Date of Award

Spring 5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA Theology

Department

Theology

Advisor

Fr. Joseph R. Laracy

Advisor

Msgr. Ray Kupke

Keywords

Mission, Dialogue, Crisis, Inter-religious, Evangelization, and Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

Today, Nigeria is home for both Christians and Muslims. Before the arrival of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria, there was the indigenous African Traditional Religion (ATR). The different cultures, tribes, or ethnic groups in Nigeria had different modes of worship and religious practices in the light of this African Traditional Religion. Today, many Nigerians are either Muslims or Christians. Christianity and Islam have now dominated African Traditional Religion. Trade played a significant role in the transportation and establishment of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria. Northern Nigeria began to have contact with Islam between the ninth and eleventh centuries, while southern Nigeria began to have contact with Christianity around the fifteenth century.

Christianity and Islam are missionary religions by nature, and they are oriented toward evangelization for new converts. The quest for new converts was integral to both religions. Islam and Christianity had a common goal in Nigeria: to convert African Traditionalists, members of the African Traditional Religion. This led to a clash of interest between Christianity and Islam that has created tension, suspicion, and doubt among Christians and Muslims in Nigeria leading to religious violence and crises, even to present day. It seems that the gap between Christians and Muslims today is getting wider. The question is: What can Muslims and Christians do to decrease the tension between them? The clarion call for synergy among Christians and Muslims for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria is pertinent.

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Available for download on Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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