Religious Studies

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A christian dimension to poverty discourse in Nigeria
(The Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, 2011-12) Familusi, O. O.; Oke, O. P.
Poverty, which manifests in various forms, has been a major problem for mankind and a source of concern for successive administrations at various levels in Nigeria. Given this, several attempts have been made towards its reduction, eradication and alleviation, but no major success has been recorded, thus majority of the populace continues to wallow in abject poverty while ironically some have more than enough. Several scholars have worked on different perspectives of poverty. In this piece, an attempt is made to discuss the subject matter from a Christian religious view point so as to understand religion as a major factor in the issue of poverty in Nigeria. In other words, the Church is to be understood as an agent of poverty alleviation and possible harbinger of poverty. A pragmatic religious approach to poverty alleviation is provided as recommendations.
A feminine deconstruction of the concept and tenets of Arole in Oyo empire and its place in Yoruba philosophy
(Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2020) Gbadamosi, O. A.
The concept of Arole occupied and still has a significant position in Oyo Empire. Arole among the Yoruba is the first male child in a family. Such child has sociological, economic and religious advantages over his siblings. In fact, a family without an Arole. regardless of the number of female children, is somewhat incomplete. Thus, a wife goes all out to ensure she “produces” one for her family in Order to make her motherhood complete and her place as a wife secured. This paper seeks to deconstruct this concept embedded in the beliefs of the Yoruba by offering a rational reflection on the tenets of Arole and the significant power it wields among children, in the Oyo Empire, the family and the Yoruba society at large. This is done from a feminine perspective in order to analyze, critically, Arole from a mother's or sister's viewpoint. This study seeks to answer the following questions: what is Arole to a Yoruba and the intent of identifying a child as one? What are the advantages and disadvantages (if any) of being an Arole? What are the tenets of Arole? Is Arole still relevant in a Contemporary Yoruba society? These questions are answered in this study with a view to offering a female holistic view of Arole, presenting the logical flaws in the concept, and unraveling the tenets of Arole and its place among the Yoruba in the 21" Century. Recommendations were also suggested.
A philosophical analysis of sacrifice as a means to an end in contemporary Nigerian Christianity and Yoruba traditional religion
(2018) Gbadamosi, O. A.
History reveals Io us the significant position occupied by sacrifice in most world religions. Today, in spite of the enormous pressure of Western civilization or what we call modernity, people still offer sacrifices in different religions. Sacrifice in the context of this paper involves a cost, depriving oneself of what is valuable and sometimes precious. There are several factors necessitating the offering of sacrifice, one of which is sacrifice serving as a “means” to an “end.” What is this “means” and what is this “end?" Why do people offer sacrifices? Is it because of the love for the deity or is their sacrifice premised on their own needs? What is the actual goal of a sacrifice? What is the real reason why people give sacrificially? Is a sacrifice attached to a need or what the one offering the sacrifice Stands to benefit? This paper attempts to answer these vital questions attached to sacrifice in the contexts of Christianity and Yoruba Traditional Religion. It is a philosophical analysis of a fundamental purpose of sacrifice- a “means" to an “end" in the two selected religions. The paper adopts E. B. Taylor ’s theory which sees Sacrifice as a means of “bribing" the gods or of paying homage to them. The methods of data Collection includes consultation of relevant books and journals on the subject of discussion.
A philosophical analysis of the role of indigenous religion in the growth and expansion of Christianity in Africa
(Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2019) Olaleye, S. K.; Gbadamosi, O. A.
Religion plays a dominant role in the life of the average African. Long before the advent of Christianity, Africans have been actively practising their indigenous religion. Several scholars have focused on various aspects of the history of Christianity in Africa with little attention paid to the contributions of the Indigenous religion to Christianity, especially in the area of its growth and expansion. This paper seeks to address this lacuna with the view to providing answers to questions on the influences of the indigenous religion of the people on Christianity in Africa. The interaction of Christianity with the indigenous religion often leads to the attitude of skepticism, especially in Christian circles. Contrary to the erroneous belief that African indigenous religion is anti-Christianity, it has actually contributed to its growth and expansion in Africa. This study adopts Descartes ’s methodological skepticism which has its roots in epistemology, in its analysis of the contributions of the Indigenous religion to Christianity.
