Inekwere, Bede E. See all items with this value

2015

Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies

Iwamura, Jane N.

Capitanio, Joshua

Kassam, Zayn

In the last decades, religious clashes in Nigeria have caused a worrisome social disorder that has made co-existence and collaboration between Nigerian Christians and Muslims difficult. Nigeria has had to contend with challenging obstacles that seem to defy all available solutions. This dissertation centers on the role that the faith traditions of Islam and Christianity can play in ameliorating the situations by drawing upon theological models that encourage a more peaceful co-existence among religious groups in Nigeria.

As a step towards facilitating a culture of dialogue and peace, the aims of the present research include: (1) To understand the history of recent conflicts in Nigeria; (2) to analyze the factors that influence the Christian-Muslim antiparthy; (3) to examine the Vatican II declaration regarding the Church and its relation to non-Christian religions (Nostrae Aetate) as a possible model, and; (4) to investigate a new understanding of the Islamic religion and society as articulated by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Nostrae Aetate and Khan’s theological vision, although expressions of Catholic and Islamic faith, respectively, offer valuable resources for Nigerian Christians and Muslims who are working towards greater peace and understanding amidst the conflict.

The dissertation concludes with the presentation of practical measures that encourage interfaith harmony and cooperation among Nigerians. While religion has been a source of conflict in recent times in Nigeria, it can also serve as a more positive guide and influence.

Philosophy of religion See all items with this value

Comparative religion See all items with this value

Christian-Muslim relations See all items with this value

Religious conflicts See all items with this value

Religious relationships See all items with this value

University of the West

9781321870800