RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION: CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM IN NIGERIA’S REVOLUTION
Adaego Chukwu , Ph. D, Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, NigeriaAbstract
This study explores the significant role of Christianity and Islam in shaping social transformations and revolutionary movements in Nigeria. As two of the dominant religions in the country, Christianity and Islam have influenced not only the spiritual lives of Nigerians but also their socio-political realities, including revolutions, conflicts, and social change. This paper examines how religious ideologies have been intertwined with political, economic, and cultural forces to fuel both conflict and reform in Nigerian society. By analyzing key historical events, such as the spread of Christian and Islamic teachings during colonial and post-colonial periods, the rise of religious movements, and their involvement in social revolutions, this study aims to highlight the dual impact of these faiths on Nigeria's development. The research considers the role of religious leaders, institutions, and movements in advocating for social justice, human rights, and political change, while also reflecting on the tensions and conflicts that have arisen due to religious differences. Ultimately, this paper underscores the complex relationship between religion and social revolution in Nigeria, demonstrating the ways in which Christianity and Islam have both challenged and reinforced traditional power structures in the country.
Keywords
Christianity, Social Transformation, Religious Movements
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