NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLES OF THE CHURCH (VOLUME 2) - Edited by Donald A. Odeleye, PHD

NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLES OF THE CHURCH
VOLUME 2
Edited by
Donald A. Odeleye, PhD
SCIENCE AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, NIGERIA
Knowledge for Global Development

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Copyright 2016 SEDInst

All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be
made without written permission.
This first edition published 2016 by

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, NIGERIA (SEDInst)
2 Church Avenue, Oke Eri Quarters
Oba Ile
P.O.Box 214, Akure
Ondo State
Nigeria
+2348122469297
ISBN: 978-978-52231-9-4

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LIST OF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
PRESIDENT
Francis Olawale Abulude
Science and Education Development Institute, Akure, Nigeria
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Balogun G. A. Sanni
Saag Chemical (Nig.) Ltd., Lagos State, Nigeria
Prof. Mohammad S. Mubarak

University of Jordan, Amman-11942, JORDAN
Prof. T. T. Adebolu
Federal University of Technology, Ondo State, Akure, Nigeria
Prof. Francisco Torrens

Universitat de Valncia, Edificid'Instituts de Paterna, Valncia, Spain
Hon. Niyi Jones Akinyugha

Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Prof. V. A. Aletor
Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria
Mr. Sola Akitimehin

Akinrinaye Street, Ilesha Garage, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Prof. E. A. Aderinola
Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

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Table of Contents
Preface
vi
The Editor
viii
The Contributors
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Christian Youths and Sustainable National Development

- Donald A. Odeleye
The Role of Prophecy on National Sustainable Development

(Proverb 29 Verse 18) - Olajide James Ayanfe
12
Idolatry: A Disdain of 21st Century to National Sustainable

Development: The Role of the Church - Oludare Busayo M. O
16
National Sustainable Development: The Role of the Church

Temitope Bello and Eunice O. Osakinle
39
Revitalizing Church to Regain Traditional Role in

National Development - Naveed Shibli, Saira Yousaf
51
Wisdom: Key Requirement needed for a Nation to be

Sustainable Developed Abulude, F.O and Abulude, O.J.
58
The Role of Church in Maintaining Peace as a Means

of National Sustainable Development - Elijah Odunayo Otokola
67
Church as an Agent of Development: Some Experiences

From Port Harcourt, Nigeria - David E. Eighemhenrio
76
Analysis of the End Time - Joseph Oluwarotimi Aje
88

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PREFACE
Some opinion holders have harangued that being the largest Black Country in the world,
Nigeria may be the next world power. Successive Nigerian governments have desired to
have Nigeria a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and to be listed
among worlds 20 strongest economies by 2020. Such desires have been matched with
almost flawless planning but something almost always go wrong at the execution of such
lofty agendas.
A cursory look at Nigeria, reputed to have over 160million population, depicts the
peoples as intensely religious, worshipping varied deities and demonstrating uncommon
passion and commitment to their chosen faith but divided along tribal, religious and
socio-economic lines. Since exponents of religion contend that religions are intended to
infuse divinity into humanity, making humans less barbaric and more humane in their
relationships with one another, it is expected that there would be some cultural overflow
of religious legacies into the psychosocial and political atmosphere of the country. This
was certainly the case in the early years of Nigerias independence. This was a time of
relative peace, a season devoid of armed banditry and pen robbery as we see since the
1980s.
Given the present scenario of underdevelopment of Nigeria coupled with negative image
peddled about Nigerians in the diaspora and prevailing religious bigotry, it becomes
expedient to review the place of Christianity (which incidentally is the foremost in terms
of spread and influence) in sustainable national development in Nigeria. Globally,
Christian nations seem to fair better socioeconomically and politically than others. It is
also taken in Nigeria that Christians are the more educated, perhaps more exposed than
other religious adherents. The Bible also list Christians as the light of the world and the
salt of the earth.
The premise here is that as the Church became engrossed in materialistic cares of the
world system, she became an offence to God, thus persecution became a pattern more in
Northern Nigeria and is fast spreading even to traditional Christian enclaves in southern
Nigeria today. Darkness naturally takes centre stage whenever light recedes, so is the
case of Nigeria in contemporary times. Moral conscience for which many of the tribes
and races were known for has become strange to the succeeding generations. Thus, it is
commonplace today for cult groups and witchcraft societies to flaunt their paraphernalia
publicly, acts which were not socially acceptable in the yesteryears.
To whom much is given, much is expected. If Christianity gave United Kingdom, United
States of America and other western nations of the world a head start, in sustainable

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socio-economic and political development, over other nations of the world, Nigeria may
also leverage the Christian faith for her development, which has been more of a mirage
for succeeding governments. All depends on the moral courage and readiness of the
Church to carve a niche for herself in the sands of time. Repentance is the key to revival
and revamping Nigeria and her ailing economy.
This well-articulated book, Role of the Church in Sustainable National Development,
seeks to answer the question of bringing Nigeria out of the woods utilising the
instrumentality of Christianity. Starting out from the place of prophecy in national
development, a lot has been said concerning the place of Nigeria in Gods end time
programme. It will take only a revived, purposeful and united church to make the Word
of God a reality for Nigeria. Christian youths must begin to showcase Christ for others to
see and come to the light of Christ. This book is a must-have for everyone who is
depressed about the present state of the black man and seriously wants answers to the
question, What is the matter with the black man? The glorious light of the gospel must
begin to shine all over for the present darkness to be wiped out. The end of this age is at
hand; in order not to be caught napping when Jesus Christ returns the second time, we
need to set our lives, families, and indeed our country Nigeria in order.
Prof Donald Abidemi Odeleye, PhD Ife

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THE EDITOR
Donald A. Odeleye is a professor of Guidance and Counselling at the Lead City

University, Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. Also, an ordained minister of the gospel, Donald
Odeleye is a serving District Overseer with Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. He is
a pastor of pastors and has been a mentor to hundreds of youths in and out of the church
and has an encyclopedic understanding of the Bible. Prof. Odeleye has published over
sixty articles in peer reviewed journals and is a much-sought conference speaker on
Marriage and Parenting. He is happily married with children.
THE CONTRIBUTORS
Olajide James Ayanfe is one of the assembly pastors at the Church of the Livingstone,
Akure, Ondo State. He is a marriage counselor and church and business administrator.
He is a trained teacher and banker. He had delivered series of lectures on youth and
marriage. He is happily married with Gods heritages.
Oludare Busayo M. O is an ordained music minister and of the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ, currently serving with The Redeemed Christian Church of God Ondo 8. He is a
graduate of The Redeemed Christian Bible College and The School of Disciples of The
Redeemed Christian Church of God with the Headquarters at Lagos. He attended De
Emmanson School of Worship in Lagos and He is a full member of Emmanson Mobile
Praise Clinic Team. He is an academic graduate from University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State,
and Osun State College of Education, Ilesa. He is the Director of The Oasis of Praise
Ministerial School an ecumenical body saddled with the teaching and leading of
churches in Gospel and music Education. He is a man of integrity who stands for moral
justice and social discipline. Presently, he is works as a teacher of Health Science at
Preston International School, Akure, Ondo State. He is happily married with children.
Temitope Bello is a PhD holder. He lectures at the Religious Studies Department of Ekiti
State University, Ado Ekiti. He is a seasoned man of God, who has headed many churches
in Nigeria. As a lecturer he has published many academic papers in reputable journals
throughout the universe. He has presented papers at seminars, conferences and
workshops.
Eunice O. Osakinle pursued her first degree in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She
obtained a Masters degree and a Ph.D in guidance and counselling from Ondo State
University (now Ekiti State University) in Nigeria. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at
the Ekiti State University. She has attended conferences both local (Nigeria) and
international in Canada, USA, UK, India to mention but a few. She also has about 72
articles published in both local and international Journals. Her research interest is gender
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and reproductive health issues.

Naveed Shibli
Professor Dr. Naveed Shibli 57 born in Faisalabad Pakistan and presently is serving as
Head Department of Psychology Riphah International University Faisalabad, a University
known for its Psychology degree in Master of Philosophy. He has served Pakistan Air
Force as Squadron Leader earlier. He is recipient of Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chief
of Air Staffs commendation certificates for his professional works. He has authored a
few books, his recent monograph entitled Psychology through Brain Prism is known
in the international world. He is the one who floated the idea of Christ Land a sovereign
Christian and Jewish state within subcontinent as Hindu and Muslim states India and
Pakistan already exist in subcontinent. He has authored more than 23 research papers
and addressed many scientific conferences as well. He served GC University Faisalabad
as Director Advanced Studies for a year. He is a known journalist as well as a poet. He
is now serving as editor daily E a s y English. He also founded and introduced first
mental health education programs in Pakistani electronic media entitled Psych Clinic
from Ptv in 1987. His wife is a retired Ptv employee and his twin daughter and son
both are studying medicine abroad. During his PAF stay he h a s served a f e w
court marshals as judge, and defense as well as attended more than 50 Board of
inquiries as President and Member. He twice served as member Aircraft Investigation
Boards one of these was fatal in that way he is one of the pioneers in legal, aviation
and forensic psychology in Pakistan Sigmund Freud is his ideal personality moreover
Jews and Brahmins as ancient human groups are his special focus as social scientist.
David E. Eighemhenrio, PhD works with the Environmental and Resources
Management, Centre for Research, Leadership and Human Development (CRELHUD),
Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is a lecturer, mentor and seasoned church planter.
Joseph Oluwarotimi Aje
He is an Agricultural Engineer by profession. He works with Federal College of
Agriculture Akure. He is a member of American Society of Agricultural and Biological
Engineers and Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers (A Division of Nigerian
Society of Engineers). To cap this, he is the Pastor in-charge of C.A.C. Powerline Ugele,
Akure. He is an outstanding teacher of Gods word. He has written three books: Godly
Man Ceaseth, The Secret Place and Red Pottage also published in local and international
journals. He is the coordinator of Family Powerline Prayer Time. He ministers in
churches, fellowships and conferences. He is happily married with children.

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Abulude Olufunke Joke is a reverend in the vineyard of God. She is the founder of
Domain of Christ Covenant Ministry, Oba Ile, Akure. She is also a trained teacher of
repute. In the ministry God put her in charge, emphasize is on evangelism. She has
ministered in many churches, fellowship centers and conferences.
Elijah Odunayo Otokola
He is a child of God, a season preacher and lecturer at Christ Apostolic Church
Theological Seminary, Ilesa campus, born in Ibadan, Oyo State. He is an alumnus of
Christ School Ado Ekiti, Mary Hill Boys High School Ado Ekiti, Federal Polytechnic Ado
Ekiti, ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, University of Ado Ekiti and Olabisi Onabanjo
University, Ago Iwoye. He is married and blessed with children. He has published many
articles in local and international journals.
Saira Yousaf
She is in charge of Department of Psychology University of Sargodha, Faisalabad
Pakistan Women Campus. She has been teaching at UOS since 2013. Apart from teaching,
she coordinates clinical placements of Trainee Clinical Psychologists at different
hospitals. She has published many research papers in international journals and coauthored many books. She is a practicing Clinical Psychologist and maintains her own
clinic.
Abulude Francis Olawale is a member of Domain of Christ Covenant Ministry, Oba Ile,
Akure, Ondo State. Presently, he is a PhD candidate of Department of Chemistry, Faculty
of Science, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Mr Abulude
holds the Certificate of Theology, CAC Babajide School of Prophets and Evangelists, Ilesa.
He has published academic papers both in local and international journals. He is married
with children.

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CHAPTER ONE
CHRISTIAN YOUTHS AND SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Donald A. Odeleye
Foursquare Gospel Church, Omoluabi, Ibadan,
Oyo State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Over the ages, young people have always been the bastion of change and
growth of nations, cultures and economies. Youths bring innovation and
novelty into life. Inventions across cultures have been attributed to youths. In
the church, virtually at all times and periods, youths have been its source of
strength and continuity. In the history of Gods people, several young persons
have at various times ruled and directed their affairs. The Saviour of the world,
Jesus Christ of Nazareth was a youth. Christian youths are better placed than
their other counterparts because they come from the vintage position of being
light to the world and representatives of the Almighty God. Whenever the
youths are displaced by unemployment or non-deployment, the church, indeed
the national project is at risk of failure. In Nigeria, massive youth
unemployment in recent times, culminating in restiveness and asocial
activities are pointers to a gloomy future. The earlier government, church
leaders and other stakeholders got their acts together in engaging the youths
with leadership options and gainful employment, the better for our nation.
Key Words: Christian Youths, Sustainable National Development
INTRODUCTION
Over the ages, young persons have been reputed to be the mainstay of economies and
cultures. This is primarily because the vintage position of youthfulness. The young
individual can be likened to brand new equipment with potential for optimal
performance as against the baby and the older adult who are either still growing organs
and body structures or already experiencing function deterioration. Just as the youths
form the strength of corporate and governmental workforce, contemporarily, it is the
young people that form the bulk of human resources in the typical church. The nexus of
this write-up is that for the most part, these young persons are usually non-utilized,
even in some churches. United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon once declared
that one of Africas greatest untapped resources is its young people. He further opined
that it was in the continents best interest to take advantage of the skills and talents of
its youth to promote sustainable development
(clkmon.comhttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38500#.VFgFevnF9P
I retrieved on Monday November 3, 2014).
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Defining Youth
There are varied postulations on Who is a youth? Some have posited that
youthfulness is of the heart and that youthfulness is a function of the mindset. Others
have maintained that the youthful age is the period of late adolescence when all adult
features in the individual are well formed and the person is fast becoming (or has
become) a responsible member of the community. Wikipedia (2014) postulates that
Youth is the time of life when one is young, but often means the time
between childhood and adulthood (maturity).
It is also posited that youthfulness is transition from the dependence of childhood to
adulthoods independence and awareness of our interdependence as members of a
community. An individual's physiological, mental and social maturity may not
correspond to their chronological age, as immature individuals can exist at all ages.
Youth research has come to define youth through personal experience, especially in
terms of an individual's level dependency, which can be marked in various ways
according to different cultural perspectives. Personal experience is marked by an
individual's cultural norms or traditions while a youth's level of dependency refers to
the extent to which they still rely on their family emotionally and economically (Furlong
2013).
Really, in social sciences research, there is no agreement on what constitutes the period
of youthfulness but for the purpose of this paper, ages from 18 years to 35 years would
be considered apt. This is because this is usually the critical zone of human
development. It has been suggested that age 33 years may be the zenith of human
capacity since Jesus Christ of Nazareth was glorified at that age. Within the youthful
years, physical strength, grace, wisdom and beauty are typically exemplified. The
young adult is full of adventure and innovation, trying out those experiences the older
adults would frown at. The young person has a lot of energy and is usually willing to
go the extra mile.
What is Sustainable Development?
Now, what is Sustainable Development? Sustainable development has been defined in
many ways, but the most frequently quoted definition is from Our Common Future, also
known as the Brundtland Report (WCED 1987):
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two
key concepts:
the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which
overriding priority should be given; and

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the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the
environment's ability to meet present and future needs."
What this translates to simply is engaging the history and the opportunities of the
present to facilitate a better future. At the crossroads of development in her history,
Nigeria requires to engage all possible resources to ensuring she ranks among worlds
best economies by the year 2020. This dream is realizable if the youthful force,
especially the Christians, is optimized.
The primary and seemingly insurmountable challenge is that there are adult negative
stereotypes about the youth. This is probably more prevalent in Africa where we posit
that the youths are Generation X, that is, a group of jellyfish with no passion for
serious thinking. Youths are systematically excluded from direct participation in the
political process because they are leaders of tomorrow. This authors submission is
that young people can lead tomorrow only if they are partners today. The tragedy of
many African nations including Nigeria is the parochialism of succeeding generation of
leaders. It is sad to note that many youth programmes initiated by government may be
more of fiscal siphons than fulfilling the reasons for their creation.
In Africa, particularly in Nigeria, the youthful years, even though loaded with
unlimited potential, could be quite traumatic and distasting because of the traditional
stereotypes which tend to keep them at the back seat. It is commonplace to hear the
elders say that the youths are unprepared for adult roles and leadership in society. Of
course, historic and contemporary records affirm that youths may even be better leaders
than the elders, especially within sub-Saharan Africa and other developing economies.
Young people are quite capable of taking both long-term and short-term decisions
which may be ruffle the status quo and be quite inimical to incumbent leadership. The
man that changed the face of modern Ghana is a young military officer named Flight
Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings.
In biblical history, most of the chequered leaders were young people, starting from
Adam to David, Solomon, Uzziah, Daniel, Peter, Paul and of course Jesus. In actual fact,
in sustained leadership, while adult experience could be critical, youthful vigour, speed,
commitment and wisdom cannot be underestimated. With the realization that youths
are always in the majority in any community, the role of Christian youths in sustainable
national development cannot be over-emphasized.
CHALLENGES OF CHRISTIAN YOUTHS
The various concerns that young people face at various stages of growth have
continually excited cerebral reactions from academics across the social sciences,
principally psychology and sociology. Globalization, with all its attendant benefits, has

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come with other multifaceted problems for the youths. Even though the church is
divinely positioned to insulate members, even the young people from the obvious
asocial vices rampant in contemporary societies, many of the youths need to contend
with them. These challenges range from pornography, internet fee fraud (yahoo yahoo)
to mobile phone obsession. Others include craze for materialism, corruption,
immorality, shoplifting, pilfering and robbery.
It should not be an issue when it is posited that many of the contemporary problems
that young people face seem somewhat universal. In other words, youth problems may
cut across religious and sectarian divides. The adolescent years are typically traumatic
for a lot of youths (Christian and non-Christian) because growth and development is
quite fast while socio-emotional maturity will take some time, even beyond the latter
adolescent years. Physical growth is usually remarkable during the youthful years; part
of the major changes is the onset of puberty and menarche, with the spurting of
hormones, puberty and hair growth in the pubic region. Other changes that seem to
unnerve the youth are the high rate of incidence of opposite sex attraction; the younger
women because of the suddenness of the physical growth, there would naturally seem
to be an emotional lacuna. Older boys would start seeking for the young Christian girls,
thus distracting the girls from their academic work. Peer influence is usually at the
zenith at this period of development. Due to need for self-identity and sense of
belongingness, young persons typically sway in the direction of their peers, at home, in
school and in church. If properly directed, the peer group could be a positively
supportive force in moulding an all-round individual. However, in the experience of
the author, many youths often get drawn into the murky waters of life through
association with bad friends. The consequence is the common adult stereotype that
youths may not be entrusted with anything of importance.
Added to this is the awesome challenge of unemployment. Never in the history of the
Nigerian nation have we had the level of youth unemployment as is presently being
experienced. To make matters worse for the average young person, many job openings
require some on-the-job experience. This could be disheartening to the young graduate
who keeps wondering how the experience would come without an opportunity to
work. It has been asserted that the idle hand is the devils workshop. When young
people are left unattended to, their active minds are exposed to many negative
possibilities. It is even worse when such young people are trained experts in their
respective fields!
The Business of the Church
The churchs primary mission is to take the life-changing gospel across the globe. It is
clear that the church adult population is grossly incapable of attaining the mandate on
their own. In these days of socio-cultural decadence and global economic recession, the

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gospel message is even more relevant. More than two thousand years ago, God sent His
only begotten Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, into the world, to save the world from sin.
This Jesus was crucified on the cross of Calvary, died and was buried. After the third
day in the grave, Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead and ascended to heaven where
He presently is, making intercession for His followers. Christian workers are called to
be light in the midst of moral decay in the world system.
Christians as salt of the earth (Matthew 5 verse 13) are expected to inject joy and
gladness into the world around them. In other words, the gospel is all the world needs
to get out of the present logjam. It is glad to note that Jesus Christ of Nazareth and
virtually all His disciples who turned their world upside down were youths. The
truth is that young people have the energy, nerve and wits to drive all-round
development of any community.
Mind-Set Shift
In creating a framework for this write-up, it may be expedient to suggest that youths be
seen as solution to the problem of sustained national development and not the problem.
As long as the young people are still being considered as outlaws in the sense that they
are usually appraised from the perspective of restiveness, irresponsibility,
unemployment, drug addiction and Boko Haram, youth affairs will continue to be a big
issue. It must be asserted here that young people have immense potential for optimal
performance in whatever assignment that is committed into their hands. It only takes
careful and wise understanding of those in authority to seek out the mine embedded in
the youths.
Governments at all levels, parents and all stakeholders may need some paradigm shift
and mindset change concerning the youths role in nation-building. Young people
should not be underestimated in terms of what they are capable of doing. It is expedient
to note that local politicians in Nigeria sometimes leverage unsuspecting youths
sometimes as bodyguards and thugs to their own advantage.
It is the contention of this paper that Nigerian church leaders must all begin to see
youths as assets rather than liability. We must appreciate the enormous potential in the
youths and trust God to use them to resolve many of our lingering national problems. It
is the authors experience that church members usually respond positively to
designated assignments. In the same vein, when young people are given specific
responsibilities, they typically rise up to the challenge. The position here is that role
assignment may have a way of making everyone, even the young person responsible in
outlook and disposition.