A re-reading of William Parley’s telos in design within the context of anthropic principle and Its implications for contemporary theology
(Science Arena Publications, 2020) Gbadamosi, O. A.
Philosophers and Theologians have grappled with the need to understand the nature of the universe for centuries, and for this subject to remain a subject of intense discussion in contemporary circles, suggests its continuous importance. Science has always been relevant, most significantly, in its attempt to explain our interest in the world around us. Thus, William Parley made use of the famous analogy of a watch and the world to explain the precision in the universe, and to prove the existence of a designer. This paper, therefore, attempts a re-reading of his work within the context of a scientific position known as the Anthropic Principle. This is done by focusing on William Parley’s Teleological argument for God’s existence; the nature of science and religion within the framework of this study; and lastly, the meaning of the Anthropic Principle and its implication for contemporary theology. This study employs the Providence theory of John Polkinghorne, which shows that God has created the universe in such a way as to provide what is needed for life, most especially human existence
A re-visit to the concept of freewill and ideas of causality in Yoruba religion
(Ibadan University Press Publishing House, University of Ibadan Ibadan, Nigeria, 2016) Gbadamosi, O. A.
The issue of human will has been a subject of much debate in the history of philosophy and within religious circles over the Centuries. This paper examines the subject of freewill and ideas of causality in the indigenous religion of the Yoruba. Ideas of causality feature prominently in the belief Systems of Yoruba religion expressed in the concepts of Ori, Irawo, Ipin, Ogo, Kadara, Akunlegba, Akunleyan and Ayanmo and other similar ideas revolving around determinism. These ideas of causality lead to a hasty conclusion in most cases that freewill does not exist among the Yoruba. Insisting that there is no freewill has serious implications within a practical milieu especially because of individual responsibility for actions. This paper is a departure from the notion that there is no freewill among the Yoruba. This is done by discussing the meaning of freewill with a view to finding a definition suitable in the Yoruba religious contexts which is clearly different from the Western idea of freewill. This paper also discusses how the concept of freewill and issues related to determinism feature in Yoruba beliefs. This paper employs the Compatibilism theory, the current name for William James’ “soft" determinism, which is the logically contradictory notion that free will is compatible with determinism. This is done with a view to drawing the conclusion that freewill exists among the Yoruba in spite of the established ideas of causality.
A religious justification of the role of science in human reproduction
(The Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria., 2022-12) Gbadamosi, O. A.; Adeniyi, O. A.
Giving birth to children is very important in many African societies, because children are portrayed as evidence of fruitfulness and blessings from God. In fact, there is a saying that children are the gains of a marriage. Amid this huge burden and societal expectations, some couples are encumbered with this weight as a result of some medical challenges in the area of procreation. Scientific advancements have offered interventions to mitigate this problem, as is evident in other human endeavors, where scientific solutions have come to the rescue through a number of reproductive technologies. Extant literature on human reproductive technology have focused largely on the procedures and ethical perspectives with scant attention paid to it from a Christian religious perspective. This study therefore, explored a religious justification of the role of science in human reproduction. This was with a view to addressing the concerns that have been raised by varying adherents of religions and schools of thought regarding the ethics of reproductive technologies. The aim of the study was to answer questions on whether reproductive technologies contravene the natural way of human reproduction and whether they tamper with the supremacy of God. The paper concludes that there is no justifiable reason for rejecting the gift of knowledge of God to humanity through science in the area of human reproduction using St. Augustine’s Concept of Knowledge that all human knowledge comes from God.
Activities of religious actors as a factor in national security discourse
(Department of Classics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2022) Oke, O.
