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Journal of and Volume 2, Issue 2, 2018, PP 12-18

Religious and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Understanding the Intricacies

Okpa, J. Thompson1, Benjamin Okorie Ajah2,Okunola, Rasidi Akanji3 1Department of , University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria 2Department of Sociology and , University of Nigeria, Nsukka. 3Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State. *Corresponding Author: Benjamin Okorieajah, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

ABSTRACT Religious fundamentalism and sustainable development are inextricably linked. The understanding of these linkages is important, in order to correct public misconceptions as well as reveal the inherent power(s) in religious fundamentalism that are development driven. Fundamentalism is essentially about ; it fosters unity and abhors distinction. It draws its power(s) from its ability to provoke change in the minds of adherence to any particular system. With the high rate of corruption in governance and the failure of to provide the human to its citizens, strict adherence to the tenets of the various religious beliefs could help in addressing this problem. This paper evaluates the intricacies surrounding religious fundamentalism and its place in bringing about sustainable development in Nigeria. Functionalism theory was adopted. Indeed, it has often been reiterated that if Nigerians live by the and of their various religious groups, several societal problems would be averted and a holistic sustainable development would be a . The paper suggested that religious groups across the country should encourage obedience and compliance to the tenets of their various belief systemsKeywords: Sumer; Memphis; Kôngo; ; religion; theology; natural theology. Keywords: religious, fundamentalism, sustainable development, understanding, intricacies

INTRODUCTION According to Ekeopara and Ekpenyong, (2016), religion generally, teaches its adherents that All through human , religious , bribery, violent crime, corruption, hate fundamentalism has proven to be the principal speeches, ethnicity, tribalism and nepotism is force behind human development. Adheres are proscribed while fundamentalism emphasis motivated by religious teachings, ethics and practical adherents and loyalty to these beliefs to develop spiritual qualities, that teachings. The later describes strict adherence to empowers them to for others and to the tenets, rules and regulations of a particular contribute to the development of their community. group. Ekeopara and Ekpenyong, (2016) posit Religious fundamentalism and sustainable that strict adherence to the values and morals development are inextricably linked, such that belief system of various religious organisations the formal exert strong influence on the later. is a catalyst that could bring about change in Religion according to Agbiji and Swart (2015), human characters and attitudes and consequently constitutes the main structure of the black race, result to sustainable development anywhere in and is connected with their general , the world. They argued that the moral salvation including their socio-political and economic globally, lies only in their immediate return development. Mbiti (1999) observed that adherence to and morals religion has pervaded all aspects of human life, system, which is the foundation for genuine to such an extent that it is not easy to separate and sustainable development man from it. (Ekeopara&Ekpenyong, 2016). However, fundamentalism has come to be Strict obedience to universal spiritual applied to a tendency among certain groups, such as forbearance, kindness, , mainly, though not exclusively, in religion, , integrity, fairness, humility, sacrifice, which is characterized by a markedly strict honesty, sincerity, dedication to the well- literalism as it is applied to certain specific of others, keeping of promises and agreements, scriptures, , or . as well as are the core values emphasised