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Against the backdrop of the systemic failure of the Nigerian experiment, it is the
contention of this writer that the older generation should step aside and allow young
people to take leadership at all spheres of public life in Nigeria. The Nigerian situation
is peculiar in the sense that we have leaders, past and present who have been in
government for over four decades, and they still want to lead. In the spirit of fairness
and for the sake of posterity, this trend needs to be changed.
To a greater extent, the Nigerian experience so far shows that the older generation has
had their share in the evolution of the nation and should consider it appropriate to give
room to the youths to take leadership of the nation. However, leadership is never thrust
on anybodys laps; individuals labour and really toil to get to leadership position.
Hence, if Christian youths want to be allowed space to lead in the present dispensation,
they have to get involved in school matters apart from teaching.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
How much the present day Church and her leaders have been able to impact their
various communities leaves so much to be desired especially considering the present rot
in the education industry. It has been posited that the world has entered into the
Church and that the Church has entered the church. While this paper agrees with that
assertion, it must be submitted here that the Church of God seems to be root cause of
the Nigerian problem. As long as the Church is not playing its roles as the mainstay of
the economy, there may not be much the youths could do. Both young and old in the
Nigerian Church are more interested in material gains and aggrandizement.
Within the ambit of the Churchs scope of ministry are critical issues of integrity,
character and resourcefulness. The gospel, which is driven by the Word of God, has the
wherewithal to restore psychosocial and fiscal sanity into Nigerias political landscape.
Young persons have over the ages, in pre-Biblical, Biblical and post-Biblical periods,
successfully presided over nations and kingdoms. They served and are still serving at
the highest levels of governance globally. Specifically, for this presentation, two key
biblical figures, David and Daniel would be under scrutiny. In a twist of divine
intervention and fate, these two young men were inducted into leadership early in life
and mirror to a great our individual and corporate humanity.
A young man after the heart of God
David was the last son of Mr. Jesse who had reputation to being a shepherd, poet, giantkiller, king and ancestor of Jesus. Easily, David was one of the greatest men in the Old
Testament. However, added to such a compelling resume is the fact that he was a
betrayer, liar, adulterer and murderer. This combination of the good, the bad and ugly

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affirms David as human even though he was a man that knew God rather intimately.
No wonder, he was a man after Gods heart (Acts 13:22).
David had an unchangeable belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of God. He was a
man who lived with great zest. He sinned, but he was quick to confess his sins. His
confessions were from the heart, and his repentance was genuine. David never took
Gods forgiveness lightly or his blessing for granted. In return, God never held back
from David either his forgiveness or the consequences of his actions. David experienced
the joy of forgiveness even when he had to suffer the consequences of his sins. David
will remain a mentor for many young persons over all periods. In David, the youths can
see what God can do with a willing vessel. Added to this is the strength and magnitude
of our individual preparation from home and church settings. David learnt from his
mistakes; he never repeated the same sin. This was a massive source of strength for him
to continue being a relevant leader. As a leader, even though a young person, David
was quite compassionate and condescending.
It is the opinion of this writer that the impact of God-fearing youths on Nigerias
evolution and reorientation cannot be over-emphasized nor underestimated. It is on
record that virtually all Nigerias earliest leaders including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi
Awolowo, Anthony Enahoro and Bola Ige all started out as Christian youths.
A young man that knew his God
Not so much was said about the antecedents of this dynamic young man. Daniels life
affirms the reality that there is more to being young than making mistakes. As a slave in
a foreign land, Daniel kept his integrity and loyalty to God in very ascetic
circumstances. Daniel and his friends had been taken captive by the Babylonians; their
futures were in doubt, but they all had personal traits that qualified them for
recruitment as servants in the kings palace. Those young people took advantage of the
opportunity without letting the opportunity take advantage of them. Their parents were
not on ground to put them in check neither was their pastor or any of the elders to
ascertain their individual and corporate probity.
The first hint of Daniels greatness comes in his refusal to give up his convictions. With
an understanding that both his physical and spiritual diets were an important part of
his relationship with God, he resisted changing the good habits he had formed. He was
especially careful with what he ate and he also lived prayerfully. One of the benefits of
being in training for royal service was eating food from the kings table. Daniel tactfully
chose a simpler menu and proved it was a healthy choice.
While Daniel limited his food intake, he indulged in prayer. He was able to
communicate with God because he made it a habit. He was a mighty man of prayer and

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a statesman with the gift of prophecy. He put into practice his convictions, even when
that meant being thrown into a den of hungry lions. His life proved he made the right
choice.
It is on record that Daniel who was not eligible to vote in Babylonian became head of
other governors, served as adviser under and outlived several Babylonian kings.
Daniels distinguishing quality was the fact that he was properly connected to the
Almighty God. One critical lesson from Daniels testimony is that the well-groomed
God-fearing Christian youth has the potential of giving direction to other youths and
make Nigeria a much better place for all.
The Pattern Son
Jesus Christ of Nazareth was a young man that lived His life to the fullest and was
glorified at the age of 33 years. His life attests to the fact that it is not how long a person
lives but the impact on others that should be reckoned. It is on record that Jesus was a
colossus in His life time and even all through life. Jesus is the reference point in all
generations. He impacted and still impacts lives in all generations. His was a life of total
service to humanity. He comforted those who mourn; today, His word is doing just the
same. Everywhere Jesus went, He was doing well. His name is an enigma; His person is
royalty even though He was not a man given to materialism.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth was an epitome of the youthful life and all its possibilities. His
life demonstrates the reality that the Christian youth can be a society changer if the
steps of Jesus are faithfully followed. Jesus infected every aspect of life of His people,
the Israelites. He was a focused man, wholly committed to His mission. He never
deviated from His divine mandate and He remains the subject matter of history forever.
Never in the history of humanity has anyone been found to affect succeeding
generation like this Man of Galilee! As Christian youths emulate Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, a man of unparalleled humility, industry and tenacity of purpose, they too
can and will imprint their marks on the sands of time.
POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
As a result of the expectations of the older generation, the youths are kept off
participating in the political process. Some adults postulate that young people may not
have the requisite experience to lead in the larger society. Others suggest that youths do
not seem to have the cognate skills necessary to lead others. Further, for most of the
Nigerian cultures, the youths have to defer to the elders and that it may be outright
disrespectful for young persons to be working with the elders. However, this position
may not be substantiated since most of those working to rebuild Nigeria in this season
of reengineering are young persons. In the new Shopping Malls springing up in
southwestern Nigeria, most of the workforce are young people.

8
Generally, the Christian leadership seems apathetic to involvement in the political

process. The present political landscape in Nigeria seems grossly skewed towards
Islamism. In other words, while more Muslims are getting integrated into politics,
Christians may be deliberately shying away from politics because of the dirtiness of
politicians. While the author agrees that there is a lot of parochialism and nepotism in
Nigerian politics, Christian non-involvement may be detrimental to the Church and the
future of Nigeria. Christianity has always accounted for most of Nigerias
westernization and would considered progressive; so be out of the center of political
thought and decisions may be more tragic than imagined.
CHURCH MINISTRY
The church should create the platform for the Christian youth for service. The youths
place in the local church which could take various forms could include Personal
Assistant to the Pastor, usher, chorister, Sunday school teacher and Childrens overseer
among others. These ad-hoc duties usually help to prepare the young person for
challenging roles in the society. Where the church holds discriminatory policy against
youth engagement in leadership due to adult stereotypes and cultural values may work
against the destiny of the church and of course, the nation as well.
Young Christians could also be engaged at the head and in the thick of overt and covert
projects in the local church. They have the tenacity, drive, passion and commitment to
make any pastors dream come true. The primary requirement is for the older
generation to engross the young people by leveraging their individual skills.
In the experience of the author, churches for the most part are not optimizing the divine
potential in the youths. Many leaders wrongly assume that they are not mature
enough! forgetting that General Yakubu Gowon, a Christian youth, was under 30 years
of age when he was saddled with the leadership of our great country, even under most
traumatic circumstances. And God helped him to make a success of it!!!
DIVINE HEADSTART
In Gods Word, there are countless promises which the Almighty God has given to all
who will seek Him in all purity (Matthew 21:22). A Christian has a headstart over
others because he is joint-heir with Christ in the inheritance of Gods kingdom. The
opportunities and privileges in the terrestrial and celestial systems are available to him
(Ephesians 1:3). In practical terms, since the believer has unfettered access to God (in the
name of Jesus), when he prays, he is able to command heavens attention.
Light of the World
The Christian is reckoned to as the Light of the World. What this means is that the
Christian youth is to be a trail blazer of sorts, giving succor to many in the larger

9
society. The youth is to keep living a relevant life, in other words, the Christian youth
needs to go out there where the unbelievers are, share the light of the gospel with them.
In actual fact, Jesus, Himself a youth, always labored among the people, bringing succor
and encouragement to all who came to him.
Salt of the Earth
The Word of God unequivocally states that Ye are the salt of the earth! (Matthew
5:13). It is quite paradoxical that it is the salt that brings out the sweetness of the
delicacy. In Nigeria, salt is a regular part of stew ingredients; food cooking may not be
complete without the injection of at least a pinch of salt. The Christian youth has the
potential to impact others in the community and workplace with the gospel of peace.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The older generation needs a mindset change on the youth. Exclusion from public
leadership on the basis of age should be discouraged. The youth is not just leader of
tomorrow but significant partner of today. The Christian youth is particularly
privileged to be an important player in the political process because of the massive
potential he has, in terms of his roles in the local church, divine placement and integrity.
The Nigeria of the writers dream is one where all (old and young) sit at the table to
discuss and evolve development options for the nation. It is expedient that adult
stereotypes that young people are typically unserious should be corrected. If
organisations would want to attain operational targets, there is illimitable energy in the
youth that would make result-oriented work quite exciting. Globally, young persons are
taking the stage in almost every area of endeavor; Nigeria should not sit back. Young
people should be engaged in all aspects of our national life and the Christian youth
should take leadership.
Specifically, the church leadership should cultivate a policy of cultivating youth
maturity (spiritually and secularly) and ensuring their participation in leadership.
Except the young people are integrated into leadership through systematic training, the
Nigerian church may end up just like their forebears in Europe where many orthodox
and denominational churches are mostly congregated by old people. If the church does
not want her cathedrals turned over to becoming hang-outs for the destitute, cinemas
and bars, it is time for us to take charge of our future by ensuring that all Christian
youths are positively engaged.
Around the world, young people are change-drivers and typically at the head of
claiming respect for fundamental freedoms and rights, improved conditions for their
communities, together with opportunities to learn, work and participate in decisions
that affect them. In a parallel and at the same time, due to persistent crises and wars,

10
many young women and men are disengaged, and might have lost hope in the future.
More than ever, it is now time to improve investment in research, policies and
programmes to create an enabling environment for youth to prosper, exercise rights,
regain hope and a sense of community and engage as responsible social actors.
Again, the primary position here is to consider youths as the solution and not as the
problem. It is vital that they are fully engaged in social change. Their energy, creativity
and critical spirit in identifying innovative solutions and building bridges and networks
across groups have been demonstrated in several regions. If provided with an enabling
environment, they can channel this energy into efforts that will benefit sustainable
development, democratic consolidation and a culture of peace, for both present and
future generations. The integration of youth among the priorities of the United Nations
Secretary-Generals Five-Year Action Agenda, in January 2012, reflects this position.
Since 1999, UNESCO has advocated the importance of working with and for youth,
including the most vulnerable and marginalized. When Christian youths are provided
with requisite skills and opportunities, they will ultimately become agents of change for
sustainable development and peace.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Furlong, Andy (2013). Youth Studies: An Introduction. USA: Routledge. pp. 2
3. ISBN 978-0-415-56476-2.
The Bible (1994) New King James version. Thomas Nelson , USA
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-humanWho
is
a
youth?
sciences/themes/youth/youth-definition/ Retrieved November 3, 2014
World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) (1987). Our Common
Future. Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 43.

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CHAPTER TWO
THE ROLE OF PROPHECY ON NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(PROVERB 29 Verse 18)
Olajide James Ayanfe
Church of the Livingstone, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
INTRODUCTION
THE CHURCH: Product of prophecy Mat 16 vs 18-19 otherwise called the body of
Christ is seen as socio-religious institutions in the society that help individual not only
in terms of satisfying the spiritual dimension of their needs but also have interest in the
moral aspects of personal /national development . The activities of the church affect all
facets of human life. The Nigeria church has actively demonstrated its special interest in
human capital development as part of its belief in the liberation of the total human
person.
PROPHECY: Prophecy is defined as one of spiritual gift 1cor 12vs 10 is defined as a
prediction of what will happen in the future. Prophecy has been relevant since time
immemorial and has been used as a tool to forecast events. It is a tool used by various
religion especially the church. Humans are naturally wired anxious people wanting to
have a peep into the future, thus prophecy has served as a tool to guide some and
misguided many all in the quest to know their tomorrow today. Christians and the
church are not exempted in the use of prophecy. It is one of the spiritual gifts coveted
by many in the church especially church leaders, as it appears veritable in an unstable
and unpredictable world. The Bible is replete in the use of prophecy for the people and
the nation. For sustainable national development, prophecy is vital as it essentially
foretells the plan of God for his people.
SUSTAINABILITY: This is ability to hold, to retain, to keep and build on what has been
built, reclaimed or achieved.
DEVELOPMENT: Development is the process of becoming and unfolding i.e. maturity
process. Development means getting the correct environment and putting the healthy
people into such environment in such a manner that full realization and fruition is
realized.
Development simply means good health, good education & supportive environment
which can be spiritual, economic, emotional, physical, social, political, scientific e.t.c.

12
Sustainable development therefore, means an unfolding and actualization of

endowment which is conducted such that no ground is lost but indeed a later
achievement is built on an earlier one. Hence, the church in performing his role through
prophecy can be seen to have revolutionary functions on national sustainable
development.
In fact, we cannot talk of a true sustainable national development without the church as
a key player. In the Bible times the church was the only centre of influence in the nation
Israel. Almost all of the notable and significant achievements the nation had as it related
to national development were all as a result of the influence of the church.
Old Testament has prophets male & female who prophesied for the people of God,
nation, leaders and kings. Examples are Eli, Samuel, Isaiah, Deborah, Miriam, Elijah,
Jeremiah, Amos, and Jonah E.T.C.
This men and women of God were at different times prompted by God to tell the nation
of things to come. For instance, Jeremiah foretold the journey of Israel into captivity
because of Israelites disobedience to God. Even in our own generation, if we look
through church history, we can also see the same pattern. God has raised several
prophetic voices throughout church history whose messages and speeches had
addressed specific issues of the times that hinder national development. A good
example of this is that of Martin Luther king Jnr. Who spoke out against racial
discrimination in America. When this issue was finally resolved, we saw how it brought
development to the nation of America.
Prophecy can thus be said to be a veritable tool in national development as it serves
these major purposes.
1. It tells the children of God in a land the mind of God
2. God uses it to communicate to the whole nation on how he feels about them,
and what he plans for them and what he is able to do.
3. It can be used to avoid doom and impending dangers e.g. Jonah in the city of
Nineveh.
4. It can be used to guide leaders in planning and execution of programmes and
projects.
5. It keeps the church as the authentic God mouth-piece in a nation.
In most cases, there were specific issues in the nation that hinders national
development and only the prophetic voice of the church has the authentic
authority to address and uproot hindrances to national development.
I will state few factors that can hinder a nation development and look at how God has
spoken through prophetic voices in the bible to address them.

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1.
2.
3.
4.
Selfish and greediness of national leaders

Negligence
Lack of enlightenment
Lack of strong political will, courage and perseverance.
In the book of Ezra, we find a good case study. After the children of Israel have spent
seventy years in the land of Babylon as captives, in the first year of Cyprus the king, he
gave order that the remnants of the children of Israel throughout the land of Babylon
should return to their land and build the temple of the lord in Jerusalem. On getting to
Jerusalem they commenced the building of the temple by laying foundation. As soon as
they laid the foundation, political oppositions from neighboring countries rises up
against them and causes the building of the temple to stop by force. For many more
years they could not finish the building of the temple until God raises two prophets:
Haggai and Zechariah who prophesized to them in the name of the lord. As a result of
their prophecy they were able to continue and finish the building of the temple.
Then Haggai the prophet, and Zachariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that
were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. Then
raised up Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son of Jozadak and began to
build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God
helping them Ezra 5:1-2
The building of the temple at Jerusalem is a typical example of what we can call
construction of infrastructure facilities which is a good step towards national
development. The prophets are examples of the church prophesying to the nation.
Also, a further reading of the book of prophecy written by these two prophets reveals
that specific aspects of their prophecy addresses area of needs that affects national
development. For instance, the words of prophet Haggai refute and renounce the
selfishness, complacency and the negligent of the people and their leaders towards
national development. He also gave words of encouragement that stirred up the hearts
of people to work. He also prophesied to two prominent leaders in Jerusalem at that
time, Zerubbabel the governor (political leader) and Joshua the high priest. His
prophecy challenges them to be strong and take up the responsibility of building their
nation irrespective of political oppositions or persecution (Haggai chapter 1 and 2).
Nevertheless, we cannot but mention some of the factors militating against the role of
prophecy on national sustainable development in our time.
(1.) False prophecy _ Deuteronomy 18vs2
(2.) Lack of Faith _ Mathew 10vs41
(3.) Sin (e.g. (A) Idolatry; Exodus 20vs3, Murder and lack of honor for prophet,
parents and national leaders - Exodus 20 vs 12.

14
Church as the light of the world is supposed to teacher, educate or enlighten the world
through prophecy and this is also true when it comes to national development. The
church must continue to offer God point of view about national development and speak
out against the problems that confront or hinders national development. When the
church begins to do this without fear or favor through prophetic role/utterance, then it
can be said that the church is fulfilling her divine role in the affairs of national
sustainable development.
There is therefore the need to be exact in speaking God mind and evangelize Christ
through such avenues so as to make the church stand out and relevant.

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CHAPTER THREE
IDOLATRY: A DISDAIN OF 21st CENTURY TO NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH
Oludare Busayo M. O
Preston International School, Akure, Ondo State.
PREAMBLE
In a practical social life, people make choices on daily basis on the ground of good and
bad, right and wrong, valid and invalid, relevant and irrelevant, helpful and harmful,
true and false, which explains the concept of individual beliefs and what he or she
worshiped giving rise to different religious concept like -Animism, Monotheism,
Polytheism, Dualism, Pantheism, Hinduism, Taoism, Stoicism, Deism, Humanism in
our society from the time immemorial till today.
Therefore, giving rise to proliferation of religious ideology and dilapidation with
decadence of social law and order .Hence there is need for proper examination of the
role of the Church in enhancing sustainable social growth and development through the
contribution of the church as a medium of social changes
BRIEF HISTORY OF IDOLATRY IN OUR SOCIETY
The concept of idolatry originated in the confrontation between the three great
monotheistic religionsJudaism, Christianity, and Isla in course of making disciples in
the early century with the polytheistic believers they encountered along their way`s
which was first articulated during the clash of ancient Hebrew monotheism with the
pagan cults of surrounding peoples of Canaan land. The translators of the Septuagint,
the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures make used of the term `èidolon to describe
and render about 16 Hebrew words to have associated with pagan worship; it is in the
Septuagint that `èidolon acquired the pejorative sense of an image that represents a
false god that was termed `Ìdolatry.
Idolatry in Greek words means `èidolon i.e., image, ``latreia worship which is the
worship of a materials and image that is held to be the abode of a superhuman
personality.
In Christianity, the issue of idolatry arose in the context of Greco-Roman society, in
which temples, altars, and images were ubiquitous. Christians were subject to charges
of treason for refusing to offer sacrifices before the emperor's image. In the New
Testament, idol worship is sometimes equated with demon worship as noted in I
Corinthians 10:19-21 and in the book of Revelation 9:20. The early Christian apologists

16
also emphasized that images are made of inert matter and that the human form is
inappropriate for representing divinity. In the work of Saint Augustine ``The City of
God he attempted a comprehensive critique of the Greco-Roman gods, polytheism, and
mythology, arguing that the pagan gods were lying angels who were engaged in a
struggle against the true God in heaven and that they were the angels that were
disposed of their duties in heaven which now seek abode in the abyss where they take
the form of human images to deceive the living creature (man) of God Almighty.
In support of the view of the Hebrew concept as stated in the Holy Bible which the
Christians hold unto as the only living and true word of God stated in the book of
Exodus 20:3-5, that the Almighty God was known to the Hebrew as ``Yahweh forbids
them not only to worship foreign gods `ìdols but also the making of images that claim
to represent him is highly forbidden. Therefore, the worship of Yahweh in the form of
two bulls in the book of (I Kings 12:26-32) was regarded as a gross apostasy which incur
the wrath of God upon them in their Journey to the promise land and was projected
back into Israel's ancient history as the episode of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32).
However a larger and great problem was the persistent tendency of the Israelites to
revert to the religious practices of surrounding peoples by worshiping and in
participating in the idol worshiping of which they were forbidden by their leaders
(Moses & Joshua) and their confessed God of their fore fathers (Judges 10:6; I Kings
11:7; II Kings 21:1-9).
In addition a succession of Hebrew prophets also denounced idolatry as sent by God
through his prophets to his children viz-a -viz: Elijah and Elisha (I Kings 18:22-40);
Amos (Amos 2:4); Hosea (Hosea 4:12-13); and Isaiah (Isaiah 17:7-8), and a common
theme and proclamation of the prophetic denunciations is the emptiness of idols
(Jeremiah 16:20; Isaiah 44:14-17).
Similarly, Islam as one of the monotheistic religion is seriously in opposition to the
worship of images a legacy of Judeo-Christian practice, which Muhammad traced back
to Abraham era. The Arab tribes of the pre-Islamic era worshiped many gods; among
the objects of their worship were stones, trees, and statuettes. However, after the seizure
of Mecca in 630, Muhammad had all the idols of the Kaaba destroyed in his presence
while Qur'an (Koran) contains many prohibitions against idols and idolatry in fact
faithful Muslims may neither marry a woman idolater nor give their daughters to
idolaters in marriage (2:220-221), whoever in the 8th and 9th centuries, idolatry again
became a matter of controversy in the Christian world, especially in the Greek-speaking
Byzantine Empire, the pagan tradition of image worship had survived in the practice of
venerating icons while Christians of Semitic origin were particularly wary of idolatry in
any form, and their concerns were intensified by the spread of Islam. In 725 and 726, but