Insecurity has become a hydra headed monster which security agents in Nigeria and other nations in Africa appear incapable of handling. Insecurity is a state of being subject to danger or threat. It has also been defined as a threat to the state which often accounted for the race for arms and nuclear weapons to defend the state. Insecurity has taken a centre stage in Nigeria and many other countries in Africa in the recent time. No day passes, without the news of one form of violence or the other, and this has turned the countries in Africa to almost a pariah state. After the country gained its independence from the colonial masters’ overs six decades ago, many Nigerians believed that the country would be ushered into the promised land. Rather, the country has been experiencing a plethora of conflicts ranging from the threat of secession, civil wars, regional conflicts, and internal crises (ethnic, religious etc.) which continue to affect the country's nascent democratic structure and development. The various conflicts have destabilized the country and their costs in terms of loss of human life and property are so enormous. Religion is being used by religious actors as tool to fan the embers of insecurity in Nigeria. The spate of insecurity that has engulfed Nigeria has forced many to flee their homes to more peaceful neighbouring countries. Existing scholarly studies on insecurity in Nigeria and other African countries like Achumba, 2013, Ede, 2014 and Awoniyi, 2019 have focused mainly on the traditional approach to security which is state-centric with little attention paid to how religious fundamentalism, fanaticism, blasphemy, extremism and hate speech have over the years been deployed by religious actors to grease the wheel of insecurity in Nigeria and Africa in general. The aim of this paper therefore, is to examine the activities of religious actors in relation to insecurity in Nigeria. This is the gap in study the researcher intends to fill.
African christianity and the modern challenges of ecumenism: the Nigerian context
(The Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2019) Mepaiyeda, S. M.
The engagement of the founding fathers of ecumenism in bringing church leaders to the realisation of the need for collaboration towards the achievement of unity especially among Christians in Nigeria is laudable. Even evidences abound that in recent times those who had shown apathy to ecumenical activities in Nigeria in the past are beginning to embrace the ideals it stands for with apparent commitment. However, in contemporary times, some attitudes and practices which nearly frustrated the efforts of ecumenism at inception are rearing their heads again; and this is inimical to the unity of churches in Africa. This paper, therefore, attempts an investigation into such attitudes and practices with a view to ascertaining their effects on the unity of the church and making useful recommendations for the promotion of ecumenism in Nigeria
An analysis of the interplay between marital relationships and mental health
(Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan, 2019-06) Gbadamosi, O. A.
Marriage is an institution that has played prominent roles in the history of humanity. It has aided the growth of the human race and also filled the vacuum of solitariness by creating companionship. This study discusses this important human institution from the perspective of mental health. Mental health, as applied in this study, is not referring to the presence of mental diseases, but the absence of it. This study examines marriage, by exploring the bilateral nexus between marriage and mental health via empiricism, which attributes experience as the origin and the source of validity of all possible knowledge. This is done with a view to analysing the place of marriage in emotional wellbeing and the psychological issues that can affect marriage.
An ethical diagnosis of proverbs 6:6-8 about leadership failure in Nigeria
(Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2025) Oke, O. P.
The bane of growth in the nation's political trajectory has been caused by leadership failure and its impact on the populace. Once acknowledged and revered as Africa's developmental power house in all respects, Nigeria has lost its pride due to selfish leaders and avaricious followers who always prioritise their interests over the good of the whole. The process of motivating, directing, and persuading people to realise a common Vision, aim, or objective is known as leadership. A proactive approach, activity, or attitude that motivates and sways others to accomplish a particular objective is more important than a title. It is the capacity to guide and lead a team towards a goal successfully. Sadly, the Situation is the exact opposite in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, where the ruling elite has transformed the nation into a conduit through which our Commonwealth is being greedily siphoned for the benefit of themselves and their progeny. Scholarly works that have already been written about leadership in Nigeria have mostly focused on how Nigerian leaders have shaped the nation 's development since its independence, with little attention paid to the importance of Proverbs Chapter 6:6—8, which offers an ethical diagnosis of the social, political, and economic Problems arising from the nation's political leaders' incompetence, ignorance, carelessness, and irresponsibility. From a methodological standpoint, the research employed qualitative methods to gather data. According to the paper's results, leadership failure has caused the African continent to fall behind other developed nations, and the advice given by Solomon in Proverbs 6:6-8 can help address the region's plethora of issues and take her back to its Position as a giant of Africa indeed.
