Mary Slessor’s Legacy: A Model For 21st Century Missionaries

The story of Miss Mary Mitchell Slessor is not a story of a clairvoyant legend who existed in an abstract world but a historical reality that worked around the then Old Calabar estuary and died on the 15th of January, 1915 at Ikot Oku Use, near Ikot Obong in the present day Akwa Ibom State and was buried at “Udi Mbakara” (Whiteman’s grave) in Calabar, Cross River State. Mary was one of those early missionaries that went to villages in the then Old Calabar where few missionaries dared to go in order to bring hope and light to the people that were in darkness. Through her evangelistic efforts, schools and hospitals were erected on her initiative, babies and twins saved from death, barbaric rites and customs stopped because of her undaunted love and passion for God and the people. After a centenary of death, one can easily conclude that what immortalizes a person is not what he does for himself but what he does for others. Mary Slessor’s name, work and care for twins can never be forgotten even in another century to come. The tripartite purpose of this paper is to first examine the stepping out of Mary Slessor from her comfort zone to Calabar (her initial struggle), her passion for the people of Old Calabar and her relational method of evangelism that endeared her to the heart of the people

Religious and Political Crises in Nigeria: A Historical Exploration

Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state but underneath, religion plays a fundamental role in the socio-political governance of the people. The integration of religion and politics in Nigerian political history by her founding fathers is believed to be one major problem behind the current religious violence and political instability bedevilling the country today. The aim of this paper is to understand why the political history of Nigeria is shrouded in religious bigotry by providing the historical overview of the background that has influenced the socio-religious and political activism in Nigeria. The paper also examined the passivism or activism of the two major religions: Christianity and Islam in seeking socio-political justice and control in the political activities of Nigeria and the aftermath of this power play in the affairs of governance. Lastly, the paper critiqued the effect of religious involvement in either promoting or reducing socio-religious and political crisis in contemporary Nigerian society. The paper adopted the historical and descriptive research methods and argues that the present religious violence and political instability, is predicated by the “divide and rule” and the pretentious “amalgamation” policy of the Colonial Administrators that favoured the North against the South. The seed planted by the Colonial Administrators before Independence is what has gradually grown into a monster that is threatening the peaceful co-existence of the Nigerian State. The paper concludes that to restore peaceful co-existence in a heterogeneous State like Nigeria, there is need for a realistic constitutional amendment that will truly reflect the heterogeneous secular nature of Nigeria and consider the wishes of the Federating units and by addressing the political, religious and other social-economic issues that are threatening the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria society and guarantee every religious group equality before the law

Retirees and Pension Scheme in Nigeria: Some Socio-Ethical Implications

Life after retirement is to some people the most dreaded period of their life because of the uncertainty that surrounds it. Even with proper planning by way of contributory pension scheme during one’s active period in service, the uncertainty of both the political and economic policies in the country makes the future of pensioners and the aged very bleak and unpredictable. The delay in payment and the administrative bottle neck creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity physically, psychologically, economically, socially and emotionally among most employees in Nigeria. Their fear is justified by the incessant corruption scam that has bedeviled the pension scheme in Nigeria over the years. The paper investigated Some Socio-Ethical Implications of Corruption on Retirees, using the management of the Pension Scheme in Nigeria as a case study. The study discovered the multiple negative effect of corruption on retirees to include frustration, depression and poverty that has led to untimely death of many pensioners who gave their all to the nation and were neglected and abandoned after retirement. Many died because their gratuities were not paid; even their monthly pensions that they depended so much on were scarcely paid on time. Some of their adult children who would have taken care of them are unemployed, some are married and taking care of their own families and their responsibility does not allow them take care of their parents as it was in the African traditional setting. The study recommended that the appointment of pension manager should be apolitical and that persons of credible, impeccable and uncompromising track record of honesty and sincerity be appointed as pension manager to reduce the plight of the aged in Nigeria

Socio-Religious and Political Activism in Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis of Christians and Muslim Responses

