objectives of the study. Out of the 71 respondents, the males are 38 (representing 53.5%), while the females are 33 (representing 46.5%). The findings of the study showed that the majority of the sampled respondents are males as it has the highest frequency score. In terms of district investigated, out of the 71 respondents, 23 (representing 32.4%) were from Church 1 (DLCF- BDPA), 27 (representing 38.0%) were from Church 2 (DLCF-OSASOGIE) and 21 (representing 29.6%) were from Church 3 (DLCF-EKOSODIN). The findings of the study
also showed that majority of the sampled respondents were members of Church 3 (DLCF- EKOSODIN). Also, in terms of membership, out of the 71 respondents, 60 (representing 84.5%) were Lay Congregation, 4 (representing 5.6%) were pastors and 7 (representing 9.9%) were women leaders. The analysis showed that majority of the sampled respondents was the lay congregation of the church. Majority of the respondents submitted that women to be appointed for leadership positions in the church. Also, out of 60 respondents who responded to 70.0% which is majority that they know women that are spiritually gifted in your church and 45.0% majority also responded that women should participate in decision making forums like church boards. The study also showed that 46.7% majority responded that women in the church allowed to function in the leadership roles in church and 30.0% majority responded that women are not discriminated in the church and also, 85.7% majority responded that women in the church are allowed to function in the leadership roles in church and they want women to be church leaders in the church.

This research work examined the advert charismatism in Nigeria and its implications for St John Anglican church , Ubulu-Uku . The background to the study was due to the growth and development of most Pentecostal churches in Delta state . The aim was to investigate the factors behind the growth and membership strength of the charismatic churches in Ubulu –Uku
and to understand its effect on the membership of St John Anglican church . The methodology used up descriptive and historical. Data was gathered from both secondary and primary sources findings from the studies shows that some of the factors that aid the rapid growth of Pentecostal churches are as follows: enticing youth programmes, e.t.c it was recommended that St. John
Anglican church should adopt some of the characteristic of the charismatic