Project – IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION ON UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Christian communication plays a critical role in shaping religious experiences and fostering unity among believers, particularly in multi-ethnic and diverse nations like Nigeria. The country is home to a significant Christian population, predominantly divided between Catholics, Pentecostals, Evangelicals, and other denominations. This diversity, while enriching, often presents challenges for inter-denominational unity. Christian communication, defined here as the sharing of messages, ideas, and values within the Christian community, plays a pivotal role in bridging divides and promoting a sense of shared identity among believers (Ayegboyin, 2013). Research by Okoro (2017) highlights that effective Christian communication can reduce doctrinal misunderstandings and encourage collaboration between denominations, thus contributing to the overall unity of the body of Christ in Nigeria.

One of the major contributions of Christian communication in fostering unity is the role of mass media in spreading gospel messages that transcend denominational boundaries. According to Adegbola (2015), Christian broadcasting networks in Nigeria, such as the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Radio Nigeria’s Christian programming, have become vital tools for promoting inter-denominational dialogue and understanding. These media outlets allow Christians from different backgrounds to engage with shared messages of peace, love, and unity, promoting mutual respect. In a diverse and often polarized society like Nigeria, these media platforms have the power to shape perceptions of religious unity, offering a space where the Christian message is presented in ways that resonate with all believers, regardless of their denominational affiliations (Gumede, 2019).

Theological education also plays a significant role in Christian communication for unity in Nigeria. Seminaries, Bible colleges, and theological institutions have historically provided a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange across denominational lines. Scholars such as Akinyemi (2020) argue that inter-denominational seminars and conferences foster an atmosphere of collaboration among Christian leaders, helping to de-emphasize theological differences and focus on shared Christian values. This form of communication, whether verbal in nature or through written materials, allows for doctrinal clarification, making it easier for Christians to navigate controversial issues while preserving unity. Moreover, these settings create opportunities for Christian leaders to jointly address pressing social issues, such as poverty, corruption, and violence, which further strengthens the collective Christian identity.

Despite the positive influence of Christian communication on unity, there are significant challenges to achieving a truly unified Christian body in Nigeria. As highlighted by Adogame (2014), denominationalism remains a strong force, with churches often prioritizing their specific traditions and interpretations of scripture over broader Christian unity. This is compounded by the competition for followers and resources in a country where Christianity is growing rapidly. This competition sometimes leads to miscommunication, mistrust, and even hostility between denominations. Furthermore, the diverse socio-political landscape of Nigeria, with its ethnic, cultural, and regional divisions, often exacerbates intra-Christian conflicts. Christian communication, in these instances, can be a double-edged sword, potentially perpetuating divisions rather than fostering unity if not strategically managed.

In response to these challenges, several Christian organizations in Nigeria have embarked on initiatives to promote intra-Christian communication aimed at bridging divides. For example, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has sponsored joint pilgrimages for Christians from various denominations to the Holy Land, facilitating dialogue and understanding among participants (Bamisaye, 2018). Additionally, Christian ecumenical councils such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) play an important role in coordinating communication across denominations and advocating for a collective Christian voice in the country’s public sphere. These platforms not only facilitate dialogue on theological and doctrinal issues but also enable Christians to present a united front on national issues such as governance, human rights, and social justice (Okoro, 2017).

Overall, the impact of Christian communication on unity among Christians in Nigeria is multifaceted. While significant progress has been made through media, theological education, and ecumenical efforts, challenges persist due to denominational rivalry and socio-political factors. However, the potential of Christian communication to bring about greater unity remains strong, as long as it is used strategically to emphasize shared values and common goals. In the face of Nigeria’s complex religious and socio-political landscape, it is clear that fostering unity within the Christian community requires ongoing dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to promoting peace and understanding. This holistic approach to Christian communication holds promise for deeper unity among Christians in Nigeria, making them a powerful force for good in society.

 

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Christianity in Nigeria is characterized by a diverse range of denominations, each with its own theological orientation, practices, and traditions. This religious pluralism, while enriching, has often led to divisions within the broader Christian community, creating barriers to unity. Despite shared beliefs in core Christian doctrines such as the divinity of Christ, salvation through faith, and the authority of scripture, the deep theological and doctrinal differences between denominations—ranging from Catholicism, Protestantism, Pentecostalism, and indigenous Christian movements—often hinder collaborative efforts. The impact of these divisions on the broader unity of Christians in Nigeria is a pressing issue that warrants a thorough exploration, especially in a country where the Christian population is growing rapidly and the potential for collective social action is high.

