Christian-Muslim Relations in Nigeria: Areas of Convergences for Peaceful Coexistence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/mjis.2023.7.1.205Abstract
The paper examines the constitutional nature of Nigeria as a secular state where the citizens are either Muslims, Christians, or adherents of African Religion. But the concern of this paper has to do with the relations that exist between Christians and Muslims being the larger proportion of the three officially recognized religions in the country, influencing the thinking and values of a great percentage of Nigerians. The methods employed are historical, descriptive, and phenomenological. Findings revealed that, although, notable scholars have written extensively on Christian-Muslim relations in Nigeria from different perspectives all aimed at promoting good inter-faith relations for peaceful coexistence among all and sundry regardless of religious affiliations. Conferences on inter-religious dialogue have been held on several occasions, but despite all these moves to promote good Christian-Muslim relations and the areas of convergences of these religions, the nation has continued to witness cases of untold crises that have today led to mistrust, suspicion, and fear between the adherents of the two prominent faiths. It is on this premise that the paper stressed selected theological doctrines common to the two religions which can be employed to bring about good neighbourliness, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence, especially among the adherents of Islam and Christianity. The historical development of each of these religions is also exploited. The paper concludes that religious leaders, instructors, Government, ecumenical movements, and other stakeholders in religious matters should endeavour to be more committed to the truth claim of religion.
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