An examination of the legal and religious dimensions to separation in marriage
(2021-10) Oke, O. P.
Separation in marriage has become a burning issue that has generated a lot of debates in Nigeria today as it affects many homes and the society at large. Scholars in Order to deal with the problem have approached the subject matter from the cultural, psychological, and sociological perspectives. 13ut, an area where little or no attention has been paid over the years which necessitated this study is the religious and legal dimensions to the discourse. That is, a religious and legal look at what constitutes Separation in marriage and how the menace can be brought to the barest minimum. The method adopted in the study is the use of materials that are relevant to Separation and divorce. Recommendation will be made on how to address the issues involved in Separation and how separated couples can live a better life thereby enhancing peace and harmonious relationship in the society.
An Appraisal of Selected Teachings and Practices of the Church of Christ in South Western Nigeria
(2014) Owolabi, S. A.
The Church of Christ (COC), established in South-western Nigeria in 1959 as an offshoot of the 19th century sectarian American Restoration Movement, claims to be the only true church to restore primitive Christianity in both teachings and practices. Contrariwise, evidence from Early Church history contradicts this claim, which necessitates an investigation into the true position; existing studies having focused on the history of the church and the biographies of its leaders to the neglect of the appraisal of the claims of the church in terms of conformity with the teachings and practices of the Early Church. This study, therefore, makes a comparative appraisal of selected tenets of COC in South-western Nigeria against the backdrop of the Early Church with a view to examining the validity of its claims. The study adopted the descriptive research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected clergy (36; six from each state of South-western Nigeria) and laity (36; six from each state). Church records were consulted in six (one from each state) congregations of the church to complement the interviews. Published Early Church records were also consulted. Data were subjected to historical and comparative analyses. There were three teachings of COC: exclusive claim to being the true church; the belief in theology, but non-celebration of Christmas and Easter which were believed to be absent in the Early Church era; and non-belief in miracles after the apostolic age. Three practices were also distinguished: non-use of musical instruments in worship, absolute congregational autonomy and alienation from other Christian denominations. Attestations from Early Church writings revealed that COC has no antecedent in post-apostolic Christianity; but archival sources showed that the church emerged from the 19th century religious aftermath of American independence premised on democratic theology. The COC’s teachings on non-celebration of Christmas and Easter were nullified by evidence from Early Church writings confirming Easter as the oldest Christian festival and that Christmas celebration had its origin in the Early Church. The teaching that miracles ceased with the apostolic age was negated by evidence from the Didache (A.D. 110) and testimony of St. Augustine (A. D. 354-430). Conversely, COC’s A cappella practice was confirmed from the writings of Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-165) and Tertullian (A.D. 160-220) that musical instruments were seen as corruptive influence of the Roman culture. On absolute congregational autonomy, Ignatius (A.D. 50-110) and Eusebius confirmed that Episcopacy was in practice from the second century. Contrary to its anti-ecumenical disposition, Early Church records confirmed that ecumenical councils were convened starting from Nicea (A.D. 325) to define the substance of the Christian faith and defend it against heresy. All the teachings of the Church of Christ are at variance with those of the Early Church; one out of the three practices aligned with that of the Early Church. Thus, there is a wide disparity between the tenets of the two churches, which invalidates the church’s exclusive historical connection with the Early Church. Therefore, the church needs to own up to history and reappraise her hermeneutical presuppositions
An appraisal of the perspectives of the pentecostal and charismatic on theological education in Nigeria
(West African Association of Theological Institutions, 2014) Mepaiyeda, S. M.
This paper aims primarily at investigating the bases for the unfriendly attitude towards theological education. In addition, using historical antecedents as a benchmark, the paper will articulate the relevance of theological education in the expansion of God’s kingdom, with a view to reducing mediocrity in religious parlance and inculcate proper orientation in the development of church leaders in Nigeria. Though theological education remains a veritable platform to bring enlightenment to the souls and minds of individuals about God and his activities for the singular purpose of transforming and liberating men from the bondage of ignorance to knowledge; yet, a cursory look at the happenings among the Pentecostal and Charismatic circles in Nigeria suggests that majority of them have developed apathy towards such training. Even the few who have Bible Colleges de-emphasize rigorous theological study in their curricula, hinging such stand on many factors and assumptions.