One of the primary factors contributing to disunity among Nigerian Christians is the limited communication between denominations. Religious leaders, congregational members, and theological institutions often engage in communication that is confined to their specific denominational contexts, reinforcing boundaries rather than fostering understanding. While the use of media, educational platforms, and public events have the potential to bridge these gaps, these tools are not always effectively employed to promote inter-denominational unity. Christian communication, in its broadest sense, refers not only to the delivery of religious messages but also to the mechanisms through which shared values and beliefs can be communicated across denominational lines. There is a significant gap in research examining how Christian communication can be optimized to foster a culture of unity and understanding among the various Christian communities in Nigeria.

Despite the potential of Christian communication to bring believers together, denominationalism remains deeply entrenched in Nigerian Christian culture. The competition for followers and resources, the emphasis on doctrinal purity, and the desire for ecclesiastical power often exacerbate divisions. The resulting communication patterns, such as the spread of derogatory or divisive messages about rival denominations, contribute to the fragmentation of the Christian community. Furthermore, Christians are often more focused on theological differences than on common goals related to social justice, peacebuilding, and community development, which are central to the Christian faith. The lack of meaningful dialogue between denominations often leads to a scenario where Christians may find themselves in conflict rather than collaboration, diminishing their collective impact on national issues.

In addition to doctrinal and theological divisions, Nigeria’s complex socio-political environment poses another challenge to Christian unity. The country’s ethnic, regional, and cultural diversity influences the way Christians communicate and interact within their own communities and with others. Religious tensions, political affiliations, and ethnic loyalties often exacerbate divisions within the Christian faith. For instance, political and economic instability, violence, and religious extremism have at times led to mistrust between Christians of different backgrounds. The growing presence of Pentecostalism, for example, has introduced new theological and ecclesiastical practices that sometimes clash with traditional Protestant and Catholic norms. The challenge, therefore, is how Christian communication can transcend these socio-political and regional divides to foster genuine unity in the face of such challenges.

The role of Christian media in Nigeria cannot be overlooked in this context. While Christian broadcasting outlets and digital platforms have the capacity to reach a broad audience and share messages of hope and unity, there is a lack of coordinated effort to use these platforms for the express purpose of building inter-denominational unity. Instead, Christian media often amplifies denominational perspectives, sometimes deepening divisions rather than promoting collective understanding. This creates a situation where Christian media is often used as a tool for reinforcing distinct religious identities rather than as a means of fostering dialogue and collaboration. It is crucial to understand how Christian communication, particularly through media, can be reoriented to serve the broader goal of unity and collective Christian action in Nigeria.

Thus, the problem this study seeks to address is the gap in understanding the impact of Christian communication on fostering unity among Christians in Nigeria. While there is growing recognition of the importance of Christian unity for social transformation, there is limited scholarly focus on how communication—whether through traditional media, digital platforms, theological education, or inter-denominational events—can be leveraged to enhance this unity. This study will explore the current state of Christian communication in Nigeria, identify the barriers to effective communication between denominations, and provide recommendations on how Christian communication can be strategically employed to promote a stronger, more united Christian community in the country. The ultimate aim is to foster a unity that enables Christians in Nigeria to work together for common good, despite their denominational differences.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of Christian Communication on Unity among Christians in Nigeria. The specific objectives are:

1. To analyze the various forms of Christian communication used within the Christian community in Nigeria.
2. To assess the level of unity among Christians in Nigeria.
3. To examine the role of Christian communication in promoting unity among Christians in Nigeria.
4. To identify any challenges or barriers to effective Christian communication within the Christian community in Nigeria.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the various forms of Christian communication used within the Christian community in Nigeria?
2. What is the level of unity among Christians in Nigeria?
3. How does Christian communication promote unity among Christians in Nigeria?
4. What are the challenges or barriers to effective Christian communication within the Christian community in Nigeria?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Christian communication will not promote unity among Christians in Nigeria

H1: Christian communication will promote unity among Christians in Nigeria

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of Christian communication in fostering unity among Christians in Nigeria. Nigeria, with its diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, faces numerous challenges, including interdenominational divisions among Christian communities. These divisions often manifest in conflicts and misunderstandings, which hinder the ability of Christians to present a unified front in addressing national issues. By exploring how Christian communication can bridge these gaps, this study aims to provide insights that could enhance the collective efforts of the Christian community in Nigeria towards achieving greater unity and collaboration.