17
Emperor Leo III however first prohibited the worship of images, and then ordered their
destruction.
REASONS FOR WORSHIPPING IDOLS:
The following are some of the reasons eulogized why some people have chosen to
worship idols
1. Ancestral Heritage:
There are quite many people that are worshiping idols of different forms due to fact
that they were born into it and they found their faith and beliefs in the idols of their fore
fathers, they have been inducted and dedicated into it from the first day they were born
into the family, they grow finding themselves worshiping the gods their fathers
worshiped, such were the fanatical and chronic idolaters and some herbalist in our
society today who sees nothing bad in worshiping idols and in using human flesh and
blood to offer sacrifice to their gods at the detriment of other peoples life and properties
without prejudice to their actions.
They never failed to teach the upcoming generation in their family the ethics and ethos
of their idol worshipping in the family, the way of the true God is not known to them,
because they have made them have the belief that all other religion sect has their
foundation from the traditional methods of worship which is idolatry given rise to
worshipping of idols, created by setting images or by creating it in our mind as mind as
self-willed opinion, and through imitation and self-freedom from certain obligations
one tends to seek self-gratification in creating a self-god thus leading to idolatry in
various form in modern days.
2. The Desire to be acceptable by friends:
Quite may people get involved in idolization due to desire to belong to certain circle or
the other through which many of the get entangle with more than what they bargain,
which makes it impossible for them to back out from it. The desire to get rich with fame
at all cost made some people to engage in idolatry, such were the ones kidnapping
people born with special traits, school children, pregnant women, albino, while some
due childlessness and desire or choice of certain sex in children has made them the
servant of idols.
3. Lack Of Faith:
Some people are into idolatry because they think and belief act of been patient is an old
fashion and they want everything to get on rosy without any hitch that can challenge
their faith in the almighty God most especially among those who professed to be
``Christians or ministers of God with questionable miracle crusades while quite many
of them still goes back to the idols they`ve abandoned for the gospel of Jesus Christ to
seek powers to operate the so call miracle in disguised of God`s intervention. This is
pure hypocrisy and double standard living; they dont have faith in the almighty God

18
who is the creator of the universe. They tend to worship the work of His hand than
worshiping the creator what a disdain and mediocrity
Similarly, there are various forms of modern idolatry where people offer sacrifices to
the god of self. The people of God no longer bow down to idols and images as a large
number of people do not have faith in themselves not to talk of having faith in the
almighty God, hence they tend to seek help from where there is no God by worshiping
at the altar of the god of self, sacrificing to abortion, greed, mammon, wealth, status,
self-righteousness,
position,
achievement,
pride,
riches,
beauty
etc.
4. Sacrificing to the ``Demon of Self
First, we worship at the altar of materialism which feeds our need to build our egos
through the acquisition of more stuff. Our homes are filled with all manner of
possessions.
We build bigger and bigger houses with more closets and storage space in order to
house all the things we buy, much of which we havent even paid for yet.
Most of our stuff has planned obsolescence built into it, making it useless in no time,
and so we consign it to the garage or other storage space. Then we rush out to buy the
newest item, garment or gadget and the whole process starts over.
This insatiable desire for more, better, and newer stuff is nothing more than
covetousness. The tenth commandment tells us not to fall victim to coveting: "You shall
not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his
manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your
neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). God doesnt just want to rain on our buying sprees. He
knows we will never be happy indulging our materialistic desires because it is Satans
trap to keep our focus on ourselves and not on Him.
Second, we worship at the altar of our own pride and ego which often takes the form of
obsession with careers and jobs. This is what has made a lot of men and women to loot
public fund for their own self end. Generally millions of men and increasingly more
women spend 60hrs - 80 hrs a week working for the purpose of making two ends meet
under the disguise of making provision for their family and to be relevant in the society.
Even on weekends and during vacations, our laptops, Palm top and other modern
machines are humming and our minds are whirling with thoughts of how to make our
businesses more successful, how to get that promotion, how to get the next raise, how
to close the next deal. In the meantime, our children are starving for attention and love,
we fool ourselves into thinking we are doing it for them, to give them a better life. But
the truth is we are doing it for ourselves, to increase our self-esteem by appearing more
successful in the eyes of the world. This is folly!!.

19
All our labors and accomplishments will be of no use to us after we die, nor will the
admiration of the world, because these things have no eternal value. As King Solomon
put it, For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he
must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless
and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with
which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his
mind does not rest. This too is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 2:21-23).
Third, we idolize mankindand by extension ourselvesthrough naturalism and the
power of science. This gives us the illusion that we are lords of our world and builds
our self-esteem to godlike proportions. We reject Gods Word and His description of
how He created the heavens and the earth, and we accept the nonsense of evolution and
naturalism. We embrace the goddess of environmentalism and fool ourselves into
thinking we can preserve the earth indefinitely when God has declared the earth has a
limited lifespan and will last only until the end of the age. At that time, He will destroy
all that He has made and create a new heaven and new earth. But the day of the Lord
will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be
destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything
will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live
holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That
day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt
in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven
and a new earth, the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:10-13). As this passage so clearly
states, our focus should not be on worshipping the environment, but on living holy
lives as we wait eagerly for the return of our Lord and Savior, who alone deserves
worship.
Similarly, and perhaps most destructively, we worship at the altar of selfaggrandizement or the fulfillment of the self to the exclusion of all others and their
needs and desires. This manifests itself in self-indulgence through alcohol, drugs, and
food. Those in affluent countries have unlimited access to alcohol, drugs (prescription
drug use is at an all-time high, even among children), and food. Obesity rates in the U.S.
have skyrocketed, and childhood diabetes brought on by overeating is epidemic. The
self-control we so desperately need is spurned in our insatiable desire to eat, drink, and
medicate more and more. We resist any effort to get us to curb our appetites, and we
are determined to make ourselves the god of our lives. This has its origin in the Garden
of Eden where Satan tempted Eve to eat of the tree with the words you will be like
God (Genesis 3:5). This has been mans desire ever sinceto be god and, as we have
seen, the worship of self is the basis of all modern idolatry.

20
All idolatry of self has at its core the three lusts found in 1 John 2:16: For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
Father, but is of the world. If we are to escape modern idolatry, we have to admit that
it is rampant and reject it in all its forms. It is not of God, but of Satan, and in it we will
never find fulfillment. This is the great lie and the same one Satan has been telling since
he first lied to Adam and Eve. Sadly, we are still falling for it. Even more sadly, many
churches are propagating it in the preaching of the health, wealth, and prosperity
gospel built on the idol of self-esteem. But we will never find happiness focusing on
ourselves. Our hearts and minds must be centered on God and on others. This is why
when asked what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind (Matthew
22:37). When we love the Lord and others with everything that is in us, there will be no
room in our hearts for idolatry.
Ultimately, it is the sin nature of man that causes us to worship modern idols, all of
which are, in reality, forms of self-worship. The temptation to worship ourselves in
various ways is a powerful temptation indeed. In fact, it is so powerful that only those
who belong to Christ and have the Holy Spirit within them can possibly hope to resist
the temptation of modern idolatry. Even then, resisting the worship of idols is a lifelong
battle that is part of the Christian life (Ephesians 6:11; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3).
When we hear the word idol we often think of statues and objects reminiscent of those
worshipped by pagans in ancient cultures. However, the idols of the 21st century often
bear no resemblance to the artifacts used thousands of years ago. Today, we have
replaced the golden calf with an insatiable drive to reach the top of the corporate
ladder or with a myriad of other passionate pursuits and, sadly enough those who
aggressively pursue goals and dreams, altogether excluding God, are often admired for
their individualism and drive. In the end, however, it doesnt matter what empty
pleasure we chase after or to what or whom we bow down, the result is the same
separation from the one true God.
Understanding contemporary idols can help us to understand why they prove to be
such a powerful temptation. An idol can be anything we place ahead of God in our
lives, anything that tugs at our heart more than God does, such as possessions, careers,
relationships, hobbies, sports, entertainment, goals, greed, addictions to
alcohol/drugs/gambling/pornography, etc. Many of the things we idolize can be very
good, such as relationships or careers. Yet Scripture tells us that, whatever we do, we
are to do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and that we are to serve God
only (Deuteronomy 6:13). Unfortunately, God is often shoved out of the way as we
zealously pursue our idols. Worse yet, the significant amount of time we often spend in
these idolatrous pursuits leave us with little or no time to spend with the Lord.
There is another form of idolatry prevalent today. Its growth is fostered by cultures that

21
continue to drift away from sound biblical teaching, just as the apostle Paul warned us,
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine (2 Timothy
4:3). In these pluralistic, liberal times, many cultures have, to a large degree, redefined
God. We have forsaken the God revealed to us in Scripture and have recast Him to
comply with our own inclinations and desiresa kinder and gentler god who is
infinitely more tolerant than the One revealed in Scripture.
One who is less demanding and less judgmental and who will tolerate many lifestyles
without placing guilt on anyones shoulders. As this idolatry is propagated by churches
around the world, many disillusioned congregants understandably believe they are
worshipping the one, true God. However, these made-over gods are created by man,
and to worship them is to worship idols. Worshipping a god of ones own making,
however, is particularly tempting for many whose habits and lifestyles and drives and
desires are not in harmony with Scripture.
Given the recent economic breakdown and ensuing global chaos, many have turned to
addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol use or even something as innocent as
excessive television viewing as a means of temporarily escaping a difficult situation
or perhaps just the rigors of daily life. The psalmist, however, tells us that those who
place their trust in this behavior will, essentially, become spiritually useless (Psalm
115:8). We need to place our trust in the Lord who will keep us from all harm (Psalm
121:7) and who has promised to supply all of our needs when we trust in Him. We also
need to remember the words of Paul, who teaches us not to be anxious about anything,
but rather to pray about everything so the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, can guard our hearts and our minds (Philippians 4:67).
The joys of this world, which we too often seek, will never satisfy the human heart. As
Solomon beautifully conveys in the book of Ecclesiastes, apart from a right relationship
with God, life is futile. We were created in Gods image (Genesis 1:27) and designed to
worship and glorify Him as He alone is worthy of our worship. God has placed
eternity in mans heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and a relationship with Jesus Christ is the
only way to fulfill this longing for eternal life. All of our idolatrous pursuits will leave
us empty, unsatisfied, and, ultimately, on the broad road that Scripture warns us about
most people taking, the one that leads to destruction.
In the book of Exodus 20: 3-5 the lord said "Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in
heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a
jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them
that love me, and keep my commandments."

22
The first among the commandment of God was that man must refrain from the worship
of false gods which is idolatry and that any attempt by man to disregard such law
would result in terrible consequences. In this commentary I am going to delve into the
heart of the main cause of Nigeria problems.
Centuries ago our ancestors indulged themselves in the practice of Idolatry involving
human and animal sacrifices to appease their gods (devil) thinking that in so doing,
they would bring peace and prosperity to the land. They lived in communities
organized in form of villages and clans and they were subject to autocratic monarchical
government controlled by kings and queens. They established districts and appointed
Chiefs as overseers. Each community or clan had a judicial system established in form
of Shrines and the judges were witch doctors. Of course the witch doctors served as
direct representatives or intermediaries between the gods (devil) and the kings and
their subjects. The witch doctors were given powers to kill, cast spells, performed
magic, and to invoke spirits, which they commonly referred to as deities. Every home
was littered with idols and sacrifices were proliferated in homes and public places.
The people began to unleash wickedness on themselves by means of magical powers
through occultism, voodoos, and witchcraft. As they scramble for protection they began
to possess magical powers, and started to initiate their sons and daughters into
witchcraft. The fallen angels took positions in various communities across the empires
and myriads of idols like Ogun, Orisa Oko, Orisa ibeji, Egungun (Masquerade), Osun,
Orunmila, Sango, Oya, Olokun, Amahanma, Ifa dominated the Yoruba land while the
Eastern and middle belt part of the nation too shared similar vision by exalting idols in
the shrines in the like of okija shrine, Amadioha shrine and millions of others
representing different demonic entities were established all over the nation. The people
were possessed by the spirits of greed, stealing, self-destruction, wickedness, hate,
failure, and backwardness. Oblivious of their ignorance, they had established a
dangerous covenant with the kingdom of darkness and history would reveal the
monumental damage that, that would cause to their generation yet unborn. A spirit of
wickedness was released to the people and they became their own enemies even in their
own land by becoming slaves to the wicked spirits. They engaged in the most
unthinkable act of inhumanity ever recorded. Historic records revealed that the kings
had no value for their subjects as they widely opened the door to infiltrators to capture
their subjects who were dehumanized and sold for slavery in other parts of the world
thereby promoting the slave trade with the colonial masters of the past. They fought
against progress, glory, success, good destiny, advancement, and anyone who tried to
invoke the spirit of light "Jehovah" the true God was vehemently resisted through the
act of beheading the indigenous Christians and missionaries of the past years even up
till today. History has shown with track records that wherever or whenever progress
was recorded in families or communities, the spirit of backwardness and hate would

23
rise up to kill it. They connived with their enemies to destroy their own land and
rendered their people useless. Everything they did or practiced in the kingdoms and
communities were completely in opposition to the God of Light, Jehovah. Consequent
upon this, they invoked curses upon their land, cattle, flocks, sons and daughters and
upon their generation yet unborn.
The book of Deuteronomy 28:14 the lord said "And thou shalt not go aside from any of
the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after
other gods to serve them. But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the
voice of the lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes
which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake
thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall
be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body and the fruit of thy
hand, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep".
There is no doubt that Nigeria is suffering from the symptoms of a cursed nation.
Evidence has shown from all indications that Nigerians are reaping the fruit that had
been sown by their ancestors. Historical evidence and the trend of current situation are
enough to validate that Nigeria is in fact going through effects of curses issued from the
word of God. It is most unfortunate that today even with the full knowledge of
Christianity; Nigerians are still following the part of their ancestors in the practice of
voodoo, and various idols worshipping in a refined manner to meet modern day
society. The act has now modified itself by infiltrating into our higher institutions
through secret society and cultism by equipping the young men with dangerous
weapons of destructions. At different times of the year ceremonies are held in various
communities in the country celebrating idols in form of Community Day/ Festivals.
There is a new dimension of voodoo practices in Nigeria, which is as deadly and
heinous as the one practiced by the ancestors. This is a form of voodoo practice that
requires a deal with the devil to get rich quick and in most cases must involve the
sacrifice of human lives. Cases of missing family members and friends are reported
daily at police precincts across the country. These are victims hypnotized in public
places and taken to shrines where they are slaughtered for desperate Nigerians in
search of riches, long life, power, and fame. I recently read news in one of the
newspapers in Nigeria about a shrine located in a far away forest in Edo state where a
significant number of individuals are sacrificed daily. When Goodluck Jonathan was
campaigning for the position of presidency, The Association of Witches and Wizards in
Nigeria publicly endorsed him, and it was as if the devil himself had registered his
mandate for his ruler ship. Nigeria is the richest country in Africa and one of the richest
nations in the world. History has documented that since 1960 Nigeria has received at
least 400 billion dollars from foreign aid more than the amount US had given for the
reconstruction of Western Europe after the Second World War. It was also discovered

24
that from 2009 to 2011, the Nigerian government had lost 136milliom barrels of oil
worth 10.9 billion dollars to criminals and fraudulent Nigerian leaders. There are cases
of stolen billions of naira by politicians that has not been accounted for. Recently the
Senate ad-hoc Committee on Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program,
announced that 500billion naira (50 billion dollars) realized from the subsidy program
of the Federal Government is missing. In spite of the enormous riches in human and
abundant natural resources, the standard of living in Nigeria is ranked among the
lowest in the world. In 2012 the United Nations Development program (UNDP)
conducted a survey on human development index. Out of 187 countries, Nigeria was
ranked 153.
http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/hdr/humandevelopment-report-2013.
In this 21st century Nigeria still does not have stable electricity. Day and night,
generators are heard whistling from houses and business premises sending deadly
carbon dioxide into the air. Unemployment is rising dangerously causing damages to
lives and properties. Nigeria universities and higher institutions are producing
graduates in geometric rate and yet no effort is made to provide employment for these
young graduates. This has resulted to crime of unimaginable dimension placing Nigeria
as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The level of corruption in Nigeria
has become an embarrassment to black race. Because of that, Nigerians are treated with
humiliation and disdain everywhere in the world. In the eyes of other nationalities
almost all Nigerians are criminalized. Nigerians who were once held in high esteem by
other nations are now treated as nuisance and criminals. Politicians are wreaking havoc
on the economy with impunity.
Education in Nigeria is rendered useless. Our universities and higher institutions lack
the basic amenities, lab and research facilities needed to prepare the students for
national development. Nigeria is the only country in the world where universities are
shut down for months and students are sent home because of the government refusal to
live up to their responsibility in providing adequate and necessary tools, equipment,
and infrastructures needed for the students to function effectively in their respective
areas of academic discipline. Nigerians have resulted to sending their children to
neighboring African countries and Europe for education purposes. While Nigerian
Universities are closed for lack of funds to run the institutions, the minister of Aviation
was reported to have purchased 225 million naira bulletproof cars and 50billion dollars
is currently unaccounted for by the federal government. The future of any nation
depends on how well her education is organized. Education is knowledge and when
that knowledge is restrained, ignorance prevails and where there is ignorance the
people will suffer in penury. As other nations are busy investing heavily on research
and education, Nigeria's education system is crumbling into oblivion. The spirits of

25
hate, greed, backwardness, selfishness, and wickedness inherited from idol worshiping
have taken over Nigerians. Hunger, poverty, and desperation, coupled with pressure
from families and friends have turned Nigeria into a collective league of criminal
organization.
The level of lawlessness is unspeakable. The other day I watched a documentary of the
condition of the Nigeria police college in Lagos. What I saw on that documentary
cannot be explained in this commentary. As I gazed at the most despicable, obscured,
and terrible condition ever imagined, I did not realize that tears had already started
running down my cheek, until one of my sons tapped me and said "Daddy are you
crying?" I immediately stopped the program to regain my composure before
continuing. It is unimaginable. I recommend everyone to watch it by clicking on the
following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKkywuKKBc4. Nigeria has
become an embarrassment to black race all over the world. Nigerians are the most
educated, intelligent, and smartest people in the continent of Africa. Nigerians in
Diaspora have exemplified themselves in science and technology and of course in all
fields of academic disposition yet in all of these, there is absolutely nothing to show for
it in their own land. Very much like their ancestors. Nigerians have become their own
enemies. They connive with foreign criminals to illegally extract their resources and
desecrate their land with industrial waste.
In 2007, Baba Ahmed a retired permanent secretary with the ministry of foreign affairs
met with Nelson Mandela. In that meeting, Mandela in his own word registered his
disappointment over the rottenness in the government of Nigeria. He said "Your
leaders have no respect for their people. They believe that their personal interests are
the interests of the people. They take people's resources and turn it into personal
wealth. There is a level of poverty in Nigeria that should be unacceptable. I cannot
understand why Nigerians are not angrier than they are". The judiciary is porous and
the rule of law is of non-effect. Those spirits of hate, and wickedness inherited from idol
worshipping are wreaking havoc in Nigeria. They have hardened the hearts of
Nigerians to the extent that no one has any spiritual, emotional or moral connection to
that nation. Nigeria is currently under siege as politicians continue to squander the
nation's resources with absolute recklessness. Armed robbers, kidnappers, ritualist, and
those who have wrecked the country have become the most highly respected
individuals in the society. Inter-state highways are broken down causing numerous
fatal accidents on regular basis. Poverty rate has risen to 80 percent. Many Nigerians
and their children in Diaspora have abandoned their homeland for lack of
infrastructures and security reasons. There is absolutely no value for life in Nigeria.
Islamic criminals called Boko Haram, kidnapers and ritualist are laying ambush on
innocent Nigerians on a daily basis. Those who escape the sneers of agents of darkness
in the cities would have to battle spiritual attack from family idols and witchcraft in

26
their villages. Those who plan to escape to other countries are no longer allowed or
welcome by various countries around the world because of Nigeria's bad reputation.
The so-called elder statesmen have nothing to show for it. They lead the nation with
futility, lies, deception, and greed. One may argue that after all Nigeria is not the only
country in the world that worships idols. That is absolutely correct, but the intensity at
which Nigerians engage in voodoo practices is in no doubt a matter of urgent attention.
However, all other countries in Africa are guilty of the same offence but they are not
spared either. It is obvious that poverty rate in Africa has risen to astronomical rate. An
earlier UN report in 2007 predicted that in little more than a year from now, in the year
2015, nearly a third of the worlds impoverished will be black Africans.
www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/nigeria-underperformer-dangerous-mix-corruptionpoverty-walter-carrington. It is abundantly clear that the main cause of Nigeria problem
is the worship of false gods. The only solution to these problems is genuine repentance
and total surrender to Christ, God almighty. Though Idol worshipping has caused a
monumental damage in Nigeria, I still believe there is hope. It is never too late. There
must be programs geared towards educating people about the danger of idol
worshipping in the country. 2 chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my
name, shall humble themselves, and pray , and seek my face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land"
What are some modern forms of idolatry in Nigeria today? All the various forms of
modern idolatry have one thing at their core which is ``god of self. We no longer bow
down to idols and images. Instead we worship at the altar of the god of self. This brand
of modern idolatry takes various forms.
First, we worship at the altar of materialism which feeds our need to build our egos
through the acquisition of more stuffs. Our homes are filled with all manner of
possessions. We build bigger and bigger houses with more closets and storage space in
order to house all the things we buy, much of which we havent even paid for yet. Most
of our stuff has planned obsolescence built into it, making it useless in no time, and so
we consign it to the garage or other storage space. Then we rush out to buy the newest
item, garment, shoes, bags, car, lands or electronic gadget e.t.c and the whole process
starts over. This insatiable desire for more, better, and newer stuff is nothing more than
covetousness. The tenth commandment tells us not to fall victim to coveting: "You shall
not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his
manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your
neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). God doesnt just want to rain on our buying sprees. He
knows we will never be happy indulging our materialistic desires because it is Satans
trap to keep our focus on ourselves and not on Him.

