Common Religious Values in Christianity and Islam as Bases for Unity in Nigeria
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Date
2018
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University of Ilorin Library and Publications Committee
Abstract
Muslims and Christians have been living together in Nigeria as citizens for many years, more especially after independence. However, over the years, their relationship has been fraught with mistrust and occasional violence. This hostile relationship persists despite the fact that both religions are of Abrahamic origin with virtually same moral values. But the recent anti-gay law passed by the National Assembly has helped to unveil one of the common moral values upon which both religions agree, which is immoral nature of homosexuality. This paper discusses the positive reactions of some religious bodies belonging to Islam and Christianity in Nigeria to the antigay law which is symptomatic of the agreement of both religions on some common moral values. To achieve the objective of this paper, comparative and historical methods are employed. The paper finds that the positive reactions of umbrella Muslim and Christian bodies in Nigeria to the antigay law (same-sex marriage) passed by the Nigerian government, though accidental, are hinged on the fact that homosexuality is considered an abominable act in Christianity and Islam. It concludes by recommending that both Muslims and Christians should explore more of such common moral values in their respective religions with a view to leveraging on same to jointly fight social vices such as corruption in the country. This way, religion will be performing its fundamental role as a moralising and stabilising agent in the society.
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Keywords
Christianity, Islam, Moral Values, Nigeria