Journal of Religion and Theology V2 ● I2 ● 2018 12 Religious Fundamentalism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Understanding the Intricacies by religious fundamentalism, which is the technical sense, fundamentalism was first used hallmark of any sustainable development in North America in the early decades of the (Aminu, 2003). This core values regulates the 20th century. It was used by a Protestant behaviour, conduct, and actions of individuals, Christian Movement to refer to their religious leader and practitioners, as well as commitment to the fundamental teachings of government. Ekeopara and Ekpenyong (2016) (Karunadasa, 2013). The term observed that this spiritual , if strictly usually has a religious connotation that indicates obeyed can be the source of social order, , unwavering attachment to a of irreducible , stability, and discipline in the society. beliefs. It is usually used, in secular intellectual Genuine and firm commitment to these values parlance, to refer to religious or and morals according to Aminu, (2003) communities characterized by intolerance determine the political and socio-economic towards those who depart from a strict version behaviour of a people as well as the stability and of one or another religious (Almond; development of such society. It is against this Sivan & Appleby, 1991). backdrop that Mbon (1991) asserts that, the Fundamentalism arose out of an internal conflict development or otherwise of a nation to a very in American often referred to as great amount depends on the moral and the Modernist Controversy, during the late intellectual development or otherwise of its nineteenth and early twentieth century’s. people. Similarly, Sunday and Mordi (2017) According to Karunadasa (2013), this noted that religious values if courageously movement arose as a reaction against the adhere to, translate to high moral and ethical of society due to the impact of values that all aspire to achieve. In this science and technology. The movement wanted way, can serve as a catalyst for the to preserve and consolidate the Christian World- teaching and advancement of ethical principles, View against the emerging scientific World- which are essential in the development of strong View. The Protestant denominations gradually character particularly as it affect sustainable separated into two tendencies: 'Modernists' or development and nation development. 'Liberals', who argued that believers needed to The application and utilization of religious adapt to the findings of science and scholarship; principles, beliefs and precepts by the three and 'Traditionalists' or 'Conservatives', who main religious adherents (Christianity, , insisted upon maintaining older views of and Africa Traditional Religion), which are and biblical inerrancy (Weinberg quiet similar, can result into the development of &Pedahzur, 2003). physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual This process of polarisation led to a series of potentials of man, which could facilitate intra-denominational power struggles. As they sustainable development and national progressed, the views of the anti-modernists development in all spheres. According to were articulated in a set of pamphlets published Ademu (2011), Nigerian religions have a lot to between 1910 and 1915 under the title of The contribute to the development of ethical values, Fundamentals. Those who supported the which are greatly needed in the decadent booklets' positions began to use 'the . In spite of it prospect to Fundamentals' as a catch-phrase for anti- promote and sustainable development, , and by 1920 termed themselves perversion of religion in Nigeria have negatively 'Fundamentalists'. By the mid 1920s, however, it affected sustainable development. This has been became clear that fundamentalists were losing demonstrated by the incessant conflict between the battles (Weinberg &Pedahzur, 2003). In one and Muslim that has led to the loss of denomination after another, modernists assumed lives and destruction of properties. This paper is control. The 1925 Scopes Trial was merely a design to correct some of the misconceptions national of declining fundamentalist about religious fundamentalism as well as influence, as well as of fundamentalism's highlight the inherent powers in religious isolation from mainstream American . fundamentalism that can bring about sustainable development in Nigeria As it became clear that fundamentalists were losing ecclesiastical power struggles, they FUNDAMENTALISM: AN OVERVIEW responded by creating their own parallel Fundamentalism is a term that is widely used in institutions. These included publishing houses, different contexts such that its origins have been religious conferences, denominational structures obscured (Weinberg &Pedahzur, 2003). In a and educational institutions. This was in part a