27
Second, we worship at the altar of our own pride and ego. This often takes the form of
obsession with careers and jobs. Millions of menand increasingly more women
spend 60-80 hours a week working. Even on the weekends and during vacations, our
laptops are humming and our minds are whirling with thoughts of how to make our
businesses more successful, how to get that promotion, how to get the next raise, how
to close the next deal. In the meantime, our children and spouse even the Almighty God
are all starving for attention and love. We fool ourselves into thinking we are doing it
for them, to give them a better life. But the truth is we are doing it for ourselves, to
increase our self-esteem by appearing more successful in the eyes of the world. This is
folly!!. All our labors and accomplishments will be of no use to us after we die, nor will
the admiration of the world, because these things have no eternal value. As King
Solomon put it, For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and
then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is
meaningless and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious
striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief;
even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 2:21-23).
Third, we idolize mankindand by extension ourselvesthrough naturalism and the
power of science. This gives us the illusion that we are ``Lords of our world and builds
our self-esteem to godlike proportions. We reject Gods Word and His description of
how He created the heavens and the earth, and we accept the nonsense of evolution and
naturalism. We embrace the goddess of environmentalism and fool ourselves into
thinking we can preserve the earth indefinitely when God has declared the earth has a
limited lifespan and will last only until the end of the age. At that time, He will destroy
all that He has made and create a new heaven and new earth. But the day of the Lord
will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be
destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything
will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live
holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That
day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt
in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven
and a new earth, the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:10-13). As this passage so clearly
states, our focus should not be on worshipping the environment, but on living holy
lives as we wait eagerly for the return of our Lord and Savior, who alone deserves
worship.
Thirdly, and perhaps most destructively, we worship at the altar of selfaggrandizement or the fulfillment of the self to the exclusion of all others and their
needs and desires. This manifests itself in self-indulgence through alcohol, sexual
pervasions, body tattooing, drugs trafficking and addictions, ungodly pleasure and
uncontrollable appetites for food. Those in affluent countries have unlimited access to

28
alcohol, drugs (prescription drug use is at an all-time high, even among children), and
food. Obesity rates in the U.S. have skyrocketed, and childhood diabetes brought on by
overeating is epidemic. The self-control we so desperately need is spurned in our
insatiable desire to eat, drink, and medicate more and more. We resist any effort to get
us to curb our appetites, and we are determined to make ourselves the god of our lives.
This has its origin in the Garden of Eden where Satan tempted Eve to eat of the tree
with the words you will be like God (Genesis 3:5). This has been mans desire ever
sinceto be god and, as we have seen, the worship of self is the basis of all modern
idolatry.
All idolatry of self has at its core the three lusts found in 1 John 2:16: For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
Father, but is of the world. If we are to escape modern idolatry, we have to admit that
it is rampant and reject it in all its forms. It is not of God, but of Satan, and in it we will
never find fulfillment. This is the great lie and the same one Satan has been telling since
he first lied to Adam and Eve. Sadly, we are still falling for it. Even more sadly, many
churches are propagating it in the preaching of the health, wealth, and prosperity
gospel built on the idol of self-esteem. But we will never find happiness focusing on
ourselves. Our hearts and minds must be centered on God and on others. This is why
when asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus replied, Love the Lord your
God.
Understanding contemporary idols can help us to understand why they prove to be
such a powerful temptation. An idol can be anything we place ahead of God in our
lives, anything that tugs at our heart more than God does, such as possessions, careers,
relationships, hobbies, sports, entertainment, goals, greed, addictions to alcohol, drugs,
gambling, pornography, etc. Many of the things we idolize can be very good, such as
relationships or careers. Yet Scripture tells us that, whatever we do, we are to do it all
for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and that we are to serve God only
(Deuteronomy 6:13). Unfortunately, God is often shoved out of the way as we zealously
pursue our idols. Worse yet, the significant amount of time we often spend in these
idolatrous pursuits leave us with little or no time to spend with the Lord.
There is another form of idolatry prevalent today. Its growth is fostered by cultures that
continue to drift away from sound biblical teaching, just as the apostle Paul warned us,
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine (2 Timothy
4:3). In these pluralistic, liberal times, many cultures have, to a large degree, redefined
God. We have forsaken the God revealed to us in Scripture and have recast Him to
comply with our own inclinations and desiresa kinder and gentler god who is
infinitely more tolerant than the One revealed in Scripture, the God who is less
demanding and less judgmental and who will tolerate any kind of lifestyles without
placing guilt on anyones shoulders. As this idolatry is propagated by churches around

29
the world, many disillusioned congregants understandably believe they are

worshipping the one, true God. However, these made-over gods are created by man,
and to worship them is to worship idols. Worshipping a god of ones own making,
however, is particularly tempting for many whose habits and lifestyles and drives and
desires are not in harmony with Scripture.
Given the recent economic breakdown and ensuing global chaos, many have turned to
addictive behaviors such as drugs and substance uses, prostitution, child labour,
alcohol consumption and may other social vices that were not acceptable in the time
past are used or even something as innocent as excessive television viewing as a means
of temporarily escaping a difficult situation or perhaps just the rigors of daily life. The
psalmist, however, tells us that those who place their trust in this behavior will,
essentially, become spiritually useless like their idols (Psalm 115:8). We need to place
our trust in the Lord who will keep us from all harm (Psalm 121:7) and who has
promised to supply all of our needs when we trust in Him. We also need to remember
the words of Paul, who teaches us not to be anxious about anything, but rather to pray
about everything so the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, can guard
our hearts and our minds (Philippians 4:67).
The joys of this world, which we too often seek, will never satisfy the human heart. As
Solomon beautifully conveys in the book of Ecclesiastes, apart from a right relationship
with God, life is futile. We were created in Gods image (Genesis 1:27) and designed to
worship and glorify Him as He alone is worthy of our worship. God has placed
eternity in mans heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and a relationship with Jesus Christ is the
only way to fulfill this longing for eternal life. All of our idolatrous pursuits will leave
us empty, unsatisfied, and, ultimately, on the broad road that Scripture warns us about
most people taking, the one that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13) with all your heart
and with all your soul and with your entire mind (Matthew 22:37). When we love the
Lord and others with everything that is in us, there will be no room in our hearts for
idolatry.
The Role of the church in the National Development
Christian Religion has a significant role to play in sustainable development process of a
nation like Nigeria. Events in the near past have centralized the theme of sustainable
development at the stage of local, national and international discourses. The struggle to
overcome oppressive regimes and to build peaceful communities for sustainable
development has continued to grow from strength to strength. The Role of the Church
in Rebuilding Nigeria
Many would describe Nigeria as being in a crisis, with the intractable problems of
terrorism, insecurity, kidnapping, corruption, a stagnant economy, epileptic power

30
supply, unemployment, poor governance, breakdown in healthcare delivery and the

education system amongst others. The stupendous amounts of wealth acquisition by
the few to the detriment of the many by way of cronyism and plain corruption flies in
the face. I believe the church can make an invaluable contribution to the transformation
of Nigeria.
The Nigerian church is gradually freeing itself from the locked-in syndrome, which in
the name of building formidable and mega churches made the churches focus on our
brand, our image, our programmes, our members, and locked us into the four walls of
the church building, competing with each other for members and seldom venturing out
except in the most dire of circumstances. This syndrome has resulted in growth in
numbers, but not in quality.
It is common to find people professing to be Christians whose character and lifestyles
do not emulate the life and character of Christ, and leave much to be desired. It could be
said that our standards have been lowered to accommodate all comers. Thankfully the
understanding is now growing that the church is relevant in every facet of human
endeavour, that the church can no longer be consigned to the sacred, but is indeed
responsible for influence amongst the secular. Indeed most of the systems that modern
governments employ, such as judicial systems and separation of powers are rooted in
Christian doctrine. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and bemoan the
travails that Nigeria faces, its time we arose to our responsibilities as the salt of the
earth and the light of this world.
It is often said that as goes the church goes the nation, and truly with the numbers that
claim adherence to the Christian faith, the church should be one of the most influential
institutions in our land today. It follows therefore that the church must become
whatever it wants the nation to be. If we desire to see more transparency in
government, commerce and industry, then we must take the lead by demonstrating
transparency through our own operations, leading by example, in other words we must
become the change we desire. At the root of our national malaise is a systematic erosion
of our value system. We will continue to return to ground zero if we simply apply quick
economic and social fixes without tackling our social order and value system. Following
are critical sectors whose value the church must vigorously promote and support.
Religious &Moral Development
According to R. C. Agarwal (2009), Religion has played a vital role in developing the
national sentiment and in consolidating a nation. Prayer sustains every work of human
hand. One can do nothing without prayer, Jesus warns: Stay awake, and pray not to be
put to the test. The Spirit is willing enough, but human nature is weak (Mt.26v41). On
annual festivals and occasional sacrifices, African Traditional Religious Priest prays for

31
peace and tranquility of the Nation. On Fridays and Sundays, prayers are offered by
Muslims and Christians respectively for same purpose. Religious values are very vital
in shaping human morality and ethics. The root of the neglect of the ultimate values in
sustainable development process of a nation lies in the attitude which sees religion as
negative force or source of strive and division. For people with such attitude, religion is
pushed aside in the course of sustainable development. According to Christopher
Dawson (1983): If the rational and spiritual determine their creative activities, and if the
primary manifestation of these elements is to be found in the sphere of religion, it is
clear that the religious factor has had a far more important share in the development of
human cultures. Dawsons study shows that real development takes place when there is
harmony and coordination between the progressive intellectualization of the material
universe through science and technology and the progressive spiritualization of human
beings through religion. Dawson believes that without religion, science becomes a
neutral force at the service of militarism and economic exploitation. Without science, a
society or a nation becomes fixed in a non-progressive order. The religious leaders
should speak the truth without fear or favour, they are to push the nation forward by
embracing sound moral development from home and their place of worship.
Christian Youth Empowerment
The youth are what they are today because yesterdays problem was not properly
addressed. They need to be empowered religiously, politically, and economically. In
term of sustainable development Christian Youth play a vital role. They are the
continuity of human race and the life wire of existence. No nation meaningfully exists
without its youth. Through their religious activities, the youth learn how to organize
themselves for a common goal. The statistic of 2007 places the population of youth at
60% of the country population; this means that the youth number 87 million. Religion
inculcates in these youths sense of obedience, respect, transparency, justice and peace.
The empowerment of the youths makes them to become pioneers of sustainable
development through provision of good jobs and not using them as political tugs or
sending them to other parts of the world where they are brain washed and send them
back home to tear the nation apart through religion fanaticism. An idle mind is the
workshop of the devil this is the truth of the proverb on the Nigerian youth who are not
empowered by the leaders either in the circular or by the churches.
Qualitative Educability
The church can makes a huge contribution towards sustainable development of a
nation. Through its preaching and teaching, religion fights the vices that antagonize
development: Self, Tribal and regional sentiment, Corruption, exploitation, dishonesty,
Imprudence, bribery, deceit, sycophancy, terrorism etc. and advocates non-violence and
love. The church should develop human beings through qualitative teaching of sound
doctrine and moral who in turn develop and maintain national structures with integrity

32
and loyalty. Through Assemblies, Seminars, Workshops, Meetings, Communiqu,

Circulars, etc. The church and the leaders should been in a position to show how
religion has always been a part of the forces for development. Where the government
remains transient on developmental setbacks, the religious bodies remain intransient.
According to Catholic Bishops of Nigeria (CBN/2003): It is specifically the role of the
Church Leaders to offer pastoral, Counsel and, Spiritual guidance According Pope J.
Paul 11, Sustainable Development must be aimed at the fulfillment of mans vocation,
which ultimately leads to God. The CBN deplored environmental degradation, serious
impoverishment of Nigerians, regional, deep ethnic, tribal, religious tensions and
ruthless handling of situations of social unrest by the civil authorities. Religion
manifests itself in all areas of national life such as political, social, economic, health,
legal, cultural, educational, etc. The early Missionaries were able to bring the people
together through charitable and Health Services, and Education. These charitable and
health services, and Education moved hand in hand with the spreading of religious
faith even up to date. The standard of educational dropped when the Government took
over the Missionary Schools, maintenance policy also dropped. Across the country
today most schools and places built by the missionaries which were taken over by the
government are all in dilapidated conditions while majority are in poorly conditions
due to lack of maintenance of the structures. Hence how will there by thorough
development if government failed to implore the services of the Christian and the godly
religious leaders
Religion and Sustainable Development
The vision of the third Republic tagged, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). That
by the year 2015 every nation of the globe is developed to fight that which dehumanizes
human conditions. To develop is one thing and to sustain is another thing entirely.
Development without sustainability is no development, be it national, international or
Global. The most tasking challenge of any nation today, is the challenge of
sustainability. How can we maintain or sustain the already developed or established
segments of our society? Religion makes sacred, the norms and values of a nation and
functions as an efficacious means of social control. It elicits confidence, assurance,
prudence, trust and loyalty. Religious sanctions remedy many evils and restrain people.
Religion performs critical function by providing values and ideals in sustaining
development process. Religion has a dialectical relationship with sustainable
development process, acting as an element of social control and stability. The history of
Israel, gives an excellent example of this dialectical function of religion in the process of
sustainable national development. Religious experience of the people, serves as a source
of cohesion, stability and social control. Behind any subsequent development of any
nation, is this vital force (religion). Each time religious factor became weak through
disobedience on the part of the nation, the result is always destabilization, disharmony,

33
oppression, exploitation and all kinds of vices and eventually leads to the decay or
collapse of the system.
The role of Religious Leaders
Religion is the ever current machinery for sustainable development. For positive
sustainable development in Nigeria, the different religious Leaders must desist from
asserting exclusive claims to both the truth and the right of existence. Confronted with
national unity and development they should allow their common concern with ultimate
values to motivate them to carry out their revolutionary function. They should stand on
the same platform as the Prophets of old pointing out the ills of society without fear or
favour. Sustainable development is people oriented programme, as spiritual Leaders,
they should come together and call the attention of our National Leaders and the
citizens to the realization that leadership and election carry with them responsibility,
that Nigeria can only continue to enjoy her privilege position in Africa, if Gods
injunction to be our brothers keepers, to help the poor and needy, is obeyed, and that
disobedience carries with it punishment. Let the words of our Political Leaders be
translated into action admired by the religion, and not the religion leaders acting like
instrument of confusion by destabilizing the peace of the nation with their spiritual
bigotry.
Patriotism as a priority:
To find a solution to this problem we want state that every individual Nigerian must
first think as a Nigerian before thinking as Nigeria Christian or Muslim. We must have
it at the back of our mind that the co-operate existence of Nigeria is a project bequeath
to us from our forefathers. Before the coming of new religions or religious sects we had
belong to a nation that had values. We must realize that Jesus Christ was of the stock of
the Jews according to Gods divine economy, while Muhammads biography can
neither be complete without reference to Saudi Arabia nor his religious motive
separated from Ishmael. Of course there is never a religion without cultural bias.
Nigeria should provide the prime Culture which should be tailored with religion for the
enhancement of our common good instead of religious fundamentalism.
Recognition of the Basic Rudiment of Religion:
We may need to insist here that the basic rudiment of religion cannot be located
elsewhere outside love and peace. For love Christ came and for the same Allah revealed
his purpose through Muhammad. According to the bible, only the living worship God.
If you hate and kill you cannot love.
Emphasis on Uniting Factors:
Religious teachers who are probably knowledgeable and matured should teach all such
uniting factors that abound in religion than the factors of ember. Nobody should fool

34
himself to believe or teach that God will offer us the angels wings for killing our fellow
brothers or a seat at right hand of Christ if we hate and look down on others. We should
teach right virtues that will enhance the society.
Control of National Boarders:
The fact that the religious riot of the 1980s was partly the hand work of immigrants
from other countries of Africa obviously places the onus of conscious effort to protect
our boarders as of first priority on us. Our security agents should make concerted
efforts to see to it that our boarders are not left porous particularly now there are cases
of threat on global religiously minded terrorism through teaching of godly messages
and civic responsibility in the churches.
Education
Education promotes economic growth and social order by providing the adequately
trained manpower with the skill sets that are relevant to national development.
Education opens and broadens the mind, changes the perspectives of its beneficiaries,
and should be the quickest way to climb up the social ladder. Our prospects as a nation
will increase geometrically if genuine and purposeful reforms in education become our
top priority. Educated people are not easily manipulated, controlled and influenced, so
it stands to reason that corrupt and inept administrations will only pay lip service to
good education knowing that genuine reforms will be their own death knell.
We must demand adequate funding for the education sector and insist that it is
managed by willing and competent hands. Teachers the world over are treated with
respect and adequately rewarded for their services, because it is understood that they
mould the custodians of our future. An urgent review of the standards of remuneration
of teachers and lecturers is imperative. We must encourage our youth back to school,
paying special attention to those who abandoned an education because of the allure of
the opportunity of quick money to be made on the streets. We must promote the
advantages of a sound education to our children; it is the only lasting legacy that we can
bequeath them. The value of a quality education cannot be over emphasized.
Honesty
This is a virtue that many Nigerians not only disavow but despise today; they see the
honest downtrodden, while the dishonest prosper. Honesty is the best policy, and an
equitable and just society can only be built on an honest foundation and, despite our
present experience, dishonesty must never be seen to pay. We must sanction those who
benefit from dishonesty and promote the value of honesty. We must take the campaign
for honesty to our schools and colleges, our children should grow up with the credo
honesty is the best policy. Our governments must join in the promotion of honesty as a
core value for the Nigerian people.

35
Our churches must join in the war of good against evil, of justice against injustice, of
light against darkness and so on.
Timeliness
The value we place on punctuality is evidence of our total disregard for one another.
Whenever we are late for an appointment we disrespect and dishonour those who were
on time. If we could put a monetary value to the man hours lost through tardiness, both
at an individual and national level we would be shocked at this huge drain on our
resources this disposition represents. I am in the process of launching a campaign to
applaud those who are always punctual and to name and shame the tardy. We must
change the paradigm that makes Nigerian time acceptable, and reorientate our youth in
particular to the value of punctuality. Time is a valuable resource that cannot be
recovered.
Dignity of Labour
Our sense of identity must not come from what we do, but from what we believe. We
are who we are because of our sense of values, because of the things that we give
priority to in our lives, because of our perspectives and paradigms. We bring value to
what we do not the other way around, we must never be defined by what we do, but by
who we are. Unfortunately, in Nigeria we respect and admire people for what they do
and not who they are. A good doctor is good because of the inner qualities in him, these
inner qualities would make him a good engineer if that was where his calling. A driver
that works in a bank calls himself a banker because thats the way he believes he can
earn the respect of others. We must teach him that there is dignity in labour and he
need not be ashamed of the work he does, as he does it as unto the Lord. I remember
when WCs were not so common in Lagos and night soil men (the men that emptied
our local toilets) all wore masks to cover their faces, as they worked under the cover of
darkness. They didnt want to be recognized by the work they did, because they were
ashamed of peoples response to their work.
The church must work for a change of mindset; we must work ardently to teach people
to value others for who they are and not what they do, or what they have. We must
teach our people to take pride in their work, whatever it is, and do it as unto the Lord.
This calls for subtle changes in the way we extend recognition to people who attend our
churches, and our attitude to the titles that people append to their names, not acquired
by the dint of hard work, but purchased with money.
Savings and Investment
A book I read many years ago entitled The richest man in Babylon changed my
attitude to savings and investment. I commend it to you, its a 30 minute read, but can

36
be life changing. We must encourage the development of a savings and investment

culture and persuade our people to buy into it, we must teach them the various options
that are available to them. No country has attained development without the
widespread practice of savings and investment. We must learn to place value on the
culture of savings & investment.
CONCLUSION
The rot in Nigeria is deeply rooted and we must not imagine that things will change
overnight or without a fight, indeed we as Christians are called to daily warfare against
the forces of darkness. We must commence the work to extract Nigeria from this
quagmire, it will take time, as it is often said that it takes 7 years to repair the
destruction done to a nation in one year. While I do not dispute this I do have
confidence that with God all things are possible and that God will do a swift work in
Nigeria when He finds enough willing hands. We must take the battle to the gates of
hell as it is written; the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.
Let me close by warning that the consequences of doing nothing are very dire.
Insecurity is a major problem with kidnapping and other forms of violence on the rise.
Graduate unemployment is increasing, economic growth is static, poverty is becoming
pervasive, and our people are suffering, and this is just at the tip of our national iceberg.
The prospect of generations unborn rests upon our decision to rise to the urgency of the
moment. Arise and shine for your light is come.
RECOMMENDATION
From the points raise from the paper, following are recommended for the enhancement
of the role of religion in sustainable development of Nigerian Nation:
Religion partners with State in national development and sustainability.
Nigerian Leaders and citizens should not deviate from their faith and embrace
only politics.
They should see themselves as agents and collaborators in the national
development.
They should build on the good foundation laid by their predecessors, thereby
consolidating and encouraging the policy of continuity and discharge their
duties in the national interest.
For effective sustainable development in Nigeria, the words of our political
leaders should be translated into actions and, efforts should be intensified in
working on such factors that unite.
There must be concrete dialogue and mutual understanding among the political
and religious leaders or groupings in the country.
Any national decision that affects the populace should be brought to public
debate.