Nigeria is multi-cultural and multi-religious country with two major religions, Christianity and Islam, each competing and claiming superiority and  dominance over each other in number and in might. This claim of  superiority as well as dominance has served as the foundation for religious intolerance and several socio-religious crises and violence that have bedevilled Nigeria since Independence in 1 st October, 1960.Though sometimes concealed in political garment, it is usually motivated by religious bigotry. The objective of this paper is to first, provide a historical overview of the background that has influenced the socio-religious and political activism in Nigeria since independence and examine the passivism or activism of the two religions in seeking socio-political justice and control in the political activities of Nigeria and the aftermath of this power play in the affairs of governance. Lastly, the study will critique the effect of religious involvement in either promoting or reducing socioreligious crises and violence in contemporary Nigerian society. The paper adopted the historical and analytical research methods and has submitted that religious worldviews and beliefs are the major determinants of socioreligious and socio-political violence in Nigeria and therefore recommends a kind of integrative religious education at all levels which must include religious tolerance for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.Keywords: Christianity, Islam, Social, Religious, Political, Activism, Violence, Nigeri

Christian Response to Reproductive Technologies: A Case Study of Artificial Insemination

The scientific method of artificial insemination is one of the reproductive technology that came into widespread use some decades ago. With this method, some couples with fertility problems can now have children through artificial insemination; a process where concentrated male semen is introduced into the female reproductive system artificially in the clinic for childbearing. The increasing cases of childlessness, infertility or barrenness among married couples and request from the homosexuals (gay and lesbians) have given rise to high demand for artificial insemination. Today, there are commercial sperm banks that store frozen sperms for sell to those who need them. This artificial method of childbearing has generated serious controversy among theologians, bioethical and Christian scholars. Artificial insemination has indeed given hope to many couples globally whose marriages were threatened due to the problem of barrenness, childlessness or reproductive malfunctioning. The major Christian and ethical concern is that the process is artificial and manipulative rather than being natural. This paper aims to examine the biblical perspective of this phenomenal scientific breakthrough and show whether or not artificial insemination is compatible with the Christian doctrine of marriage and childbearing. The research method adopted is descriptive, using secondary materials from journals, textbooks and websites to elucidate the points. The study reveals that there is no consensuses agreement on the issue of reproductive technology among Christian scholars and the biblical interpretation of some related passages are not explicit on issues of reproductive technology. The study, therefore, recommends a more natural way of treating the issues of infertility, barrenness and childlessness by investigating into the causes of infertility and proffer a curative solution rather than resort into masturbation and commercialization of human sperm and egg

Exploring Geospatial Distribution and Visitor Patronage of Tourism Attractions in Calabar, Nigeria

This study examined the geographical distribution, classification, and visitor patronage patterns of tourist attractions in Calabar, Nigeria. Additionally, the study utilised both primary and secondary data sources. The research employed descriptive, inferential, and spatial analytical techniques to interpret the collected data. Results underscored a prevalent clustering of attractions along major transit routes. The attractions were categorized based on distinct attributes, and key determinants such as safety, interests, experiences, accessibility, and affordability were found to influence visitor choices significantly. In light of these findings, the study advocates for developing integrated tourist routes, diversifying attractions, exploring untapped markets, and enhancing safety and security measures to foster sustainable tourism growth in Calabar

GUIDE AGAINST ELDERLY ABUSE AMONG THE EFIK PEOPLE OF SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA: AN EXAMINATION OF EXODUS 20:12

Elderly abuse is an issue that has not been given much attention particularly among the Efik speaking people of South-South, Nigeria. The unjust and abusive treatment given generally to the elderly is gradually on the increase in the 21st century. The growing number of parents experiencing abuse, violence and insult in contemporary Efik society by caregivers or sometimes their children desire some attention. Today, since most elderly persons are not seen as breadwinners of the family, they are regarded as not being important and as such, not given the same respect as they deserve. This paper examines the biblical injunction of Exodus 20:12 to honour one's father and mother and its implication among the Efik People of South-South, Nigeria. God through Moses gave the children of Israel some moral laws that guided their relationship with the aged and elderly. The commandment in Exodus 20:12 to honour one's father and mother were primarily to protect them from abuse and neglect. Similarly, among the Efik people, some moral laws protected the aged and the elderly from possible abuse. This obligatory respect for the aged which was a panacea for family stability in the patriarchal period and Efik traditional setting is gradually losing its relevance in contemporary times. This cultural shift calls for reinvigoration in an attempt to stop elderly abuse among the Efik people. The paper adopted the qualitative research method using the hermeneutical and historical approach and discovered that globalization, urbanization and poverty have contributed in no small measure to the devaluing respect that the Efik people had for the aged and recommends the introduction of gerontology as part of civic education in Primary and Secondary schools to recapture these values.</jats:p