Appropriating christian ethical values in enhancing sustainable development in Nigeria
(Department of Nigerian and Foreign Languages and Literatures, Faculty ofArts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, 2016-09) Oke, O.
Nigeria society today is bedeviled with problems of bribery and corruption, embezzlement of public fund, insecurity, nepotism, favouritism, kidnapping and so on which has over the years made developmental efforts of government a mirage. On this issue, many researches have been carried out in order to find a lasting solution to these seemingly insurmountable Problems. Many programmes, strategies implemented by government, its agencies and commissions to bring the Problems under control such as Ethical Revolution (ER), National Rebirth (NR), Rebranding Nigeria Campaign (RNC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and so on have not been able to nail the problems in the bud. However, an area which seems to have been largely ignored and which is responsible for the inability is the absence of Christian ethical values in the entire discourse. That is, the neglect of Christian ethical values of transparency, social justice, honesty and love among those in the corridors of power in the country on one hand and the followers on the other hand. This paper therefore, examined the Christian ethical values that are closely related to sustainable development, its meaning and how the values can be used to engender sustainable development in Nigeria. We also offered recommendations for stakeholders; the political leaders and the followers alike on the need to make Christian ethical values of transparency, social justice, honesty and love their watchwords in both their private and public dealings.
Assessing the hypotheses against women leadership in African christianity
(Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture, 2013-08) Mepaiyeda, S. M.
Despite the undisputable roles of women as homemakers and nation-builders, many hypotheses had been advanced in support of male chauvinism mostly prevalent in African society. Such discrimination is attributable to two sources; culture and religion. The prejudices, inequalities and injustices suffered by women seem to be deep-rooted. What is even more unfortunate and scandalous is that religion has been and is still being misused to reinforce the oppression and subordination of women. Equally disconcerting is the fact that among the womenfolk themselves there are quite a number who have accepted these conditions as normal and therefore have had no inclination to demand and work for a change. Such women have resigned themselves to an inferior status and sincerely believed that such is their divinely ordered fate. This paper, therefore, is aimed at evaluating the theological, cultural and philosophical hypotheses that serve as roadblocks against women leadership in order to disprove their logical veracity; and to establish that leadership in the church should transcend the factor of gender but be based on God’s prerogative and infinite grace.
An Assessment of the Impact of Christian Festivals on Pastors’ Financial and Spiritual Lives in Assemblies of God, Ogun State, Nigeria, 2009-2011
(2014) Oyeniran, O. C.
The Assemblies of God (AG) observes Christian festivals, like most other churches, but the economic and religious implications of these festivals for AG‟s pastors differ from these other churches. Existing literature on AG‟s activities during these festivals have focused on their mode of conduct without adequate attention paid to their economic and religious effects on AG‟s clergy. This study, therefore, assessed Christian festivals observed by AG, with a view to determining their economic and religious effects on its pastors in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study was premised on Emile Durkheim‟s functionalist theory, which emphasises the unifying role of religion in making members of the society affirm their common beliefs and values. Sixty parishes were purposively selected from the three AG‟s Districts in Ogun State: Ijebu, Abeokuta and Sango Districts. Quantitative data were obtained through structured interviews of 30 pastors and 40 members, including parishes and Districts‟ Secretaries. Three hundred copies of a questionnaire were administered to ordained pastors, licentiates, exhorters and deacons. Data were subjected to qualitative analysis and percentages. Assemblies of God observed Christmas, Easter and Harvest Thanksgiving festivals. These had financial and spiritual effects on the clergy. Financially, Christmas celebrations often led to the reduction in the salaries of AG‟s pastors whose salaries were determined by the income of the church. Given that cultural ties necessitated mass traveling of members to their hometowns during Christmas, about 32% of its 16,272 members in Ogun State who were non-natives were not available for the celebrations in 2009-2011. This reduced the church‟s income obtained through tithes, which constituted the parishes‟ primary economic