37
There must be that sense of Spiritual consciousness that credible sustainability of

any development is informed by religious beliefs and achieved by
democratization.
REFERENCES
Abe G. O. (1991) African Journal of Biblical Studies, Vol. vi, No 1, April 1991.
Agarwal R. C. (2009), Political Theory (Principles of Political Science), S. Chand and
Company Ltd, Ram Nagar, New Delhi.
Bahm Archie, quoted in African Journal of Biblical Studies, ibid.
Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, quoted in Kuka (2003)
Dawson C. Quoted in Encounter, Vol. 4Pro-Millennium EditionRome, 1998/1999.
F. J. Oladejo (1983) The Role of Religion in the process of Development of a nation: A
Paper delivered at the Federal College of Education, Oyo.
Idowu Bolaji (1973) African Traditional Religion: A definition, London.
J. Paul 11(1967), Populorum Progression, no. 14, Rome.
Kuka Mathew (2003), Human Rights in Nigeria: Hopes and Hindrance
Rodney W. (1990), How Europe underdeveloped Africa. London, Bogel L Overture
Publications, Washington.., no. 3
Roger E. (1969), Modernization Among Peasants: The impact of communication, Ny.
SUNESCO (1990) World Literacy: Where we stand Today, Courier, July, 1990.
Tade A. and Ademola T. The Challenges of Sustainable Development in Nigeria,
Ibadan,
Nigeria Environment Study Action Team.
The African Bible: Biblical Text of American Bible.

38
CHAPTER FOUR
NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH
1Religious
Temitope Bello1 and Eunice O.Osakinle2

Studies Department and 2Guidance and Counselling Department, Ekiti State
University, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
INTRODUCTION
For more than four decades now Nigeria gained her independence from the British
colonial government one cannot say that there how been any tremendous development
that had taken place in Nigeria. The problem in created by politics in this country had
been enormous. For more than forty years of self-independence, less than twenty years
have been of civil rule. There have been four attempts at civil rule and all have been
total failure. Politics and religion have been together for quite a long time. Religion have
been playing a significant role in the development of this country. Specifically, the part
the church is expected to play in the development of life people in this country is the
primary concern of this essay church and development bed-fellows that moves
together. They are twins, when one moves the other will follow. The two are in fact
complementary to each other. M. Ghandhi as quoted by O.U Kalu once declared that
development divorced from religion has absolutely no meaning He went further to
assert that development bereft of religion are absolute dirt ever to be shunned1. One
could not but agree with those assertions as they point to the fact that the two are not
antithesis rather, they are complementary.
Social Development
The word development has been defined in various ways. However, the definition of
Tella Adewale will suffice in this study. He defines development as a positive charge in
the socio/political and economic structure of a nation, a charge in the socio/economic
institutions, relations and processes2. Narrowing development to its social perspective,
we may define social development to mean a positive change in social institutions,
relations and process2. A discourse on social institution must, as a matter of necessity,
include educational, health, and marriage institutions.
Definition and Meaning of the Church
The Greek word Ekklesia from which the word church comes has the meaning of
being called out or an assembly of congregational meeting. In the New Testament sense,
the church is the company of believers called out from the world and indwelt by the
spirit of God3. The true church is composed of the whole number of regenerated
persons from Pentecost to the first resurrection who are united together to Christ by the
Baptism with the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:12-13) he is the head and as such, it is a Holy
39
temple for the habitation of God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:22). It is one flesh with
Christ and espoused to Him as a chase virgin to the husband (2Cor. 11:2-4)4. The church
is equally a building designed for worship for group of Christians. It may be small and
simple, just large enough to hold a neighborhood congregation, or it may be huge and
complicated, containing different spaces for various religious activities and
observances, as in grand cathedral. All churches are built for sacred purposes, but
because many branches of Christianity exist no single type of church building
predominates. Some Christians worship with little ceremony, some with elaborate
ritual, some make use of statues and painting, while some do not. Thus churches vary
in appearance, having been planned to suit one or another kind of religious practice5.
However, the church invisible and visible is that mystical body, that organism,
composed of individual believers in Christ, who are joined to Him as members of a
body to their head, as branched to the vine (Jn. 15:15) and as the Bride to the
Bridegroom. This is the church in the true sense. This company is universal in that all
nations are represented in it, and that all believers, no matter what their denomination
rooting, are members of the church (Rev. 7:9, Jn. 17:21), provided their rooting is in
Christ Jesus. In another sense, the Bible does not recognize anyone visible church on
earth as the church of Christ. The church that is, His body, consists of all regenerated
soul, each one redeemed by the blood of Christ and transformed by the Holy Spirit6.
Challenge to National Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Two challenges confronting Nigeria today, the challenge is to forge a developmental
community out of the various religious groups and the challenge of the impact of
modernization.
In these challenges there is a struggle for the soul of Nigeria. In facing the challenges of
pluralization and modernization, Christian has a substantial and distinctive role to play.
Although building the sustainable developmental system of the nation is largely a
secular activity, it is not without its religious underpinnings. Whenever people
investigate the roots of their society, its shape and form, they encounter the sacred in
the human. This awareness of the sacred emerges as people is increasing, yet limited
opportunities. I have chosen Nigeria in particular as a stimulus to these reflections
because it is itself a nation searching for development while, at the same time it is in
move of rapid modernization. Nigeria is forced by its own history from within and the
challenge of development from without to provide a frame within which people may
live together in peace, irrespective of their beliefs of state of origin.
Christianity and the Road to Sustainable Development
Like other African Nations, Nigeria has been sometimes uninterested host, to
overcomers, selling game and preachers alike. Nigeria has always held out a welcoming

40
hand to missionaries of various persuasions. In Nigeria the European goes back to the
fifteenth century, when the Portuguese brought their trade and Christian religion to the
South east of the country. However the real rooting of the European civilization and
religion on Nigerian soil was a development of the 19th and 20th centuries. The British
came and in an imperialistic contest with the French annexed modern Nigeria for the
leaders. This step was solemnly ratified on January 14th, 1914, when the country was
unified as North and South and become part of the British Empire. To advocate religion
as playing a major role in the development affairs of the nation runs contrary to the
received wisdom in many parts of the world today.
The Role of the Church in Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Going through the Bible, it is evident that the church has a lot to accomplish in the
developmental life of the country. In the book of Genesis, after God had finished with
all that he created, he made man to be in charge of all He made. The Bible puts it thus
replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and
over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. This
creative dominion was bestowed upon Gods people right from the beginning. The
church should see it as a great responsibility that God committed to her by God right
from the time of creation. Failure to carry out the command would amount to
disobedience.
The church should not limit its outcry only to those times when their denomination or a
leader of theirs is threatened. Selfish complacency should be do away with. It is a fact
that some core voices like that of some Arch. Bishop Okogie, is being heard. But, there
should be a concerted effort in the church to protest against all form of injustice in the
country, this will sustain the development of a nation. Just like the prophets of the old,
the church should confront every evil and anormally with the truth of God, correcting
and guiding the society towards a good state. The church should not fold its hands but
be very actively involved in decision making, as individuals, with the church, who are
disposed towards development, it should be seen as a significant calling to follow.
It has been said that The prize honest men pay for keeping silent and not getting
involved, is to be ruled by dishonest men9 if others failed to develop the nation it is the
right of the church to inject righteousness into it by not being apathetic but by being
involved. Church should therefore go all out to make its impact felt in the sustainable
development of the nation.

41
The Church and Education

Rev Fr. Victor lfeanyi defines education in the following words:
The training and institutions which enlighten the mind, increase
knowledge, foster insight, develop abilities and attitudes, and enlighten
the will10
Babs Fafunwa observes that "the goal of education and the method may differ from
place to place, nation to nation and people to people12. He posits that for the Greeks, an
educated man was one who was mentally and physically well balanced whereas the
Romans placed emphasis on oratory and military training13. In old Africa, the warrior,
the hunter, the noble man, the man of character or anyone who combined the latter
features with specific skills was adjudged to be a well- integrated citizen of his
community.14 African education, in the words of Fafunwa, emphasized social
responsibility, job orientation, political participation and spiritual and moral values.
Children and adolescents were engaged in participatory education through ceremonies,
rituals, imitations, recitations and demonstration15.
One noticeable legacy of the missionaries in Ekiti is the establishment of educational
institutions which include the Primary, Modern, Teachers' Training and Grammar
schools. These schools were originally established by the missionaries for the purpose
of evangelisation and to catch the young ones at their early age16. They were of the
opinion that the schools might give counsel about hygienic living quarters, potable
water, treatment of fever and dysentery, prevention of leprosy and a host of other
things. The colonial authorities though arguably worked in concert with the
missionaries ad somewhat different reasons for establishing schools. The reasons were
made clear by Lord Lugard, the British colonial Governor of Nigeria when he said:
The chief function of government primary and secondary schools
among primitive communities is to train the more promising boys from
the village schools as teachers for those schools, as clerks for the local
native courts, and as interpreters17
Whatever might be the reason for establishing schools, religious or secular, the result
was quite the same. With the establishment of schools, which were often built in the
same compound within the church, the missionaries were able to get into the families
through the children who attended this schools18. Ekiti land had her fair share of
missionary schools, primary and secondary.
At the inception of these schools, attendance was very poor. Parents were not willing to
release their children to go to school as this would mean leaving the farm work to
suffer. This was at a time when one's status in the society was measured by the number
of acres of farmland one had and how wealthy one was as a farmer. Therefore, parents

42
did not attach much importance to western education19. Furthermore, the chiefs and
men of high status in the society considered it an insult for any of their children to be
flogged by a teacher in the school. Thus, schools were considered as places for the
servants and slaves in the society, not for the free born20. The problem of school fees
also contributed to the poor enrolment of pupils/ students as .many parents could not
afford the cost. When these schools were established, Arithmetic, Religion, Reading and
Writing .were taught initially. Pupils were trained to be able to read the Bible
independently. This went a long way in helping to spread the gospel to many people
and places. The local people that were trained to became teachers by the; missionaries
were remarkably influenced by the missionaries. They were smart, disciplined and
hardworking. These qualities were necessary for development21. The fear of God which
was taught in these schools inculcated moral discipline into school pupils. The schools
also played a significant role in fighting illiteracy and served as a beacon of progress for
the people. Thus, whenever there was a demand for clerks, school teachers and
interpreters by the colonial authority, the missionary schools were the first to respond
to such calls.
A survey was carried out on whether the churches actually contributed to social
development in Ekiti by establishing schools. The question was do you think the
missionaries contributed to social development in Ekiti by establishing schools?" In
general, 98 percent of those who responded to the questionnaire adjudged the
establishment of schools as a successful effort towards social development in Ekiti they
pointed to the numerous educated and successful men and women in the community
who were products of missionary schools as the basis for their assertion. Only a few
(just two percent) and perhaps more critical minds held contrary views. They explained
the seeming benefit from education offered by the Church and colonial government as
incidental or rather by-products of their unbridled drive to achieve set objectives. They
opined that education that was intended to produce clerks and interpreters could not
have been the best the period could offer and wondered if that was the form of
education that elevated Europe and America to the Olympian height which they
presently occupy in economy and in science and technology. Africans were sold into
slavery with the connivance of the missionaries. It is curious therefore why they
suddenly turned the advocates and civilizers of Africans. The' churches believed to
have established schools to impart western culture, which was taken to be superior to
.the culture of the community did so for profit making. The fact that only a few could
afford the fees demanded proves that the schools were profit-oriented.
In the opinion of the people, whom Don Akhilomen dubbed afro-centrics, the Christian
missionaries came with the intention not really to civilize and evangelize but to deceive
the black man and perpetuate his oppression and exploitation. They interpret the
abolitionist schemes not in purely for humanitarian reasons but rather in the light of the

43
socio-economic circumstances which made it expedient in Europe at that time22. The

missionaries were imperialists aiming at depersonalising and dehumanising Africans
by uprooting them from their cultural and religious "soils" and forcing them into alien
cultures and civilisation23. They demonstrated contemptuous disregard to African
cultural experience and religion. Irked by the uncompromising attitude of the
missionaries, Felix Enegilo observed "that they carried out the task of evangelisation as
if the Church were a big Euro-America multinational corporation, selling the same
product everywhere" 23. Missionary enterprise in the opinion of these people was thus
the worst thing to have happened to communities in Africa.
By and large, the Ekiti people who were fortunate to be educated in the missionary
schools were gainfully employed by either the mission 01- the colonial government. The
people enjoyed lucrative employments. Their fortune no longer swayed with the
fluctuating standards of living associated with unpredictable harvest. With the passing
of time some these elites rose to leadership positions in both church and State. Some
became headmasters of schools, priests, politicians and community leader24
The Church and Health
Health services were one means by which the Church in Ekiti claims to have immensely
contributed to the social development of children people and indeed other peoples of
Africa. There is the saying, "health is wealth". The missionaries took this up as a
motivating force. Their model they claimed was Jesus Christ who healed those who
were spiritually and physically sick23. During their pastoral family visits, they carried
along with them First Aid boxes containing drugs. Though the evangelists believed in
faith healing and embarked on it, they also applied medicine to the sick people after
praying for them. Health care delivery, which had a humble beginning, took a greater
dimension as missionary activities expanded into other towns and villages in Ekiti.
The traditional health practices of the people were condemned and discouraged on the
basis that the practitioners who were often native doctors or herbalists appeared dirty
and were regarded as quarks who could not diagnose illness according to western
methods. The wholesale condemnation of traditional health care practices by the
missionaries was not limited to Ekiti. In January 1861, Dr A. A. Harison was appointed
Health Officer in charge of European missionaries in Abeokuta. He was also to train a
few promising youth in Abeokuta in the elements of medical and surgical science. In
acquainting him with the stage of medical development among the people of Abeokuta,
he was told that he would find:
That the native doctors are not merely quarks as among Many uncivilised
tribes. That (the natives) have already discovered many herbs and roots as
well as some mineral substances which they occasionally compound
together27.

44
The missionaries condemned traditional health care practices among their so-called
primitive African society not on the basis that they were not effective, but that they
were prepared under unhygienic conditions and lacked dosage. Apart from making it
mandatory for their schools to have First Aid equipment. The missionaries established
health centres at strategic places in Ekiti land between 1945 and 1975. The Anglican
Mission built a health centre at Ise-ekiti, a village in Ekiti-land, which was handed over
to the Local Government Authority in 1963. The Roman Catholic mission established
the Catholic Maternity Home commonly called Asumpter - The Revered father's
hospital because initially, all the doctors there were whites28. Health settlements were
established for patients with infectious and contagious disease. There was the leprosy
settlement at Ikole-Ekiti. At these centres, inmates were treated, taught some crafts and
prepared for re- integration into their various communities. With health, centres
established, some illnesses like small pox, leprosy, epilepsy hitherto attributed to
witches/wizards. As the medical workers of the various churches strove to cure the
ailments of their patients, they also educated the patients on how to avoid a
reoccurrence of the il1ness and a possible occurrence of other forms of illness29. If
development is to be conceived as the elimination of pain according to F. Herzberg30 a
lot of Ekiti people, particularly those that were cured of tabooed illness like small pox
and leprosy were relieved of their psychological and emotional pains as they could now
mix up with other members of their community, engage in social/economic activities
thereby enhancing their living standard. While we do not seek to undermine the
development occasioned by the introduction of the western method of health care
delivery to , It is pertinent to emphasize that more could have been achieved but for the
biased and uncompromising attitude of the missionaries.
As earlier mentioned, the missionaries acknowledged the fact that the Ekiti people and
indeed Africans had attained some height in health care practices. What the people
needed therefore was encouragement; not outright condemnation. The evangelists and
their colonial allies should have taken samples of some herbs used by the people for
laboratory analysis. Worthy of note is the fact that some of the herbs that were
condemned by these people, for instance dogonyaro, has been confirmed in advanced
countries to be efficacious in the treatment of malaria. It is equally pertinent to note that
Africans have excelled in the treatment of broken bones and snakebite to mention only
a few. Instances abound where patients were referred to herbal homes from the
orthodox hospitals for some specialised treatment. The problem of preservation and
dosage have been considerably taken care of as some herbal drugs now, come in
regulated capsules, tablets and syrup. Little wonder therefore why effort is being made
by governments at various levels to Integrate traditional medicine with the western
orthodox genre.

45
In the cosmology of Ekiti people, extraneous forces such as witches/wizards, sorcerers,

and provoked deities are believed to be responsible for most ailments that plague
mankind31. This they do by casting spells on their victims. Orthodox medicine, the Ekiti
believe can rarely cure such ailments and has virtually no knowledge of their
prevention. Thus this is an area where the orthodox medicine trail behind the
traditional patterns of health care delivery. Every available opportunity was explored to
enlighten the people on health matters, from that pulpit, at catechism at Sunday
school/Bible studies, and at school tutorials on the imperative of proper sanitation and
ventilation to healthy living reverberated32. Altruistic and philanthropic claims of the
missionaries apart, one is intrigued to note that the evangelists were not ignorant of the
slave dealers ship wherein healthy men and women were packed like sardine and
hauled into the ocean when their health condition became hopeless or when they died.
No doubt, missionary enterprise In Ekiti as In most part of Africa presents the church
historian with a dilemma of irreconcilable contradictions.
Church and the Way Ahead
We are concerned with the contribution of church to the search for political unity in
Nigeria. Though such a search- may have its pragmatic reasons, it is based on the far
deeper reason that at the centre of all societies are persons who are unique in their own
right. They are created in living relationship to each other. What ultimately' defines
citizens is neither their tribal nor national consciousness, not even their religious
affiliation. It is that as, human beings they proceed from God, the Father of all. Even
though citizens entertain different perceptions of Him it is from him they receive the
ultimate seal of their individuality and unity.
To advocate the church as playing a major role in the affairs of the nation runs contrary
to the received wisdom in many parts of the world today. It is assumed, for example,
that in order for a society to be contemporary there has to be a severe separation of the
sacred and the secular, such as has marked the Western models of development to date.
On the contrary, we want to say that there -is an African and an Asian modernization,
distinct forms of transition from religiously based pre-modern forms oft, thinking to a
more fully human form of modernization. The shape, form and direction of such
modernization is as yet not predictable. But to claim, as some do' that modernization
removes the church from life or that church has no place in the new Nigerian world is
entirely unwarranted;' Indeed it may well be the result of- an over-dose of the EuroAmerican syndrome10.
There is a tendency to evaluate church and see it solely in terms of its social function.
Too many people are influenced by the functionalist understandings of the place of the
church in human affairs. They look on religion merely as a source of stability, an
instrument of control and a programme of child training church may well indeed be

46
instrumental in achieving such aims of society. But if this is the only understanding of
church then the soul of religion has been bartered. Apart from the theoretic limitations
of such a Durkheimian understanding of religion. It reduces religion to just another
force or pressure in society. It deprives religious people of an awareness and realization
of their own being as giving them identity and direction.
There is the belief that the sole- impact of church is by way of religious institutions. The
quasi-identification of religious experience with institutionally centered and controlled
ritualistic practice has had a remarkable influence in removing the church from the
main thoroughfares of life. It makes it a cosmetic and largely irrelevant anachronism in
a world preoccupied with human survival.
To emphasize the distinctiveness of the religious contribution as pleas for an ethical
revolution and war against indiscipline reverberate across the nation is timely. It is the
argument of this paper that adherents of all religious persuasions have a substantial
role to play. But if so, two main features of religion come to the "force in their distinct
roles, namely, the symbolic and the prophetic.
Religious institutions not only symbolize the Holy, but they also articulate and express
the worship of their members. As agents of sacred communication they call for reform,
even if the criteria.... of such reforms cannot be fully confined within human terms of
reference. Yet when religion is expressed in public life there grows a consciousness of
the commitment of many others to a perception of God that conflict s with ones own.
Built into this awareness, however, is an insight into a deeper truth. The truth about
which people differ in their perceptions is the same truth which has brought them
together. It is for this reason that whenever there is a genuine religious encounter in
dialogic interaction there is a "reverence for reverence'. The encounter with the Holy in
the frankness and cooperation of dialogue discloses a truth that transcends the different
perceptions.
Diversity, therefore, should not be an obstacle either to dialogue or to cooperation. It is
whey we make our own perceptions of the truth the measure for others that we have
made our differences a source of divisiveness. When we can look beyond our
perceptions to the truth they symbolize then diversity becomes not a reason for distress
but a stimulus to greater understanding of the truth itself. What is needed is a cleansing
of minds and hearts. It is there the real battle is being fought. In Nigeria today citizens,
of all persuasions must change their ways of looking at each other. They must- seek
beyond each other a basis of unity that brings them together without destroying the
differences whether in religious affiliation or political alliance.