Socio-religious and political activism in Nigeria: a comparative analysis of Christians and Muslim responses

Nigeria is multi-cultural and multi-religious country with two major religions, Christianity and Islam, each competing and claiming superiority and dominance over each other in number and in might. This claim of superiority as well as dominance has served as the foundation for religious intolerance and several socio-religious crises and violence that have bedevilled Nigeria since Independence in 1st October, 1960.Though sometimes concealed in political garment, it is usually motivated by religious bigotry. The objective of this paper is to first, provide a historical overview of the background that has influenced the socio-religious and political activism in Nigeria since independence and examine the passivism or activism of the two religions in seeking socio-political justice and control in the political activities of Nigeria and the aftermath of this power play in the affairs of governance. Lastly, the study will critique the effect of religious involvement in either promoting or reducing socio-religious crises and violence in contemporary Nigerian society. The paper adopted the historical and analytical research methods and has submitted that religious worldviews and beliefs are the major determinants of socio-religious and socio-political violence in Nigeria and therefore recommends a kind of integrative religious education at all levels which must include religious tolerance for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.Keywords: Christianity, Islam, Social, Religious, Political, Activism, Violence, Nigeri

A Comparative Study of the concept of sin in Christianity and Efik Traditional Religion of South-South, Nigeria

Sin is a universal phenomenon which is common to every society whether primitive or civilized. Every society has a concept of sin and it is this concept that regulates their morality and human conduct. For the Efik people, sin is not seen as a separation, rebellion or transgression of God's law as in the case of the Bible. Neither is it just the breaking of the law or disobedience to God but disturbances to the cosmic order, a disruption or distortion of the divine order. Sin is seen as behaviour against the society, against the cosmic order and a breach of societal equilibrium. In contrast, Christianity teaches that human beings were created in the image of God to love, serve and worship Him but that it is sin of disobedience which separated human beings from God, bringing judgment and death to humanity; hence the need for a new kind of birth or salvation in Christ. However, the religious and social attitudes and practices which amount to sins, the categorization, dimensions and sanctions seem to have some bearing with Efik tradition religion. This work is aimed at surveying the concept of sin, the etymological meaning and the general usage of the word "sin" both in Christianity and the Efik traditional religion and compared same, pointed out the differences and the effects it has on the contemporary Efik Christians. The paper adopted the descriptive approach and used content analysis and empirical studies methods of collecting data for the research. The study revealed that even though Efik Traditional religion has a strong correlation with the Christian concept of sin, their meaning and perception are different. Keywords: Sin, Christianity, Efik Traditional Religion, Behaviour, Morality, Transgressio

Christian Response to Reproductive Technologies: A Case Study of Artificial Insemination

The scientific method of artificial insemination is one of the reproductive technology that came into widespread use some decades ago. With this method, some couples with fertility problems can now have children through artificial insemination; a process where concentrated male semen is introduced into the female reproductive system artificially in the clinic for childbearing. The increasing cases of childlessness, infertility or barrenness among married couples and request from the homosexuals (gay and lesbians) have given rise to high demand for artificial insemination. Today, there are commercial sperm banks that store frozen sperms for sell to those who need them. This artificial method of childbearing has generated serious controversy among theologians, bioethical and Christian scholars. Artificial insemination has indeed given hope to many couples globally whose marriages were threatened due to the problem of barrenness, childlessness or reproductive malfunctioning. The major Christian and ethical concern is that the process is artificial and manipulative rather than being natural. This paper aims to examine the biblical perspective of this phenomenal scientific breakthrough and show whether or not artificial insemination is compatible with the Christian doctrine of marriage and childbearing. The research method adopted is descriptive, using secondary materials from journals, textbooks and websites to elucidate the points. The study reveals that there is no consensuses agreement on the issue of reproductive technology among Christian scholars and the biblical interpretation of some related passages are not explicit on issues of reproductive technology. The study, therefore, recommends a more natural way of treating the issues of infertility, barrenness and childlessness by investigating into the causes of infertility and proffer a curative solution rather than resort into masturbation and commercialization of human sperm and egg.</jats:p