13 Journal of Religion and Theology V2 ● I2 ● 2018 Religious Fundamentalism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Understanding the Intricacies function of their rejection by other Protestants, lead to tolerant, , hard work, honesty, hope, but it also symbolized the fundamentalists' own courage, peace and love which bring about conviction that the larger society was pervaded sustainable development of that society. by sinfulness. For fundamentalist withdrawal Relatedly, religious and sustainable meant not only separation from other development are incontrovertible connected. Protestants, but also self-imposed isolation from Thus, proper adherent to religious values and the political process - an isolation that principles provides the unifying foundation that encompassed not only fundamentalists but many brings peace, socio-economic, political, of their related evangelical brethren. As the and technological development. majority of Protestants opted for a Similarly, James D. Wolfensohn former dominated by secular issues and social reform, President of the World Bank as recorded in religious conservatives became ever more Ogbonnaya (2012:4) noted that: marginalised. The fundamentalist belief usually Religion is an omnipresent and seamless part of means staying within the confines of the daily life, taking an infinite variety of forms that standard belief system, adhering to the are part of the distinctive of each provisions of the belief system, and clinging to community. Religion could thus not be seen as what has worked over in a safe and something apart and personal. It is, rather, a comfortable manner. A fundamentalist is dimension of life that suffuses whatever people someone who in a specific do. Religion has an effect on many people’s interpretation of their holy text and strictly attitudes to , including such matters adheres to its tenets. Many religious fanatics are as savings, investment and a host of economic fundamentalists, but not all fundamentalists are decisions. It influences area we had come to see fanatics. Religious fundamentalism because of as vital for successful development, like belief system defines people by what unites schooling, gender quality, and approaches to them. It focuses on what unites humankind, health care. In short, religion could be an rather than what divide them. important driver of change, even as it could be a UNDERSTANDING THE LINKAGES BETWEEN break to progress. RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM AND According to Agang (n.d), unadulterated SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA religious perspective encourages the creation of Religious fundamentalism is the backbone of an inclusive community where people are sustainable development and it has transforming encouraged to trust and depend on each other. power if there is sincere commitment to Such a stance will result in respecting the - religious values and principles. In other words, given human dignity and human of each religious fundamentalism inculcates of other. It will undoubtedly enable each person to hard work and industrialization, which is the meaningfully exercise their social responsibility foundation that brings about sustainable and to each other. In the same vein, a development. People, who adhered to religious healthy religious perspective provides a precepts, beliefs, participations, practices, narrative that is necessary for the creation of not , behaviours, etc, often drive development only a community of moral character, moral activities. According to Ogbonnaya (2012), conscience and moral conviction but also a strong commitment to religious principles has community of social resilience. Such socially the propensity to facilitate global development. healthy community facilitates active Religious teachings promote common belief in commitment and also participation in economic the dignity of the human person under God, and activities, resulting in a well informed radical emphasises committed to the promotion of the social thinking and action. In sum, a true and human good so as to provide basic human pure religion fosters a community where there is needs, guarantee protection of and recognition that God has given us the mandate promote integral development globally. In the and the responsibility of making the world same vein, Stackhouse (2009) noted that the habitable for all of life: humans and the rest of neglect of religion as an ordering, uniting and creation through good of the dividing factor in a number of influential environment. interpretations of globalization is a major cause In Nigeria, religious fundamentalism is not only of misunderstanding. indispensable for sustainable development but However, proper adherence to religious values also, it is the architecture that breeds sustainable and principles in any society will immensely development. Apart from being the stepping

Journal of Religion and Theology V2 ● I2 ● 2018 14 Religious Fundamentalism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Understanding the Intricacies stones to sustainable development, religious promote strict adherent to religious norms fundamentalism promotes love and . It and values. According to Olawale and is in this regards that Ogbonna (2014) noted that Yemisi (2012), no religion preaches in the face of the weakness of the Nigerian state violence and conflict or militancy. Every and the inefficiency of its institutions to provide religion advocates and preaches peace and the human good to its citizens, the Based peaceful co-existence of all citizens. In Organizations (FBOs) supplement and Christianity, Christ is known and complement government’s efforts towards referred to as the prince of peace. He improving the standard of living of Nigerians. taught, commanded and demonstrated the These Faith Based Organizations in Nigeria significance of peace throughout His which number over 46,000 are involved in pro- sojourn on earth. Throughout Jesus earthly poor, charitable works which alleviate poverty, ministry, he demonstrated his love and promote progress, and serve as agents of maintained peace with all men. Also, in development. Islam, there is call for peace, tolerance and kindness which is a state of physical, FACTORS THAT CAN PROMOTE RELIGIOUS mental, spiritual and social harmony. Other FUNDAMENTALISM IN NIGERIA virtues of Islam are that were  The quest for holy living: the desire to be urged to imbibe the spirit of kindness and pure and holy is one of the biggest factors forgiveness. (Q3:124) and further enjoined that could encourage religion practitioners to live in harmony and peace with fellow whether Christian or Muslim to adhere to human , Repel evil with that which is religious principles and ethics. According better and show perseverance with patience to Kumuyi (2017), God requires that every (Q 3: 200). believer should desire to live a life of purity  Strong passion for progress: desire for and holiness. He maintained that the holy progress is influencing factor that drives books charge religious faithful of all ages religious fundamentalism. According to that it is the will of the creator that His Ogbonnaya (2012), religion can be children work in purity and holiness. He involved in influencing the progress of our argued that God created man to be holy in world. As a result of its large congregations heart, and spirit, to be pure within and its common belief in the dignity of the and without. It is this desire to be pure and human person under God, religion is holy that drives religious fundamentalism. committed to the promotion of the human  Regeneration of the human heart: the good so as to provide basic human needs, renaissance of the human heart is a strong guarantee protection of human rights and force that can aid an individual to promote integral development of the globe. practically comply with the teaching,  Economic Transformation: according to principles, and precepts of the holy book. Agang (n.d), religion is the foundation for a For instance, in Islam, renaissance is just economic transformation. Religion achieved on the basis of good works. These provides the needed ingredients for works include doing honourable deeds plus sustainable business ventures in the world: keeping five requirements, or pillars of love, and peace. Pure monotheistic Islam: witness (“There is no god but Allah religion helps persons in their pursuit of and is his prophet”), profit to abstain from unscrupulous five daily (Salat), giving activities that are in many cases detrimental (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Saum), to human flourishing. Religion, if wholly and a to Mecca (hajj). On the understood in all its truth, encourages day of judgment Allah will have a set of justice, love and peace in all human scales to weigh one’s good deeds against relationships. his bad deeds (Sura 21:47). Regeneration of the human heart empowers an individual INGREDIENTS AND FEATURES OF to think, act, and behave in such a manner RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM that pleases His creator and promotes the Religious fundamentalism is a distinctive set of well-being of people around him. beliefs and behavioural pattern in the religious  Constant desire for Peace and Harmony: circle. It is a religious way of being that the desire for peace and harmony can manifests itself as a strategy among the