47
This vision presupposes a resolute will to leave the ways of conflict and embark on a
new way that carries its own tests of the spirit and share of risks.' Then they can create a
common ethos of understandings and expectations concerning the shape and form of
the new Nigeria in the making: tolerance, trust, discretion, tact, moderation and
humility. From this will come reconciliation and freedom. Such virtues-enable citizens
to commit themselves to their own points of View, while recognizing others might be
similarly committed as themselves.
The importance of religion is heightened by the impact of modernization.
Modernization in Nigeria, despite setbacks is a giant step forward from small scale
illiterate societies with their tribal gods and traditional moralities to the larger
industrialized, urbanized societies with their democratic social systems. Nigerians are
called to develop strategies of understanding and expectations that will release the
great pillars of society - truth, justice, concern for, others and freedom - from their
traditional small-scale moorings and enable them to play their indispensable role in the
new Nigeria. There must be a recasting and reformulation of these great truths to
enable each ethnic group arid religious adherent to move forward with the nation as
one people.
Church can well miss the boat. Its influence can remain anaemic as religious"
institutions rest satisfied with inculcating the moral codes that identify and distinguish
adherents of different religious traditions. This is not a plea for a high profile for
religion. Rather it is a call for religion to become in truth the gadfly of society, the
conscience of the nation, a critic of- social institutions in the highest prophetic tradition.
Here adherents of different religious traditions have both a challenge and' an
opportunity. They must bring new orientation and motivation to public affairs so that
the values of the truly civilized society may once again emerge and be vindicated.
CONCLUSION
In this essay, the issue of sustainable development and the church having things in
common was first examined. It was noted that church and development are not
antithesis. In a nut shell, the two are good companion. The church was then challenged
to play her God-given role in taking part in the sustainable development of the nation.
Perhaps the greatest challenge of the church is right standing with God, there would
not be any impediment in its way in contributing positively to the sustainable
development of Nigeria so as to bring sanity into the system of our nation.
Without doubt, with the advent of the mainline churches in Nigeria, the life of the
people was affected in all ramifications. This was because every element of the peoples
culture, tradition superstition and institutions were in one way or the other affected by
their developmental efforts. Some of these elements which could not stand the impact

48
either gave way or re-asserted themselves in other forms. The situation meant different
things to different persons, the situation of the church in development is like an
advantage that could not be stopped no matter the effort the made. To others, it is a
welcome development and the churches deserve commendation for a job well done. In
any case, it is still a true emphasis that the contribution of the churches are into
sustainable in Nigeria via schools, healthcare services, social teachings and numerous
other programmes are so enormous, glaring and far-reaching to be unnoticed even
through the attendant problems cannot be ignored.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
REFERENCES
O.U Kalu,: Religion as a factor in National Development In Readings in Social
Sciences Issue in National Development, ed. By E.A. Amucheazi, Enugu, forth
Dimension Publication, 1980 pp. 307.
T. Adewale, (1988): Research for Development in the Journal of the Nigeria
Institute of Social Economic Research Vol. 5 No. 1-2 P. 60.
M. Ekade. The Encyclopedia of Religion. Vol. 3 and 4; U.S.A Simon and Schuster
Macmillan, P. 995.
G. Oluwasegun (2003): Principles and Practice of Church Management: Ibadan,
International Publishers Limited, P.2
Leon, L. Bram Funk and Wagraills New Encyclopedia Vol. 6 U.S.A Funk and
Wagnaills Cooperation 1876. P.274
C. Brown (1978), New Testament Theology, U.K, Vol. 2. The Petemoster Press
Ltd P. 287.
Genesis 14:28
Leadership in Nigeria to Date: Enlightenment Series 1 C.A.N. Publicity
Committee of Northern Zone Kaduna 1989. P. V.
Cited in M. Buham, Building a Just Society Together Publication of National
Orientation Movement Lagos 1988. P.3.
W.C. Smith 2011, The faith of other men, New York, Harper Touchbooks, pp.
97ft.
V. Ifeanyi The Catholic Church and Human Development in The Church and
Human Development, Proceedings of the 6th National Theological Conference,
Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri 2nd-5th April 1991, p. 2228.
A.B Fafunwa, (1994), History of Education in Nigeria, London, George Allen and
Uwin Ltd, P.115
Ibid
Ibid
Ibid
M. Omoike (1994) Impact of Christianity (1900-1970): A case study of the Esan
people of Edo State Unpublished long essay EDSU-Ekpoma, P.45

49
17.
Cited in O Nduka (1965); Western Education and the Nigerian cultural back
ground, (Ibadan University Press), p 21
Ibid
J.A Adeluka, personal interview, Nov 22 Ado-Ekiti, Rtd School administration
18.
19.
61yrs
20.
Ibid
21.
Ibid
22.
M.A. Doyeni, (2010); The planting of Christianity and cultural imperialism in
Nigeria: An Appraisal of the Euro-Centric and Afro-Centric perspectives in EkitiLand. Ekpoma Journal of Religious Studies Vol.3 Number 1 and 2 June 2000, P.33
23.
M. Omoike (1994). Impact of Christianity P.45
24.
Ibid p.48
25.
J.A Adeluka, personal interview, mentioned above
26.
J.F.A. Ajayi, (1965): Christian missions in Nigeria 1841-1891 (Ibadan: Longman
Group Ltd) P.165
27.
J.A. Adeluka personal interview, mentioned above
28.
V. Ifeanyi; The Catholic Church and Human Development. P.240
29.
T.B. Flippo (Ed) (1983): Personal management (London; McGraw-Hill Intern
Books Co,), p.335.

50
CHAPTER FIVE
REVITALIZING CHURCH TO REGAIN TRADITIONAL ROLE IN NATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Naveed Shibli1 and Saira Yousaf2
1Department of Psychology, Riphah International University Faislabad, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
The essay based upon library research and empirical observations and
discusses the possibilities and probability to revive and enhance the role of
Church in national development by enhancing scholarly pursuits, removing
confusions, adopting latest methodologies/techniques, changing existing mind
set and identifying with Church legends
Key words: Enhancement, Church role, National Development
INTRODUCTION
It is established that change across the globe has influenced the role of church and many
welfare activities that Church use to offer to the people are now shifted to the
governments such may be based on religiosity or secularism (Gill et al 2004) Such
gradual changes in the role of Church must have influenced the role of Church for
national development also and how such change contributed positively or negatively
into the just world hypothesis that states, that people need to believe in a just world in
which everyone gets what they deserve and deserves what they get (Dalbert 2009) is
debatable and there is a relationship between economic growth and religion , (Robin
1997) A Harvard study also support the strong relationship between economic growth
development and religion (Christianity or Church), (Robert, Rachel, MsCleary 2003)
and such is related with political behavior as well (Robert, Rachel, MsCleary 2002)
Whereas a Churches body report on policies (1995) although focuses on various issues
of social interest but nobody knows that why the traditional development aspects or the
Church are shrinking and are marginally discussed in such reports although the history
of the Church is evident of the fact that in some cases the role of Church in national
growth was much significant. And even in a recent paper Rev. Canon (2013) discussed
thoroughly the role of Church in the economic and national growth and development of
Nigeria. In another study the significant contribution made by the Church for national
development of Nigeria have been reported (EO Ezenweke, IA Kanu) moreover, Cole
(2011) observed that Church has a proven record of significantly contributing into the
national development. Another study from Africa also supports the proposition
(Danladi) Moreover, Church has been considered central aspect of American living and

51
development (Andy 2008) However Fola (2011) feels that Church is forgetting its
national responsibility for national development perhaps such thinking is there that
lead William and Elizabeth to discuss the material dimension of Church side by side the
spiritual role. Developmentalism seeks indicators that could help sustainable growth
but is this justified in case of Church? In this situation Church perhaps need to redefine
its scope to get its due share so far the national development is concerned and Judaism
secret if available could be of much help in that context (Naveed May 2014)
How development in the present context is different?
Development is not a static phenomenon rather it is continuous variable that continues
to move upward or downward depending on various national/international situations,
however politically it is important because human wellbeing is an important aspect of
politics around the globe not from today but from the times when humanity learned to
be political however, such was there for the genuine wellbeing of human race, or for the
political interests of politicians is difficult to define even in 21st century of information
age. In such situation demanding sustainability in existing development in various
countries around the globe could be for various reasons. First if one is convinced that at
present what is needed in development is there in its best form and it ought to sustain
for good. Secondly if one is convinced that if continuity continues such could bring in
something that at present is not there and that in not much needed. Or if the feeling is
there that now continuity would not sustain. There are multiple other reasons as well.
What is the present state of religiosity?
Human race passed through many phases on planet earth to reach to the present state
where at least in advanced and ruling world leaders leading human race have reached
to the conclusion that majority of them have attained what was the ultimate objective of
human existence although such thinking history reveals was the record of all times.
However the truth that is unchanged is the presence of the word Church side by side
the human kind after Jesus the Christ who appeared in Jerusalem and later opted for
worldly veil for heavens. Perhaps at present Christianity or Church is the largest
religious group around the globe and an unwritten obligation to rule the oldest and
pioneer democracy of world the UK moreover, its dominance in case of the leadership
of the only super power of the world the USA throughout its history till today is
established although the Universities and seats of higher education around the world
are full of the outstanding contributions made by the top leaders of the Church during
Middle ages and scholarly against pursuits to the extent of life made by people like
Galileo (Weidhorn, Manfred 2005) to counter such contributions, however, still the
association of Church with a sacrifice superior of all and unprecedented fascinating
events related with Church are a few of the reasons for its unchanged importance till
to date? Why is so is a question that thinkers tried to satisfy in all periods of history of
mankind as well as a few thinkers of modern day like William James (James 2009),

52
Sigmund Freud (Armstrong, Karen 1993), Carl Marx (Marx 1976) and Bertrand Russell
(Kenneth, Harry, Sheila ,1994) and many others in their own style and way but still in
the presence of towering against views Cross (McGuckin, John,2011)., Gospel (Scott and
John 1971) and Jesus of Nazareth (Meier, John,1991).are much important and much
preferable even for those who criticize religions in their personal lives is a hard fact or
in clergy language is a living miracle.
Religiosity possess both etic and emic dimensions
Church in case of Christianity represents the religiosity that revolves around Christian
faith and the strength of religiosity in case of social strength for group cohesion and
prosperity and success in case of Judaism is established (Naveed May 2014), moreover,
religiosity is so powerful as a driving force that in certain cases it is capable of
influencing human survival needs (Naveed April 2014) and not only that religiosity
possesses certain dimensions that are Universally applicable in opposite kinds of
religiosity (Naveed September 2014). So religiosity interestingly possesses both etic and
emic dimensions making it a unique construct that is traveling side by side with the
human race through the course of history.
Christianity is flexible
Unlike many other religions Christianity or Church possess a novel flexibility,
adoptability and ability to coexist in case of diversities although in the beginning such
diversities created conflicts but coexistence of Saint Martin Luthers (Plass,
Ewald,1959)point of view with the traditional catholic orthodox Christianity (Timothy
1993) in exemplary democracy of world the Great Briton is an unwritten law of the
unwritten Constitution of UK where Queen or monarchy may represent catholic views
but usually the Prime Minister of Great Briton is a protestant. Such flexibility is rare but
additionally is supportive for the Church to define and redefine its interaction and
communication modes as well as roles as and when necessary. But how such
practicability is being practiced and utilized by the Church authorities is not visible
presently as it ought to be because of the psychological strength of religion.
Possibilities to absorb modern views for scope
Sigmund Freud secular views about Christianity God and religion and his
consideration that God is a substitute for lost father apparently are negation of many
religions however psychologically speaking, less consideration so far have been shifted
towards the fact that although such aspect that Freud narrated does not fit in, in case of
Christian belief system but yet such proposition by a great mind of recent times and an
authority on various mental phenomenon could lead to Church to workout
psychological usage of the apparently mismatched proposition the way such could be
mould or utilized that may suit clergy mind set to improve and enhance the existing
role because the psychoanalytic terms like ambivalence, mother/father attachment,

53
various complexes and defense mechanisms could be explored to expand the sphere of
Church activity if a thorough work offered in that context? Another secular Karl Marks
rated religion as opium in other words an addiction however less efforts have so far
been made by the Church to realize the importance of the phenomenon of addiction
and its behavioral modification and change importance that could be explored in
various dimensions for various objectives. In the same manner Russell views about the
more importance of Church and less importance of clergy as compared with Church
is a proposition that perhaps never been considered that important as such deserves to
be for the wellbeing and for broadening the scope of the working of Church?
Psychological propositions and Christianity
Moreover, to improve the scope and role of Church a few psychological propositions
can also be much helpful for the Church. First and foremost aspect in that context is that
each individual desires to enjoy unlimited survival and only religion is a mode such
may be Christianity or any religion, that could help human to get rid of death fear that
according to Sigmund Freud travels side by side with all human beings. In that context
the deep study of his terms like death instinct needed to be explored. Moreover Freud
considers human being a pleasure seeking organism that is tuned with the mechanisms
of unconditional fulfillment or gratification of his or her desires (Snyder, Lopez 2007)
and like most religions Christianity possess a logical reasoning system that could help
human being to adopt best sublimations to justify pleasure and gratification
advocated by Sigmund Freud (1930). Besides biological issues, Church and literature
about Christianity could positively contribute into humanitarian ideological views
presented by Maslow (Maslow 1943) in his hierarchy needs and actualization needs and
the only thing that shall be needed in that context would be a slightest modification and
extension in the Kierkegaards being with God ideas.
Church role improvement
The concepts of cyberspace, cyber-psychology facebook culture is a common and
popular terminology of the day and its influences on behaviors, society and culture are
an open secret. Church perhaps is at the top so far its relationship with organizational
network in concerned and if such experience expended on centuries be utilized and
explored as par the modern day needs such could bring in tremendous achievements in
the existing scope of Church provided clergy is prepared to follow Saint Thomas
Aquinas (Grabmann 2006) or Gregor Johann Mendel (Bowler, Peter 2003) as its ideals
and that is only possible if Pop is prepared to expand the role of Vatican City keeping in
view the globalization needs where everybody is more informed as compared with the
past generations. Moreover, information in the global world perhaps needs more
justifications, reason, and knowledge, to even listen to the miracles. Is this not strange
that a group that claims the spiritual return of Jesus in the self of its spiritual leader
(Ahmad 1922) and on that has been declared out of Islam according to the constitution

54
of Pakistan is gaining out of the way privileges in the countries those claim to be the
followers of Jesus Christ and are looking forward for his returned as mentioned in Bible
and awaiting the signs of Jesus arrival as Gospel predicted and Bible reveals and that is
what majority of the world knows, Nicene Creed includes the following statement: he
ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again
in glory to judge the living and dead. And the life of the world to come. Persons who
are aware of psychology of trust and faith know that what are the repercussions for the
presences of such confusions within established Christian States: when a group of
people having major religious conflicts with majority belief lives without notice there
among Christians and no clarification is being asked by Church from the group for its
ideas although such group targets the main themes of Christian faith because
democracy is something else and faith is something else?.
CONCLUSION
Church always contributed in national development and deserves to be re-vitalize to
revive its traditional role by removing confusions establishing new dimensions and
evoking now strengths in line with latest trends.
REFERENCES
Andy Lewis , Some Positive Benefits Churches Bring to Communities, The Ethics &
Religious Liberty Commissiony Mar 13, 2008.
Armstrong, Karen. A History of God (New York: Ballantine Books 1993) p. 357
Bowler, Peter J. (2003). Evolution: the history of an idea. Berkeley: University of
California Press.
Cole Stangler, Church plays 'critical role' in development, says economist National
Catholic Reporter Feb. 17, 2011
Dalbert, C. (2009). Belief in a just world. In M. R Leary & R. H. Hoyle (Eds.), Handbook
of Individual Differences in Social Behavior (pp. 288-297). New York: Guilford
Publications
Danladi Musa THE LOCAL CHURCH AS PRIMARY DEVELOPMENT AGENT.
Dr. Naveed Shibli THE STUDY OF JUDAISM AS A CONTRIBUTING MODEL OF AN
EXTENDED FAMILY IN SELF PRESERVATION AND HUMAN SURVIVAL
International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications Volume 4, Issue 5, May 2014

55
Dr. Naveed Shibli THE STUDY OF THE STRENGTH OF RELIGION TO EVOKE

SUICIDAL IDEATION RESEMBLING TO ALTRUISTIC SUICIDE, International Journal
of Advance Research, Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2014 Edition
Dr. Naveed Shibli, Dr. Pervaiz Azim, Iqbal Mehmood SHIBLIAN METHOD(SM) AS
AN EXPLORATORY DEVICE TO EXPLORE FACTS ABOUT RELIGIONS Scottish
Journal of Arts Social Sciences and Scientific Research Volume 22 Issue 1 September 2014
EO Ezenweke, IA Kanu, The Church and National Development: Towards a
Philosophy of CollaborationAfrican Journals Online AjOL:
Fola Daniel Adelesi, The Church and National Development November 2011, Apathy
Church, Fola Daniel National Development.
Gill, Anthony; Erik Lundsgaarde (2004). "State Welfare Spending and Religiosity".
Comparative Political Studies 16 (4): 399436.
Grabmann, Martin. Virgil Michel, trans. Thomas Aquinas: His Personality and Thought.
(Kessinger Publishing, 2006),
James, William (2009). The Varieties of Religious Experience. The Library of America.
pp. 74120. ISBN 1598530623
Kenneth Blackwell, Harry Ruja, Sheila Turcon (eds)., 1994 Bibliography of Bertrand
Russell: Volume I Routledge
Marx, K. 1976. Introduction to A Contribution to the Critique of Hegels Philosophy of
Right. Collected Works, v. 3. New York
Maslow, A.H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review 50 (4) 37096
Mirza Ghulam Ahamd, Ahmad the promised Missaih and Mehdi 4th addition 1922,
D.Narayanraddy and Co, At the University Press, Secunderabad
McGuckin, John Anthony (2011). "Cross". In John Anthony McGuckin. The
encyclopedia of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. John Wiley and Sons. p. 170.
Stott, John R.W. "Basic Christianity". Inter-Varsity Press, 1971. p. 12
Meier, John P. (1991). A Marginal Jew: The roots of the problem and the person. Yale
University Press. p. 407

56
Plass, Ewald M. (1959). "Monasticism". What Luther Says: An Anthology 2. St. Louis:
Concordia Publishing House. p. 964
Timothy Wise, Orthodoxy (London: Penguin Books, 1993), 27.
Rev. Canon Eric Emeka Anozie, Ph.D., Christian Church: A Catalyst for Economic
Development in Nigeria. African Research Review. Vol 7 no 4 Sept 2013
Robert J. Barro and Rachel M. McCleary, Religion and Political Economy in an
International Panel Harvard University May 2, 2002
Robert J. Barro and Rachel M. McCleary, Religion and Economic Growth Harvard
University April 8, 2003
Robin Grie, The Effect of Religion on Economic Development KYKLOS, Vol. 50-1997Fasc.1, 47 62.
Sigmund Freud, Civilisation and Its Discontents (1930) in The Standard Edition Of The
Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud The Future of an Illusion,
Civilization and its Discontents, and Other Works, trans. by James Strachey (Hogarth
Press; London, 1961), vol. XXI, 7980.
Snyder, C. R.; Lopez, Shane J. (2007). Positive Psychology. Sage Publications, Inc. p. 147.
ISBN 0-7619-2633-X.
The Churches' Role in Media Education and Communication Advocacy by National
Council of Churches A Policy Statement Approved by the General Board November 16,
1995.
Weidhorn, Manfred (2005). The Person of the Millennium: The Unique Impact of
Galileo on World History. iUniverse. p. 155.
Williams Omotoye (PhD) and Elizabeth Omolara Opoola (Mrs.). The Church and
National Development: A case study of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in
Nigeria. CESNUR; Center for Religious Studies on New Religion.

57
CHAPTER SIX
WISDOM: KEY REQUIREMENT NEEDED FOR A NATION TO BE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPED
Abulude, Francis Olawale and Abulude, Olufunke Joke
Domain of Christ Covenant Ministry, Oba Ile, Akure, Ondo State
INTRODUCTION
The Concept of Sustainable Development
This is the satisfaction of human needs and aspiration in the major objective
development. The essential needs of people in development (food, clothing,
shelter, jobs) are not being met and beyond their basic needs these people have
legitimate aspiration for an improved quality of life. A world in which poverty
and inequality are endemic will always be prone to ecological and other cries.
The principal developmental challenge is to meet the needs and aspiration of an
expanding developing world population.
Gods wisdom
Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting. For a
nation to sustainable develop the citizenry needs it.
To effectively discuss on this topic, I have tried to divide it into parts which I
think would contribute to physical and spiritual knowledge.
i.
ii.
THE WAYS BY WHICH WISDOM IS ENDOWED UNTO A NATION

Given by God. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom and with all
thy getting get understanding. Exalt her and she shall promote thee (Prov 4:7-12.
God almighty is the custodian of wisdom. He has commanded that anybody
who needs it should ask and it shall be given unto him. Anybody that has Gods
wisdom is wise and any nation that embraces it is a wise nation. The wise shall
inherit gory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools. (Prov3:35). A wise nation
that embraces wisdom shall inherit Gods glory meaning her development will
be rapid.
The Lord said to Moses see I have appointed Bazalel and have filled him with
the spirit of God, giving him great wisdom. (Ex 31;1-3). A good leader should ask
for wisdom like Solomon did (1King3:11-14; Eccl2:24-26; Act 6:10;7: 10).
It can be sought for:

58
Eph5:15-16, 2Tim 3:15; James 3:13-17.

Jealousy and selfishness are not Gods kind of wisdom. Such things are earthy,
unspiritual, inspired by the devil. For wherever there is jealousy or selfish
ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil.
It is therefore needed for people of a nation to sought for wisdom of being wise
so as to avoid bitterness, jealousy, selfishness because these are of the devil. A
nation that engages in things of the devil will definitely suffer under
development.
iii.
Through Holy Spirit
Not all men are entitled to the acquisition of wisdom, meaning that not all men are
wise. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit somebody can give acquire it.
Isa 11:2; and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom,
understanding, counsel and might; the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Jn 14: 2; but when the father send the comforter instead of me and by the comforter I
mean the holy spirit, he will teach you much.
Jn 16;13; when the holy spirit who is truth, comes, he shall guide you into all truth, to
one person the spirit gives the ability to give wise advise..
1Cor 12:8; anybody who needs wisdom should try as much as possible to be
empowered first with the power of Holy Spirit the source of wisdom.
Examples of those who applied wisdom.
1. Leaders
(i)
Jesus Christ ; wear my yoke- for it fits perfectly and let me teach you for I
am gentle and humble and you shall find rest for your souls(Matt 11:2930). Here Jesus Christ demonstrated hes wisdom with gentleness,
humility, humbleness.
(ii)
Solomon ; 1King3:9; give me an understanding mind so that I can govern
your people wellbecause you have asked for wisdom in governing
people, and havent asked for a long life or richer for yourself
Solomon was great in wisdom and understanding his wisdom excelled
that of the wise men of east including those in Egypt. He wrote 1005 songs
and authors 3000 proverbs. To crown it all kings from many land sent

59
their ambassador to him for advice (1King4:29-34). He was rich, a good

judge, built temple in Jerusalem for 40years.
2. Joseph
Joseph came to a land of Egypt a captive found by Ishmaelite trader, he was purchased
from them by Potiphar a member of the personal staff of pharaoh, the king of Egypt
(Gen19:1). He was blessed in his masters house so that everything he did was
successful; this made him to lead everybody in household.
He applied wisdom in the following ways;
Gen 39:7 Potiphars wife began making eyes at Joseph, and suggested that he came and
sleep with her and joseph refused look he told her my master trust me with
everything in the entire Household This is wisdom.
Gen 41: Joseph interpreted Pharaohs dream and he was made the governor.
39 Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the
WISEST man in the country
40: I hereby appoint you to be in charge of this entire project
He was thirty years old as he entered the service of the king during those years, Joseph
re .. for the government a portion of all the crops grown throughout Egypt, strong them
in early cities . When there was severe famine all over world, Joseph opened up the
storehouse and sold the grains to those who cares to buy. (Gen 41:46-57). This was
wisdom which any nation should try to copy.
iii)
Prince of Tyre.
Prince of Tyre was a wise prince he had used wisdom and understanding to get great
wealth of many treasure (Ezekiel 28; 4-5), unfortunately, he was very PROUD and he
was punished for it therefore the lord God says; because you claim that you are as wise
as God, an enemy army, the terror of the nations, shall suddenly draw their swords
against your marvelous wisdom and defile your splendor- Ezekiel28; 6-7.
iv)
King David
3. Individuals who exhibited wisdom.
To make this write up to be more explicit I will make few examples of
individuals who exhibited the wisdom given to them.
(i)
A woman intercedes for Absalom.
For a nation to be great, there is the need for intercessors who pray always
without ceasing. Here is an example of a woman from Telcoa who interceded for

60
the return of Absalom who was banished to a place called Creshur. (2 Sam 14:124)
Verse 1-2.. he sent for a woman of Telcoa who after the women confronted the
king. He eventually agreed that Absalom should be brought back to Jerusalem
(vs 23).
Wise men and bride maid.
Reading from the authorized King James Version of the bible there was a
reference to wise men from the east to Jerusalem who visited King Herod they
announced the birth of Jesus Christ- king of Jewa (Matt2:1-3)
Vs 1. Behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.
Vs2. Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen
his star in the east, and have come to worship him.
ii) Bridesmaids: Matthew 25:1-4
iii) Daniel
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon fought and conquered Judah thereby consfisticating
their properties. Among them are children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured,
and skillful in all wisdom, and winning in knowledge to stand in the kings palace, and
whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans (Daniel1:4).
Among them are Daniel, Hananiah, Mischael and Azaniah. Daniel purposed in his
heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the kings meet nor with the
wine which he drank.
1 vs. 17 as for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all
learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all vision and dreams.
1 vs 20 and in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king enquired
of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologer
that were in all his realm.
5 vs 14 .., that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and
understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.
With the wisdom, God empowered Daniel with, he was useful for King Belshazzar by
interpreting the handwriting on the wall MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. The
interpretation brought him promotion to the position of the third tier in the kingdom. If
not for the Gods wisdom the riddle of handwriting would not have been solved and no
promotion would have been earned.

