Muslim-Christian conflict and political instability in Nigeria
This paper identifies some of the causes of the current Muslim-Christian tension in Nigeria and suggests how it might be halted for the sake of national survival and stability. There are three broad causes of Muslim-Christian conflict in Nigeria: the resurgence of rival fundamentalist and reformist...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Northwestern University Press
1992
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| In: |
Religion and national integration in Africa
Year: 1992, Pages: 101-123 |
| Further subjects: | B
National unity
B Religious conflict B Islam B Fundamentalism B Ideology B Religion B Christian B Islam and politics B Nigeria B Muslim |
| Summary: | This paper identifies some of the causes of the current Muslim-Christian tension in Nigeria and suggests how it might be halted for the sake of national survival and stability. There are three broad causes of Muslim-Christian conflict in Nigeria: the resurgence of rival fundamentalist and reformist ideologies, Christian as well as Muslim; the spread of Saudi Arabian and Western cultural imperialism; and the politicization and manipulation of religion by some Nigerian political entrepreneurs. The disputes over Sharia and the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) are mere manifestations and not the cause of the conflict. It should be recognized that Islam and Christianity were founded on two distinct and opposing religious ideologies and that the mere declaration that Nigeria is a secular State is not enough to bridge this ideological gulf. To build a truly multireligious nation, therefore, it is necessary to counteract those sentiments that breed religious arrogance. Nigerians must decide whether they want a theocratic State or a modern nation-State, whether they prefer religious revivalism to scientific and technological advancement, and, above all, whether they prefer several independent countries, some Islamic and others Christian, to one strong multireligious nation. (Documentatieblad/ASC Leiden) |
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| ISBN: | 0810110377 |
| Contains: | In: Religion and national integration in Africa
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