15 Journal of Religion and Theology V2 ● I2 ● 2018 Religious Fundamentalism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Understanding the Intricacies believers to preserve the authenticity of their which was developed at the wake of 19 based on doctrines, beliefs, and century's industrial . The theory was practices from a sacred past (Hassan, 2016). developed as an adequate tool for dealing with According to Rothgangel (2010); Karunadasa, the interrelatedness of various traits, institutions, (2013), some of the basic ingredients, and groups, and so forth, within the social system. features of religious fundamentalism are as Structural functionalism is as old as the history follows: of sociology. This is evident in the works of the founding fathers of the discipline like Auguste  Ultra-: the recognition of the Comte (1798- 1857) and Herbert Spencer absolute accuracy of the holy book based (1820-1903). Coser (1976) as recorded in Ajah almost on a very literal interpretation of the and Nweke (2017) attempts a definition of ethics, principles and precepts of the holy structural functionalism. He saw structure as book. referring to a set of relatively stable and  Ultra-orthopraxis: the practice of religious patterned relationships of social units, while he life strictly according to the religious rules perceived as referring function to the and regulations. consequences of social activities, which makes for adaptation or adjustment of a given structure  Messiahism: the belief in a Messiah or or its component parts. Saviour, an all-powerful mediator who will usher in the spiritual society. The functional approach in Sociology was borrowed from the analogy of organism in the  Reactivity: Fundamentalists react to biological sciences in which it is known that all processes and consequences of the body organs, in any living organism, have a secularization and , which have kind of interconnectivity which links them penetrated the larger religious community. together. Each of these organs plays a crucial  Moral : For fundamentalists, a role for the survival of the organism. In any Manichean is fundamental that situation where any of the organs malfunctions, is, the world is divided dualistically into a it is believed that this malfunctioning might realm of light (a spiritual world of good) affect the life of the organism. The and into a realm of darkness (a material functionalists, therefore, argue that the society is world of evil). In the end, good will made up of groups and institutions, which triumph over evil. constitute the whole. They state further that each of these institutions that forms the society plays  Authoritarian organizational structure: As a a part for the survival of the system (Ajah and rule, membership in fundamentalist groups Nweke, 2017). From the foregoing, therefore, is voluntary and unbureaucratic, resulting functionalists view society as a system, a set of principally in equality among the members. interconnected parts which, together, form a Despite this, fundamentalist forms of whole. This makes society the primary unit of organization follow “the charismatic functional analysis. The focus of attention is leadership ” how the basic parts of the society, that is, the  Strict rules of conduct: Elaborate rules of various institutions, such as the religious, conduct with respect to dress, partner , political, economic, legal, and selection, etc. ensure strong affective ties. educational institutions co-relate together and Sinful behaviour, meanwhile, is prohibited functions for the survival of the entire society. in detail: “Rules about drinking, sexuality, In applying this assumption to understand the appropriate speech, and the discipline of intricacies of religious fundamentalism and children abound. Likewise, there is sustainable development, religion is committed of reading material, and close to the promotion of the human good so as to supervision and viewing practices. provide basic human needs and promote THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK sustainable development. This implies that religious fundamentalism inculcates spirit of Structural functionalism theory propounded by hard work and industrialization, which is the notable scholars is adopted for understanding of foundation that brings about sustainable the intricacies of religious fundamentalism and development. Proper adherent to religious sustainable development in Nigeria. Ajah and values and principles will immensely lead to Nweke (2017) noted that structural tolerant, trust, hard work, honesty, hope, functionalism is an approach in Sociology courage, peace and love which bring about