strength. Consequently, the average salary of pastors dropped from N20, 000.00 to about N12, 000.00. Similarly, the closure of all parishes on Easter Sunday during a four-day joint Easter retreat accounted for a significant decrease in pastors‟ salaries in 86.7% of the parishes investigated where salaries dropped to about N14,500.00. Conversely, the Harvest Thanksgiving proceeds resulted in economic boom, whereby an average of N23, 000 was received by each pastor. Spiritually, 61.7% of the pastors affirmed that the 2010 Christmas‟ evangelistic outreach invigorated their soul winning passion, and the spiritual calisthenics aura of the 2011 Easter retreat revived 55.0% of them to better prayer and pastoral commitment for their members. Likewise, 48.3% affirmed that the 2011 Harvest Thanksgiving‟s proceeds enabled them to actively demonstrate pure religion through cash assistance to 49 AG widows. Respondents constituting 91.6% advocated for a review of AG‟s pastors‟ remuneration policy, 81.6% suggested intensive evangelization of the natives, 88.3% agreed to symbiotic inclusion of the non-AG needy in Harvest Thanksgiving‟s beneficiaries, while 84.2% opined that subsequent Easter retreat should end before Easter Sunday. Christmas and Easter festivals had negative financial impacts on the pastors of the Assemblies of God who enjoyed some monetary benefits only during thanksgiving celebrations and spiritual renewal during the Easter. There is, therefore, the need for a review of the remuneration policy of the church in order to motivate the pastors for a more committed service to the church
An Assessment of the Replication of Jesus' Social Ministry in the Nigerian Baptist Convention
(2014) Kristilere, I. O.
Deep concern for the poor in the society was an integral part of Jesus' earthly ministry especially in the Gospel of Luke. This makes the social ministry an important part of a typical church, as manifested in the programmes of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC). Many scholars have examined the theological basis of Jesus' care and concern for the poor, but adequate attention has not been given to the connection between Jesus' approaches and those of the NBC Social Ministry, devoted to alleviating poverty, following the example of Jesus. This study, therefore, evaluated the activities of Jesus among the poor with those of the Social Ministry Department of NBC (SMDNBC) with a view to establishing the biblical basis and the effectiveness of the activities of the Department. The study employed a historical-critical design. It adopted Gerald West's "Academy of the poor" framework. A total of 510 copies of a questionnaire were administered to members across 50 Baptist churches in Lagos (30), Ibadan (10) and Ogbomoso (10) selected on purposive and snowball bases. In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected five officials of the NBC at its headquarters in Ibadan, 30 pastors, 24 church officers and 33 church members. Church records were also consulted. Data were subjected to exegetical analysis, with reference to selected Lukan passages, and percentages. Jesus adopted five approaches in caring for the poor: identification, solidarity, education, advocacy and empowerment. Through identification, he properly recognised the authentic poor and differentiated them from other social classes (Luke 4:18,7:20); and through solidarity, he united with them in genuine friendship (Luke 2:1-7, 2:8-20, 9:58). Through education, he instructed them on their rights, status and how they could find peace (Luke 12:33,18:18-25); and through advocacy, he spoke against the oppression of the poor. (Luke 16:19-31, 21:1-4,3:1-14) Through empowerment, he engaged in spiritual, mental and economic uplift of the poor (Luke 16:19-31,6:20, 19:1-10). Contrariwise, only two of the approaches were relatively adopted by the SMDNBC: education in which it provided both formal and informal education though at a relatively high fee, and empowerment in which it provided means of earning a living for widows and prisoners. Little or no attempt was made to identify, establish solidarity and achieve advocacy as Jesus did. The implication of this deficiency was evident in the responses of the respondents in which 50.4% of the respondents were not aware of the SMDNBC, while 70.8% opined that lack of proper care for the poor had resulted in 30.0% loss of membership. Only 5.4% of the respondents had received assistance from SMDNBC. The Social Ministry Department of the Nigerian Baptist Convention adopted only two out of the five approaches used by Jesus Christ in reaching the poor which revealed an inconsistency with the biblical standard. This made the ministry less effective and led to membership shrink. It is, therefore, recommended that the NBC needs to completely adopt the five approaches of Jesus in Luke in order to enhance the effectiveness of its social ministry
Berith as a Socio-Political and Economic Regulatory Mechanism in Ancient Israel and Traditional Ẹ̀gbá-Yorùbá Society
(2014) Olugbemiro, O. B.