Christian communication, in the context of this study, refers not only to the traditional forms of communication like preaching and pastoral teachings but also to modern communication platforms such as social media, Christian broadcasting, and online discussions. As the digital age continues to shape the way people communicate, understanding how these mediums impact Christian unity becomes even more crucial. The study seeks to assess whether these communication channels foster more understanding and cooperation or whether they deepen existing divisions within the Christian community. Insights from this research could help church leaders, communicators, and Christian organizations optimize their communication strategies to promote peace and unity.

Another significant aspect of the study is its potential to inform the development of more effective communication policies and practices within Christian organizations. Many Nigerian churches are led by charismatic figures whose influence can greatly shape congregational attitudes. By highlighting how leaders communicate, both in-person and through digital media, the study could identify best practices for fostering unity. Church leaders could benefit from understanding the impact of their messages, tones, and the manner in which they engage with followers, especially when addressing sensitive issues that may trigger division. Ultimately, this could lead to more thoughtful, inclusive, and effective communication strategies that prioritize unity.

The study is also significant because it has the potential to influence the broader societal discourse on religion and conflict in Nigeria. Nigeria is a multi-religious society with a history of religious tensions, particularly between Christians and Muslims. The Christian community, though often seen as a minority in some northern states, plays a critical role in the nation’s peacebuilding efforts. By demonstrating how improved Christian communication can contribute to internal unity, this study could offer a model for other religious groups in Nigeria to emulate. It could also provide a template for interfaith dialogue, where communication strategies are carefully designed to foster mutual respect and understanding across different religious divides.

Furthermore, this research is significant in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing social and political challenges. Christian unity, when effectively communicated, can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy on issues that affect the welfare of the broader society, such as poverty alleviation, human rights, and social justice. If Christians in Nigeria can overcome internal divisions through strategic communication, they could present a stronger, more cohesive voice when addressing national issues. This could lead to more meaningful participation in national governance, development programs, and social justice initiatives, which are essential for the country’s overall progress.

Finally, the findings of this study could have global relevance, especially in other parts of Africa or in countries where Christianity is practiced amidst a backdrop of ethnic or political conflict. Nigeria, being one of the most populous and religiously diverse nations in Africa, serves as a key case study for understanding the dynamics between religious communication and unity. By examining the Nigerian context, the study offers valuable lessons for Christian communities globally on the importance of effective communication in promoting peace and cooperation, making it a significant contribution to the broader field of religious communication studies.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of Christian Communication on Unity among Christians in Nigeria. The study is limited to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos Chapter.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Impact: The termimpact refers to the significant or noticeable effect or influence that something has on a person, group, situation, or environment. In the context of this study, “impact” refers to the way Christian communication influences or shapes the unity among Christians in Nigeria, either positively or negatively.
2. Christian Communication: Christian communication encompasses all forms of communication used within the Christian community to convey the message of the Christian faith, engage believers, and foster spiritual growth. This includes preaching, teaching, and counseling, as well as the use of media such as radio, television, social media, and digital platforms. Christian communication also involves how church leaders, organizations, and individual believers interact and share information with one another, with the aim of spreading the Gospel and maintaining fellowship and unity within the faith community.
3. Unity:Unity refers to the state of being united or joined as a whole, in contrast to being divided or fragmented. In the context of Christianity, unity refers to the harmonious relationship and cooperation among Christians, irrespective of denominational differences, ethnic backgrounds, or cultural distinctions. It embodies a shared commitment to common beliefs, goals, and values, particularly in the mission of spreading the Gospel, supporting one another, and working towards societal and spiritual well-being.
4. Christians:Christians are individuals who adhere to the teachings of Christianity, a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity, whose death and resurrection offer salvation from sin. The Christian community includes people from various denominations (e.g., Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox) and various cultural and geographical backgrounds, united by their faith in Christ.
5. Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN): TheChristian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is the umbrella body that represents and coordinates the interests of Christians in Nigeria. It was formed in 1976 with the goal of promoting religious freedom, unity, and welfare of Christians in Nigeria. CAN works to address religious and social issues, advocate for the protection of Christian rights, and facilitate collaboration among different Christian denominations in Nigeria. It serves as a voice for Christians in political, social, and cultural matters, aiming to foster peaceful coexistence among different religious communities within Nigeria.

Project – IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION ON UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA