Political and socio-economic convergence of religions in Nigeria : positive views and interests
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Authors
Orogun, Daniel
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AOSIS
Abstract
Extensive review of academic writings on the convergence of religions (COR) in Nigeria shows that many online academic papers and related conversations gave more attention to its negative implications. Agreeably, Nigeria is the hotbed of religious crises in Africa. However, with the benefits of hindsight, filling the gap of insufficient capture of the positive impact of COR is considered in this exercise with three questions in view: (1) Where do religions meet? (2) Why do religions meet? (3) What are the positive implications of their convergence in Nigeria? Answers were adequately captured with examples, scenarios, case studies, historical evidence, and concomitant academic literature. Overall, this exercise
projected three arguments. Firstly, it posited that commitment to religion is not at the heart of COR in Nigeria, rather, COR is premised on personal or group interests. Secondly, it argued that positive reflections on the COR can promote inter-religious tolerance, peace, and unity. Thirdly, it proposed that the COR has far-reaching positive implications socially, politically, and economically. Lastly, it made brief recommendations for improved co-existence and nation-building.
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DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.
Keywords
Economic convergence, Political convergence, Social convergence, Syncretistic convergence, Interests, Convergence of religions (COR), Nigeria
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Orogun, D., 2023, ‘Political and socio-economic convergence of religions in Nigeria: Positive views and interests’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 79(1), a8734. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v79i1.8734.