61
It is critically recommended that for a nation to be sustainable developed; there is the

need to make use of the Daniels in the helm of affairs of a nation. Excellence wisdom
is needed in any development in life.
In the book of James 3:13-17, it reads thus:
Vs 13 who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you Let him shew out a
good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Vs 15 this wisdom descended not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish
Vs 16 for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Verses 14-15 critically show that Gods wisdom is the ultimate for a nation to be
sustainably developed. V 16 shows that any wisdom that does not come from Gods
there are problems erupting wherever they applied. Brethren for a country, nation,
home, work place to develop. Gods wisdom is the principal thing needed.
MENTOR AND MENTEES
Mentors are leaders/founder of a church who ought to teach the mentees, while the
latter is a student/ learner who is to learn from the former. It is a master and
followership relationship. If a mentor has to record a success on the outcome of his
expected duties on his subordinates he has to have Gods wisdom and vice versa.
I have enumerated on those who obtained and applied Gods wisdom in their
understandings. They were successful in the roles assigned to them. Now I will also do
justice to the issue of mentors and mentees.
(i)
Elijah and Elisha relationship
God commanded Elijah to anoint Elisha who is to take over him as a prophet
(1 King19:15-16). Elijah went and a cloud same as commanded since then
Elisha has been following him as his assistant (1 King 19:21). During the
course of their relationship we saw how they have been using Gods wisdom
in dealing with each other as a boss and servant.
We saw how Elisha demonstration Gods wisdom when the time came for the
Lord to take Elijah to heaven by means of a whirlwind. Elijah said to Elisha as
they left Gilgal stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel. But Elisha
replied I wont leave you. These words were repeated three times at
different places during the course of their journey.
Finally, a chariot of fire, drawn by horses of fire appeared and drove between
them, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. As
they disappeared from his sight he (Elisha) tore his (Elijah) robe (2king2:12).
If not for Gods wisdom Elisha used, he would have missed twice as a much
prophetic power Elijah gave to him.

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(ii)
Elisha and Gehazi relationship

Elisha and Gehazi relationship is that of a boss and servant (2 King 4:12).
Gehazi is a servant who did not apply Gods wisdom in his dealing with
Elisha. The trus is not there he quaries, doubts a lot and self centerd. It was
oppiste of Elijah and Elisha relationship.
The action that broke the camels back was when Naaman, commander-in
chief of king of Syria army visited |Elisha. He complained of leprosy. Elisha
commanded him to wash in the Jordan river seven times and he was healed
when he yielded to the command (2king 5; 14).
Vs. 14 so Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven
times, as the prophet had told him to. And his flash became as healthy as a
little child and he was healed.
Naaman used Gods wisdom here; if not so he would have remained a leaper.
Naaman tried to compensate Elisha for the healing, but Elisha refused it, but
Gehazis converted the gift by stealing it. Elisha did not like the idea. He
caused Gehazi (2king5; 27).
Because you have done thus, Namans leprosy shall be upon you and upon
your children and your childrens children forever.
(iii)
Elisha and the officer assisting the king.

There was famine in Samaria. Elisha was brought before the king. The king
said the lord has caused this mess why should I expect any help from him/
Elisha replied, the lord says that by this time of tomorrow two gallons of
barley of flour or flour gallons of barley grain will be sold in the markets of
Samaria for a dollar.
The offer assisting the king said, that couldnt happen if the Lord made
windows in the sky! and the prophets had said you will sees it happen but
you wont be able to buy any of it (vs. 19). It happened when the Syrians
abounded their goods which included food. And he couldnt, for the people
trample him to death at the gate (vs 20).
(iv)
Samuel and Eli Relationship
(v)
Judges
Throughout the period of Israels history there is a tragic cycle observed, that
of rebellion against God, followed by the judgment of God, usually in the

63
form of foreign invasion. The children of Israel then cry to God for help and a
judge was sent to save them. During the discharge of the Judge duty. God
has been their leader and they followed. God directs by speaking and
commanding them.
These individual leaders called judges used Gods wisdom in the discharge of
their duties. They never went to wars without Gods directives. It should be
noted that when everybody does his own thing without Gods wisdom) there
is always chaos and dysfunction.
Examples of the judges: it is worthy to note these few judges who performed
excellently well by their leadership roles in.
1. Deborah (Judges 4&5)
2. Gideon (Judges 6-8)
3. Jephtha- (Judges 11-12).
1a. Divine wisdom is given to man by God, but there is also human wisdom,
or common sense. The first step to wisdom is to trust and reverence the Lord.
This is to say that only when a man trusts in Gods will he be truly wise.
Human wisdom is good and necessary but no matter how skilled a person is,
without humility in the presence of God and a willingness to learn from him,
he will inevitably go astray.
Blessings received when Gods wisdom is applied.
(i)
Wise men
Prov 1vs 5-6 I want those already wise to become wiser and become
leaders.how can someone become a wise men? The answer is in vs.
7-9 the first step is to trust and reference the Lord.
(ii)
Good Judgment
The men who know right from wrong and have good judgment and
common sense is happen than the men who is immensely rich
(prov3:13).
(iii) Blessings
(a) Long good life (prov3:1-6) (b) Riches (prov8:18) (c) honor (prov4:18)
(d) pleasure (e) peace (prov16:7) (f) inheritance (prov3:15-17; Ecc
7;11) of Gods glory (g) Good and happy home (h) exploits (i)
ornament of grace.
(iv) Deut 28:1-4
There is the need for faithfulness and obedience to Gods comment.
God who blessed the Israelites in the past can still do it again. There is
the need to apply wisdom in all undertaking.

64
Vs 1 if you fully obey all these commandment of the Lord your God
Vs 2 these are the blessings that will come upon you: blessing in the
city, blessing in the field.
THE OUTCOME OF APPLICATION OF GODS WISDOM
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Blessed city/nation
Blessed field( bountiful harvest)
Victory at war front
Living the life of holiness
Blessed with good children
Good weather
Lending to nations
Promotions (head not tail).
Brethren, anybody or nation that does not reference or obey God shall definitely reap
the opposite of these blessings which is curse (Deut 28; 15-17).
IMPORTANT QUOTATIONS.
Proverbs 8&9
Vs 1-3 cant you hear the voice of wisdom? she is standing at the city gates and at every
fork in the road, and at the door of every house. Listen to what she says.
Vs 11-12 for the value of wisdom is far above rubies: nothing can be compared with it
11-15 wisdom, give good and vice and commonsense. Because of my strength kings
reign in power. I show the judges who is right and who is wrong.
21 those who love and follow me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasures
33 listen to my counsel-oh dont refuse if I and be wise.
9 vs 9 teach a wise man and he will be the wiser. Teach a good man and he will learn
more.
10 for the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in
every other kind of understanding.
11 wisdom will make the hours of yours days more profitable and the years of your life
more fruitful

65
10 vs 28 trust in your money and down you go. Trust in God and flourish as a tree
14 vs 1 A wise woman builds her house while a foolish woman tears hers down by her
own efforts
CONCLUSION
Jesus Christ 28:19-20 has mandated the nation (church) to go and teach all nations.
Therefore the role of the church is to teach people, the Holy bible would be used as a
guide. This prayer contribution is teaching all nationalities to grab hold of Gods
wisdom, be it leaders and subjects by this, there would be a meaningful national
development.
REFERENCES
Holy Bible King James Version

66
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE ROLE OF CHURCH IN MAINTAINING PEACE AS A MEANS OF
NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Elijah Odunayo Otokola
Christ Apostolic Church Babajide School of Prophets and Evangelists, Ilesa. Osun
State.
ABSTRACT
The paper posited that there is a strong correlation between peaceful coexistence and sustainable development of any nation. It further asserts that the
church, who stand as the spiritual agent and representative of Christ on earth
have a very significant role to play in driving home the needs for peaceful coexistence and therefore, sustainable development. The paper emphasizes that
the church which is the image of Christ on earth should remain in the
vanguard and strongly the church in Nigeria will do well to continue to
mobilize its member unto the pursuit of peace.
INTRODUCTION
It is truism that no meaningful development can be attained in an atmosphere of rancor.
A society reddened by war, turmoil ad conflict is likely to experience retardation and
stagnation rather than progress and development. Thus the Nigerian nation places
great premium on peaceful co-existence. Nigeria with its numerous ethnic groups can
only make the desire sustainable development where the different group live in peace
with one another. The Nigerian civil war is an example of a situation where its energy
was deployed to maintain peace in order to make the progress. Thus while the civil war
brought about weak development, the post war had to anchor on reconciliation,
reconstruction and rehabilitation if the nation was to advance.
Nigeria has since put the war behind itself and it determined to forge ahead. Even with
the Niger Delta Region and the Boko Haram in the Northern part of the country and the
church have to take positive steps to ensure peace in these region and thus to guarantee
development.
ETYMOLOGY ON PEACE AND CHURCH
Etymology of the Word on Peace.
Peace is an occurrence of harmony characterized by laces of violence, conflict behaviour
and freedom from fear of violence. Commonly understood as absence hostility and
retribution. Peace also suggest sincere attempt at reconciliation, the existence of healthy
or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matter of

67
social or economic welfare, the establishment of equity and a working political order
that serve the true interest of all.
The term peace originates most recently from Anglo-French pes and old French pais
meaning peace, reconciliation, silence and agreement.1 But the pes itself comes from
Latin pax meaning peace, tranquility, absence of hostility, harmony.2 The English
word came into use in various personal greeting as a translation of the Hebrew word
Shalom which according to Jewish theology comes from Hebrew verb meaning to
restore.3 Although peace is usual translation however, it is an incomplete one because
Shalom which is also cognote with Arabia Salam, has multiple other meanings in
addition to peace including justice, good health, safety, well-being, prosperity, equity,
security, good fortune and friendliness.4 At a personal level peaceful behaviour are
kind, considerate, respectful, just, and to treat of other beliefs and behaviour tending to
manifest goodwill.5 In English term is also used in these sense is quite reflecting
calm, serene and no war, no noise/interruption very quiet as pleasant situation6 it
could also be a meditative approaches to the family or group relationship that avoid
quarrelling as seek tranquility that is absence of disturbance or agitation.
In many languages the word for peace is also used as a greeting or a farewell for
example the Hawaiian word aloha as well as Arabic word Salaam. In English the
word peace is occasionally used as a farewell especially for the deed as in the phrase
rest in peace.
Christians call Jesus Christ the price of peace and see Him as a Messiah which
translated anointed One the Christ who manifested as the Son of God on earth to
established Gods kingdom of peace where in people, societies and all of creation are to
be healed of evil.
Etymology on The Word Church
The word church comes from the Old English and German word pronounced
Kirche in Scotland it was kirk in the earlier Greek it was pronounced Kuri-a-kos or
Ku-ri-a-kon which means is understood by its root: Ku-ri-os which mean Lord. Thus
Kuriakossss means pertaining to the Lord. A church is then correctly something that
pertains to, or belong to the Lord.7
The Greek word ecclesia could be defined as the called out (ones).8 According to
Encyclopedia Britannica. In the New Testament ecclesia was name given to the
governmental assembly of the city of Athens.9 It could be convoked as the assembly.
Ecclesia therefore can be defined as a body of Christian called out of the Roman Judean
system to come together into a separate civil community.10

68
It meant a political autonomous body of Christian under no king but Jesus, under no
other jurisdiction but that of Jesus. No man ruled them! Only Christ. And that was the
reason these same Christian ran into trouble with kings and rulers, were arrested,
crucified and martyred. They dropped Caesar as their king and took up Christ.11
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable Development is a roadmap, an action plan for achieving sustainability in
any activity that uses resources and where immediate and intergenerational
replacement is demanded.12 It is organizing principle for sustaining finite resources
necessary to provide for the needs for future generation of life on the planet. It is a
process that envisions a desirable future state for human societies in which living
conditions and resources use continue to meet human needs without undermining the
integrity, stability and beauty of natural biotic system.13 It can also be defined as the
practice of maintaining processes of productivity indefinitely natural or human made
by replacing resources used with the resources of equal or greater value without
degrading or endangering natural biotic system14
Sustainable represents an approach to development which addresses the fundamental
concern of poverty, environment, equity and democracy. The initiative meeting that the
basic needs of poor communities hold the promise of eliminating, many of the types of
situation which favour the outbreak of conflict, in many cases development can be
shown to contribute to or benefit from the existence or possibility of armed conflicts.
The concept of sustainable development modifies this relationship. The 1992 Rio
Declaration presented at the United Nation conference in Environmental and
Development asserts that: peace development and environmental protection are
interdependent and indivisible.15 in order words the idea of peace form an integral
part of the idea of sustainable development. The two concepts are not inseparable even
in the next century. Sustainable can therefore, be defined as the development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meets their own needs.16
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL
In June 2012 the UN General Assembly working group on sustainable Development
goals, these goal targets covering a broad range of sustainable development issue these
includes: ending poverty and hunger, improve health and education, making cities
more sustainable, combating climate change and protecting ocean and forest other goals
of sustainable development also include poverty alleviation, education gender equity
and empowerment of women, child and material health, environmental sustainability,
reducing HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases and building global partnership for
development. Therefore, Sustainable Development represents an opportunity to

69
construct a new approach, and the success of that effort has powerful implication for
issue of peace and security.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The principal causes of conflict that is lack of peace are closely related to the question of
unsustainable development these include
The problem of population growth above the carrying capacity of the known natural
resources base and predominant technology, mounting pressure on diminishing quality
of fresh water and topsoil, disputed jurisdiction over territorial area containing strategic
resources, the destabilizing impact of a rising flow of migrants fleeing war, famine and
other restages of political, social and economical breakdown.
The lack of peace that is a situation of war and conflict, drain way resources that
otherwise might be applied to promote the well-being of a nation citizen. The
development of the nation is not feasible without enabling environment that attaches
important to peaceful co-existence among its various ethic nationalities and component
parts where a national locus peace and stability such nation cannot tap its resources for
meaningful development Bulu asserts that The Nigeria constitution provides a basis
for peace and stability. It starts with an affirmation of a collective will to live in unity
and harmony as an indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under God.18 After
all the Nigerian moth is unity and faith, peace and progress. Bulus conclude by saying
The constitution cap 5 provides for fundamental human rights which include dignity
of the human person, liberty, fair hearing peaceful assembly, freedom of movement
etc.19
The establishment of peace permit the recuperation of stable condition for development
as liberates resources for needed investments, although it does not ensure in and of
itself that resulting development will be sustainable. Homer-Dixon asserts that:
Renewable resources, scarcities of the next 50 years will probably occur with a speed
complexity God magnitude unprecedented in historyWe have come to understand
that scarcities of renowned resources often produce insidious and cumulative social
effects such as population displacement and economic disruption. These events can, in
turn, lead to clashes between ethnic groups as well as to civil strife and insurgency.20
Carter in own word also said some conflict began when people without shelter or
other basic human rights seek better lives for themselves and their families by taking up
weapon to fight against their own government or their neighbor.21 While Lenier
Graham declares that possible destruction of the environment during warfare is a
threat to every human10-30percent of all environmental degration in the world is a
direct result of various militaries.22

70
The process of peace contributes to the process of sustainable development and how the
idea of sustainable development is being defined promoted and put into action across
the nation prepared the way for an in depth look at the different ways in which
sustainable development can aid the process of peace construction
Sustainable development, if achieved contributes decisively to the dissipation if not the
elimination of several of the primary conflict. If a sustainable development strategy has
been successful in term of reduction of poverty, the leveling of social in equalities and
the optimum allocation of scarce resources, then certainly many of the situations that
exacerbate conflict between different group, communities and nationalities will be
avoided. Improving the condition of social justice in particular is fundamental to the
promotion of peace in a variety of context throughout the world.
These are many ways in which sustainable development can lead to a situation of
stability, security and peace sustainable development, comprehensive represents a
neither multi-disciplinary idea which acts not just economically nor solely ecologically
not only political but in these fronts.23 Beyond this sustainable development has an
implication for improvement of the institutional structure. The modification or reform
of institution for the purpose of resolving potentially contentious situation
democratically lies at the heart of the idea of sustainability.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LACK OF PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE
A great number of written works explain some of cause of instability especially in
Nigeria; these are summed up by Professor S.G. Tyoden24 as follow:
1. Negatives exploitation of ethic multiplicity: Nigeria is a country with many ethnic
groups. However while this world have a strength, it is sometimes exploited by creating
rivalries and intolerance. Sometime mutual suspicion fear of domination and
marginalization give rise to lack of peaceful co-existence.
2. Religious intolerance: This factor stems from wrong perception of the religion of
others and orientation of follower, the level of literacy of followers selfishness on the
part of some religious leaders, external influences, manipulation of religion for a selfish
end etc. example include the 1980 Mai talsine crisis, 1984 Makaniki Riot, Jimata, 1987
Kafanchan religious Riot, just to mention a few.
3. Poverty: There are still a sizeable number of people living below poverty level a great
number of the unemployed that are easily mobilize to ferment trouble.