Journal of Religion and Theology V2 ● I2 ● 2018 16 Religious Fundamentalism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Understanding the Intricacies sustainable development. In addition, strict which are similar and which if sincerely adherence to religious values and principles observed, can nurture and strengthen the provides the unifying foundation that brings development of the nation. peace, socio-economic, political, education and technological development. RECOMMENDATIONS  There is need to understand that peaceful CONCLUSION coexistence with other religious groups Religious fundamentalism is concern with the brings about sustainable development. whole of religion in people’s life, it emphasises religiously defined behaviour of  There is need to adhere to the tenet of “good” and “evil”, and build confidence, trust, religious values and moral teachings which and swift remedy to the most complex human will not only bring honesty and integrity, challenges. Beyond this, it promotes unique foster peace and reduce corruption but sense of identity, association, and meaning, leads to sustainable development. which fill the social and existential needs of  There is need to monitor, regulate and practitioners. Fundamentalism, a belief in an sanction religious preachers that preach absolute religious proscribes act such religious hostility, hate and violence since as social disintegration, hate speeches, religious hostility and violence undermines intolerance, hatred, , oppression, and sustainable development by driving away . However, firm and unalloyed local and foreign investors. commitment to these religious ethical principles translate into development and sector reforms in  There is need for religious worshippers to any human society. Anyanwu (2004) observed pursue religious righteousness that can that, we are not quite aware that any society can bring love, justice and peace in the society. afford to exist in the absence of strict  There is need to connect religious believe compliance to , trust, justice, , with our everyday life since sustainable truth, goodness and faithfulness. He maintained development and religious fundamentalism that all these virtues could only be found in are indispensable. religion. Considering the above assertion, it would not be out of place to state that this  Finally, there is need to be truthful when phenomenon is indeed capable of forming a dealing with one another because it will good character, which is a necessary tool for a ensure trust and dependence on each other sustainable development. which will encourage respect for the God- given human dignity and human rights of The misinterpretation and wrong application of each other, and also bring about the pursue religious teachings, principles, and ethics is of the , love, justice and responsible for all sorts of religious restiveness peaceful coexistence and insurgencies, which has truncated all efforts and policies geared towards sustainable REFERENCES development in Nigeria. The remains that [1] Ajah, B. O., &Nweke, J. O. (2017). Prison religion is not and can never be a tool of Facilities and the Welfare of Inmates in intolerance and instability. However, the place Nigeria: A Study of Abakaliki and Awka of peace in bringing about sustainable Prisons. World Applied Sciences Journal, 35 development cannot be underestimated, hence (3), 361-369. religion have a crucial role to in this regard [2] Kumuyi, W. F. (2017, March 12). The call to by inculcating in their adherents the values of holiness – Part 1.The Guardian. Retrieved from tolerance and good neighbourliness. Ojoajogwu https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru- (2014) noted that the three major religions in ecumenical-centre/the-call-to-holiness- part-1/ Nigeria have many common values to make [3] Ogbonnaya, J. (2012). Religion and Sustainable them serve the purpose of the nation. Each of Development in Africa: The Case of Nigeria. these three religions has their various values and International Journal of African Catholicism, these values serve as a guide to human Vol. 3, No. 2 (2012): 1-22. behaviour, dictating right from wrong and this is [4] Ogbonnaya, J. (2014). African Catholicism and the most important aspect of religion, that is of Culture, Essasy in the capacity to shape honourable human personality Light of African Synod II. USA: Wipf and Stock Publishers. (Imaekhai, 2010). In the words of Ojoajogwu (2014), each of these religions have norms [5] Olawale, S. K. D., &Yemisi, O. M. (2012).The Roles of to Peace,

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