Berith, a concept similar to ìmùlẹ̀ among the Ẹ̀gbá-Yorùbá of South-Western Nigeria, is a pact ratified by oath, binding two or more parties in a relationship of moral commitment to certain stipulations. It was used to regulate socio-political and economic life in ancient Israel. Previous studies on Berith have focused on its legal aspect, neglecting its moral basis as a means of effectively regulating and controlling socio-political and economic aspects of human society in ancient Israel and its relevance to the traditional Ẹ̀gbá-Yorùbá sociocultural context with shared experiences. This study, therefore, examined the effectiveness of berith as a means of regulating socio-political and economic life in ancient Israel as replicated by ìmùlẹ̀ among traditional Ẹ̀gbá-Yorùbá. The work was premised on Manus’ intercultural hermeneutics which relates the Bible to African socio-cultural situations. The historical-critical method was used to analyse relevant texts (2 Kgs.22:8-23:3; Exod.20:22-23:33; Deut.6:1-28:69), taking the Leningrad Codex as the vorlage. One thousand copies of a questionnaire were purposively administered in traditional Ẹ̀gbá -Yorùbá homesteads in five local government areas across Ogun and Oyo states, Nigeria. Forty key informants including The Aláké of Ẹ̀gbáland, The Olórí-Pàràkòyí of Ìjejà, a magistrate, 22 Ẹ̀gbá Chiefs, and 15 clergymen were interviewed. A focus group discussion (FGD) was held with the Aláké Regency Council in session. Observation was conducted at the traditional courts at Aké Palace and Olúwo’s residence. Data generated were subjected to exegetical analysis and percentages. Three stipulations of berith were applied in ancient Israel: the lex talionis (Exod.21:22-25), the law of restrictive royalty (Deut.17:14-15) and the law of standard metering (Deut.25:13-16). In Ẹ̀gbá land, The Ògbóni enforced retributive justice and restricted royalty to a family while the Pàràkὸyí enforced market standards through ìmùlẹ̀. Berith produced bonding experiences by creating artificial kinship ties, replicated in ìmùlẹ̀ as Alájọbí, and annual religious convocations (Deut.16:16), not exactly replicated in Ẹ̀gbáland where Ògbóni, Pàràkὸyí and Olórógun held religio-political meetings tri-weekly. Berith bound the hitherto autonomous Israelite tribes in religious commonwealth through common allegiance to YHWH (Deut.12:5-7). In ìmùlẹ̀, the earth stood as the common source-matter, binding 300 traditional Ẹ̀gbá-Yorùbá clans under one central Ògbóni. Berith like ìmùlẹ̀, imposed socio-religious obligations requiring members of the commonwealth to seek each other’s personal wellbeing (Deut.15:39-43), material security (Exo.23:4) and financial stability (Deut.15:7-11). About 90% of the respondents affirmed that ìmùlẹ̀ effectively regulated political and socio-economic behaviour of traditional Ẹ̀gbá by fear-appeal through potent oath-taking. All the key informants agreed that perceived grievous consequences associated with breaking ìmùlẹ̀ coupled with anticipated rewards for upholding it motivated the people towards honesty in their social, political and economic activities. The FGD revealed that ìmùlẹ̀ was effective because it employed potent oath implements. Berith in ancient Israel is approximately equivalent to ìmùlẹ̀ in Ẹ̀gbáland based on the shared conceptual experiences of the two societies. Thus, the effectiveness of the concept in regulating and controlling socio-political and economic activities in each case was anchored to these shared experiences
A brief survey of the emergence and impact of the Anglican church in Kogi and Kwara states (1854-1999)
(The Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2009-12) Mepaiyeda, S. M.