71
THE ROLE OF CHURCH IN PROMOTING PEACE

The researcher is of the opion that leaving ourselves in peace with our self-concert and
evil passion does not lead to real peace. Peace can be reached only through fighting
against the Adam in ourselves and in others. Our generation has lived through not only
a world catastrophe but also through a violent inner revolution but for the church to be
able to promote peace: the Christians must realized that more could be done for peace
by a Christendom united at least in its most essential principle: to live according to the
commandment of love. They must realize that ignorance should be dispelled and that
religion based on two major premises as discussed by Nathan Soderbold.
The amendment of love transcends all as enunciated by the savior in the parable of the
Good Samaritan, the son of a hated neighbouring people; and (2) The Christian concept
of justice is generated by a continuous process of divine creation, as are the sanctify and
the dissemination of Christian justice.25
For Christian to be able to promote peace in Nigeria the three main points of
proclamation issued at the Uppsala meeting in December 191726 must be upheld these
include:
(1)
The Unity of Christian
When our Christian creed speaks of a universal holy church, it reminds us of the deep
inner unity which all Christian possess in Christ and in the work of His spirit,
irrespective of national and scriptural differences. We can say without ingratitude or
unfaithfulness to the special gift in Christian experience and thinking which each
church has received from God through history, that, this unity, found at its strongest at
the cross of Christ can and must be improved in our way of life and in preaching.
(2)
Christian and community life
The great endeavour of the Christian community to be the salt of the earth and the light
of the world can and must be realized by Evangelical church in a spiritual way, through
its preaching and its example. The church should represent the waking conscience of
mankind. Together with the Christians in all nations at war, and the spirit of Christ and
we would therefore like to stress some main point regarding the part to be played by
Christian in community life.
(a)
In the past, unfortunately, the church has often stressed differences rather than
unifying factors but she must now assert the ideals of Christian fraternity, condemn
selfishness, and fully participate in effort to remove the cause of war, these are of a
social, economic or political nature.
(b)
Christian should realized that they are partially responsible for public opinion
and should serve love and truth in public, national, and international life, as well as in

72
their personal relations. They should try to understand others, their thoughts, language
and behaviour.
(c)
The church must work for international understanding and for the settlement of
international disputes through meditation and arbitration.
(3)
Christian and the law
According to Christian point of view, our awareness of right and wrong is a divine gift,
as are its outgrowth: law and civil order. Civil order, at least at a basic level is a
prerequite for the efficient practice of the teaching of the gospel. Every existing legal
system is incomplete, requiring for its completion the development of moral
consciousness. The church must therefore uphold the sanctify of law and promote is
development in the name of Christ, both inside and outside national boundaries she
must, therefore fight against all glorification of violence and against any force contrary
to the rule of law and she must preach that nation and communities, like individual
must act according to ethical principles basing their hopes for co-existence in the
principle of truth, justice and love.
Whenever the church has erred in this respect she must humbly confess it and correct
the mistake. The framework of law has only a limited value in itself since it must be
fitted with inner moral convictions for it be effective. To create and foster such a state of
Christian brotherly love, self-discipline, and justice constitute daily of the church in this
field.
If the above mentioned three points of proclamation issued in 1917 could be upheld the
researcher believes that the expected peace can be realized through Christian even in
Nigeria.
The church suppose and must be the hub of safety and humanitarian assistance, in time
of crisis, the church premises and amenities must serve as a place for immediate safety
and emergency relief for victims. This role if observed will serve as role to strengthen
local and international credibility and trust in the church institution. It is upon such
truth and credibility that the church could become strategically complementary to the
states recovery and development programme especially in the domains of
reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.
CONCLUSION
The church supposes and must be the lifeline of the nation and the peacemaker agent in
the world they are being imbibe with the tool to overcome the vice of ignorance, thus
they are expected to place the nation on greater path of development .

73
Having acquired much knowledge in the scripture called the Bible, it will be a paradox
that they become the sources of misguided element as to champion violence. The
Hallmark of any Christian is the achievement of character development and moral
rectitude. Christians are positioned to champion peaceful co-existence and thus
guaranteeing sustainable development. Therefore, Christians are not fail in their
societies continue to mobilize for peaceful co-existence and it continue to remain the
beacon of hope of the nation in general. To continue living in peace and harmony will
be a blessing to the church and the nation at large.
Endnote
www Wikipedia. Org/wiki/peace Date accessed 22-12-2014
2.
Ibid
3.
Benner Jeff: Ancient Hebrew Research Centre:
http://.www.ancenthebrew.org/27_peace.htrnl Date accessed 27-12-2014.
4.
Ibid
5.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/peace Date accessed 27-12-2014
6.
Person Longman. Longman Dictionary of contemporary English (Edinburg:
Person Education Limited, 1211
7.
www.aggresasive Christianity net. date Accessed 27-12-2014
8.
Ibid
9.
Encyclopedia Britannica Inc. The New Encyclopedia is Britannica vol 3 (USA:
Encyclopedia Britannica Inc.), 304.
10www.aggressive Christianity net date Accessed 27-12-2014
11Ibid
12Aido Leopold, A sand county Almanac 1949
13M.k Hendrix. Sustainable Backyard Polyculture: Designing for ecological resiliency
smash word Rebook Edition 2014
14Ibid
15www.wikipeadia.org date accessed 27-12-2014
16Donovan Finn. Our uncertain future: con grad planning create sustainable
communities? (University of Illinois, 2009), 3
17www.josaddress.cam date accessed 05-012015
18I Bulus Education, peace and stability in Nigeria nation (Jos, Wais Printing Press,
2007), 53
19Ibid, 55
20Hoines-Dixon and et al., Environmental Change and violent conflict in scientific
American, February, 1993.
21Jimmy carts. Taking peace: a vision for the next Generation (USA, Puffin book, 1993),
74.
22Lenier-Graham, and D. Susan. The Ecology of war: Environmental impact of weapons
and warfare (New York Walker and Company 1993) 69
1.

74
23Ibid,
74
S.G. Tyoden The Role of students in peaceful co-existence as sustainable
Development of the Nation: A case study of Plateau State of Nigeria University of Jos,
Plateau State, Nigeria
24Prof.
25N.
Soderblorn The Role of the church in promoting peace The Nobel Peace Prize,
1930.
26www.nobelpnze .org. Date accessed 05-01-2015

75
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHURCH AS AN AGENT OF DEVELOPMENT: SOME EXPERIENCES FROM
PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA
David E. Eighemhenrio
Environmental and Resources Management
Centre for Research, Leadership and Human
Development (Crelhud), Port Harcourt, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The whole essence of any individual, groups, community or societys existence
is to achieve set goals and aspirations. These set goals and aspirations are
commonly referred to as development, which connotes continuous
improvement on the status-quo. Various development strategies have been
employed over the years by different groups and organizations to persecute
their ambitions. Recently church has emerged a veritable agent to achieving
development in urban and rural areas, worldwide. This paper examined
church as development agent: some experiences from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Port Harcourt was divided into five zones; three major types of churches were
identified and categorized. They include Orthodox, Pentecostal and spiritual
churches. Six churches, two from each church type were interviewed with
questionnaires from the five zones, totaling thirty churches. The interview and
questionnaires administered centered on development projects carried out
between 2012 and 2014. A total of 45 projects valued at N82, 570, 000 were
executed. The paper revealed that church is a significant force for economic
development in at least three areas; as investor, consumer and support group
for entrepreneurs. Besides, church encourages community growth creates
employment and bring about out peace and stability of its host community.
The paper recommends that governments at all levels should partner with the
church to enhance development, since church development programmes enjoy
local peoples support, as they are believed to be corruption free, divinely
inspired and demonstrate open integrity.
INTRODUCTION
The continuous declining economic fortunes of most of the economies of the world have
created desperate conditions that face the poor and the middle income earners around
the world. The condition of the rural and urban poor citizens across the world has
engendered a search for economic principles and methods to deliver the poor and the
needy of our societies from the shackles of global economic crunch and social
derivations.

76
The most creative long-term solutions to the problems of the poor can come from grassroots and church-based efforts; people who see themselves as the replacements, the
agents of Jesus here on earth, in their own neighbourhoods and communities.
The church rightly understood, is wholistic in purpose. It responds to people as a
whole; it does not single out just spiritual or physical needs and ministers to them.
Christian community development begins with people transformed by the love of God,
who then respond to Gods call to share the gospel with others through evangelism,
social action, economic development and justice.
A plethora of small and medium size autonomous communities conglomerate into Port
Harcourt, which is situated in oil rich region of Nigeria. Though the city is highly rated
as the hob of the Nigerian economy, but there exist yawning economic and social
problems; in terms of low income, pour infrastructure, high illiteracy rate and soaring
crimes.
In pathetic situations such as the case of Port Harcourt, the church becomes a handy
institution to eradicate absolute poverty or at least alleviate the plight of the poor and
give some communities a new lease of life.
THE CONCEPT OF CHURCH
The Origin of the Church
The origin of the church dates back to antiquity, (Gen.1:1, 26-27). The church began with
God and man, when every evening God would come down to fellowship with man to
ascertain his welfare, amidst the physical provisions made for mans needs as they were
contained in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2: 8-16, 3:8-9). This means that from the
beginning, God has always been interested in the development and complete supply of
mans needs for his satisfaction and comfort (Jer. 29:11).
The first Old Testament (OT) word used for Gods people is QAHAL (From Hebrew qhl
= to assemble). It denotes a gathering of people, an assembly, specifically for religious
purposes. Qahal is usually translated ekklesia in the Septuagint, which is the
translation of the OT into Greek.
The second OT word is EDAH (From Hebrew yd = to appoint). It denotes the
national religious community, one joined by birth (Exd. 12:3, Numb. 16:9, 31:12). It is
most often translated Synagogue (Harold, 1998).
In the New Testament (NT) the word church is EKKLESIA, derived from the Greek
verb ek-kaleo which means to call out of. It is a term designating the people of

77
God, those whom God has called out of the world for himself, whether Jews or nonJews, as a result of the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 15:14, 1Pet. 2:9) (Holladay, 1971).
Consequently, church is the assembly or group of people that God has called out of the
world and the bondage of sin into a new fellowship with himself, through Jesus Christ
for the purpose of worshipping and serving him and humanity.
The Concept of Development
Both in theory and practice, development is inconsistent and complex. Unless it is
defined with restriction to a given ideology or concept. However, development in its
contemporary sense, relates to revamping the concept to meet the needs of the people.
According to Yahaya and Akinyele (1992) at the level of individual, development has
the implication of increased skill and capacity, freedom, creativity, self-discipline,
responsibility and material well-being. At the level of society, development connotes
increased capacity to regulate internal as well as external relations. Okoye (1997)
argued that development means different things to different people and may be defined
from different perspectives. From economic perspective, development means the
capacity for a national economy, whose initial economic status has been more or less
static for a long time, to generate and sustain an annual increase in its Gross National
Product (GNP) at the rates of perhaps 5% to 7% or more. Okoye continues to indicate
that development has also been economically defined using rates of growth of income
per capital or per capita GNP taking into account the ability of a nation to expand its
output at the rate faster than its population.
Thus development is both material and social. Material in terms of economic growth
and increased productivity, and social in terms of qualitative changes in peoples lives,
attitudes, institutions and external relationships. It is an ongoing, dynamic process by
which individuals identify themselves as a community and are collectively empowered
to use the necessary knowledge, values and organizational skills to sustainably share
and enhance that communitys resources and to bring about positive change for the
benefit of all its members; development is realization of rights, especially economic,
cultural and social rights aimed at ending poverty, inequalities, suffering and injustice
(Oxafam Community Aid Abroad, 2001).
The Concept of Community
The concept of community has been given different meanings by different people of
different works of life. It has also been accorded various contextual meanings; by the
ecologists, business experts, religious leaders, academic administrators, the ordinary
man etc. But the sociologists have defined community both in descriptive and
evaluative terms; which have been adopted in this research.

78
According to Girigiri (2005) community refers to a group of people usually resident in a

particular locality, having a homogeneous culture and shared interest. However,
Haralambos, et al, (2000) defined community as a group of people having social
relationships in a particular geographical area, such as villages, towns, districts of a city,
suburbs or slums. Community describes people in relation to their interaction, common
understanding bonded by interests in a given locality either in a village setting or town
or metropolis.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The role of the church in community and societal development has recently received
renewed interest among scholars especially in the behavioural sciences; in the
developed, developing and underdeveloped nations of the world. Churches play a
central role in philanthropic activities. Both historical and current evidences have
shown that the church has had impact upon poor and middle income earners all over
the world. The church is perhaps the most wide spread institution in all the nooks and
crannies of the world, reaching out to people at very short notice in diverse ways.
Jesus said that the church is the salt of the earth and light of the world, to giving
meaning, essence of living and direction to the world (Matt.5:13-14). God called and
equipped the church with all resources to minister to its members and to reach out and
minister in a wholistic way to needy people who are outside the church (Matt.28:18-19,
22:37-39, 7:12).
CHURCHES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The local church in most cases has not been involved in the development process in
most Africa countries. What usually happens is that development departments are set
up at the church denominational levels and given the responsibility to carry out
development programmes at the community level.
According to Gite (2006) churches and other houses of worship contribute to the local
economy in a variety of ways. Most churches employ at least one person and many
have upwards of 20 employees, especially if they operate a child care or school. Since
they generally operate a facility, churches are consumers of energy to heat and cool the
often large, open spaces. They also use insurance, maintenance, landscaping and
construction services, and consume office supplies, furniture, curriculum materials and
specialty church items.
These activities stimulate local economy and lives
enhancements.
Participants in religious organizations represent a significant market for goods and
services. According to the 2009 annual edition of the yearbook of American and

79
Canadian Churches, membership of the top 25 churches in the United States totals more
than 146.6 million. A 2004 Gallup Poll, reports that six in ten Americans consider
religion to be very important. And the Catholic Church accounts for 25 percent of
Americans. In 2006, a packaged facts report on religious markets predicted that the
overall religious market for publishing, inspirational merchandise, and
audio/video/software products would grow to $9.5billion by 2010. Beyond the role of
church members as consumers of goods and services, churches and their members can
also be a force for economic development in their local communities.
CHURCHES AS AGENTS OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Beyond direct economic benefits, churches also provide benefits that have economic
value. Several researchers have identified the social benefits that churches bring to
communities, including providing help to poor and vulnerable individuals, improving
marriage relationships, decreasing violence among youths and women, increasing
moral community obligations and promoting charitable contributions and volunteering
labour (Lioyd, 2000).
A comprehensive study of religious congregation carried out by Canaan et al (1999) in
Philadelphia reveals that at least social service is provided by congregation to the
community. Similarly a study of six metropolitan communities in America, shows that
91 percents of religious organizations provide at least one social service and 87 percent
in Philadelphia provides at least one social service to the community. The services
include among others, making positive social inroads, building educational, health and
cultural institutions, blood donation to public blood banks.
A 2009 national study in America, discovered that church members volunteer 56 million
hours each year to organizations outside their local congregations, aiding with human
service projects; educational attainment, cultural awareness and training and
environment improvement (Pennell, 2009).
In two separate studies carried in Philadelphia by Tirrito and Cascco, 2003 and Boddie
et al., 2001; monetary values of services rendered by churches to their communities,
revealed that churches render services valued at $115,009 per congregation and
$230,018,400 for all the religious congregations in the city in 2001. Although the
accuracy of these figures can be debated, but the figures have shown that churches
provide significant economic and social benefits, helping in improving host
communities.
METHODOLOGY
The field research was conducted in March, 2015. Formal interviews were conducted
with denominational church leaders and development committees leaders.

80
Port Harcourt City was divided into five zones. Three major types of churches were
identified and categorized. They include; (a) Orthodox Church (b) Pentecostal Church
(c) Spiritual (white garment) Church.
Questionnaires were designed and administered on denominational church leaders and
development committees leaders. Six churches, two from each church type were
interviewed with the questionnaires from the five demarcated zones of Port Harcourt
City. A total of 30 churches were randomly selected for interview. The questionnaires
were meant to elicit information regarding development projects they had embarked
upon for 3 years (2012-2014).
The churches interviewed were:
i)
Orthodox Church (Catholic church, Anglican church, Apostolic church and
Methodist church).
ii)
Pentecostal Church (Assemblies of God church, Deeper Life Bible church,
Christ Embassy and The Redeemed Christian church of God.
iii)
Spiritual Church (Seventh Day Adventist, Celestial church, Cherubim and
Seraphim church and Aladura church).
A total of 30 questionnaires were administered on 30 churches.
The goal of the research was to find out and identify economic and social projects
executed by churches towards the development of their host communities. And to
ascertain whether church can be regarded as agent of development in Port Harcourt,
Nigeria.
RESULT, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
The field research revealed that churches are involved in various development projects
which have enhanced all round development of their host communities. Among others,
the
development
projects
include;
inroads
construction/rehabilitation,
training/empowerment programmes, schools establishment, electricity project
(transformer installation), skills acquisition training, water project (drilling of borehole
for table water), employment of staff for the day to day administration of the churches,
establishment of orphanage homes/rehabilitation of social deviant schemes, health care
programmes and others.

81
TYPES AND NUMBERS OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS EXECUTED BY

CHURCHES IN PORT HARCOURT CITY FROM 2012-2014
a)
S/n
1.
Orthodox Church
Table 1: Types and Number of Projects executed by Orthodox Church from
2012-2014
Types of Development
Projects
No. of
projects
executed
in 2012
-
Road construction/
rehabilitation
2.
Training/empowerment
1
(Computer training)
3.
Schools Establishment
1
4.
Electricity projects
(Transformer Installation)
5.
Skills Acquisition
(Training artisans
6.
Water Project (Drilling of
Borehole)
7.
No of Employees
20
8.
Health Care Disease
Diagnosis and Treatment
9.
Orphanage Homes/Old
1
peoples home and social
rehabilitation
Total
4
Source: Authors Field Survey March, 2015
No. of
projects
executed
in 2013
1
No. of
projects
executed
in 2014
-
Estimated
cost of
projects (N)
1,000,000
5,500,000
-
300,000
280,000
5
1
5
-
900,000
500,000
5,800,000
19,250,000
500,000

82
b)
S/n
1.
Pentecostal Church
Table 2: Types and number of projects executed by Pentecostal Church from
2012-2014
Projects
No. of
projects
executed
in 2012
2
Road
construction/rehabilitation
2.
2
(Computer training)
3.
1
4.
5
5.
Skills Acquisition Training
1
6.
Water Projects: Drilling of
1
Borehole
7.
No of Employees
50
8.
Health Care: Disease
1
Diagnosis & Treatment
9.
Orphanage Homes/Old
peoples home, social
rehabilitation
Total
8
No. of
projects
executed
in 2013
4
No. of
projects
executed
in 2014
1
Estimated
cost of
projects
(N)
3,600,000
3,600,000
1
2
1
1
30,000,000
17,000,000
1
-
1
-
1,000,000
300,000
10
1
1,800,000
1,500,000
58,900,000

83
c)
Spiritual Church (White garment church)

Table 3: Types and number of projects executed by Spiritual church from 20122014
S/n
1.
Projects
No. of
projects
executed
in 2012
-
Road
construction/rehabilitation
2.
1
(Computer training)
3.
4.
5.
Skills Acquisition Training
1
6.
Water Projects: Drilling of
1
Borehole
7.
No of Employees
10
8.
Health Care: Disease
Diagnosis & Treatment
9.
Orphanage Homes/Old
1
peoples home, social
rehabilitation
Total
5
No. of
projects
executed
in 2013
-
No. of
projects
executed
in 2014
-
Estimated
cost of
projects
(N)
-
500,000
300,000
1,000,000
12
-
5
1
740,000
350,000
1,500,000
4,370,000
Tables 1,2 and 3 present types of development projects initiated and executed by 30
churches in Port Harcourt City from 2012-2014. Orthodox churches executed 12
projects valued at N19,280,000, while Pentecostal churches executed 21 projects valued
at N58,900,000 and spiritual churches executed 12 projects valued at N4,390,000. The
projects cut across infrastructural, socio-economic, health and human capacity
development.
Spiritual churches are least attracted to development projects. From 2012-2014, they
executed 12 projects valued at N4,390,000 while Pentecostal churches are most attracted
or development oriented among the three categories of churches in the study area; 21
projects valued at N58,900,000 were executed during the same period. The total
projects executed by the churches were 45 valued at N82, 570,000; that was injected in
the national economy.

84
Any development executed in any community or neighbourhood has the capacity to

trigger multiplier effects in the local economy of the area. These projects employed
labour, patronized construction, scientific and health equipment suppliers as well as
consultants: Thereby increasing their incomes, raising their standard of living and
improving the Cross National Product (GNP) of the country at large.
These projects have direct impact in the looks and nature of the host communities,
attracting larger population of worshipers, thereby increasing economic benefits in the
area. Churches are part of the network of assets in a local community. They are a
significant force for economic development in at least three areas as investors,
consumers and support groups for entrepreneurs.
This study revealed that church stimulates development as direct or indirect agent of
economic, social capacity development as well as creating political stability in their host
communities. Churches encourage community growth and job creation. Churches
bring individuals from surrounding areas to the community where the church is
located, and these individual provide economic support to local establishments, thereby
increasing host communitys revenue. The presence of churches aids families choosing
to establish residence in a local community.
Besides, churches provide help to poor and vulnerable individuals in the community,
improving marriage relationship, decreasing violence, crime and deviances among
youths, increasing moral obligations, prompting charitable contributions and
volunteering. These make the host communities more safe, stable and productive.
Therefore, the more churches multiply, the more the benefits churches bring; also
multiplying, increasing, expanding the economy, social systems, peaceful co-existence
and safer societies.
These findings are in line with the findings of a study carried out by Elder et al (2006) in
San Diego, California. The study showed that two-thirds of all churches provide health
promotion programmes and participate in community development. And that
communities accommodating many churches are more productive and less of a strain
on local resources. Similarly, Jonathan Gruber (2005) carried out a study in North
Carolina to ascertain the impact of religion on market structure. His findings were that
higher church density leads to a significantly increased level of business participation,
higher levels of education and income, lower levels of welfare receipt and disability,
higher levels of marriage, and lower levels of divorce.
CONCLUSION
Church is widely spread, penetrating nearly every nook and cranny of the globe,
inducing development giving hope and success to all, especially the under privileged

85
and numerable groups.

Church acts as panacea to opening up new areas,
complimenting governments efforts in development and engendering social stability.
Consequently, church has been recognized globally and has become a veritable strategy
to fast forwarding development in both urban and rural areas across the world.
In total, churches have diverse positive impacts on communities in Port Harcourt
ranging from increased economic performance, social relationships and trusts, human
capacity building, improved mental and physical health, decreasing crime rate and
violence, ensuring, enduring marriages and enhancing political tolerance, national
unity and stability.
The entire social system will collapse without the church; because religion provides the
moral foundation for self-restraint, encouraging virtue, reducing levels of deviance and
moral decadence. Some of the contributions of the church cannot be measured solely by
direct revenue, as their values are not quantifiable but well acknowledged.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Arising from the findings of this study, the following recommendations have been
proffered. Governments at various levels should as a matter of policy, partner with the
church to fast forward development especially in communities and neighbourhoods.
The federal and states governments are urged to recognize and involve the church in
their policies and programems as agent of development, why the people believe and
have more confidence in the church, their leadership and programmes as they are
understood and believed to be divinely inspired. Churchs development programmes
enjoy more of local peoples support, due to her sincerity of purpose and execution of
projects to specification and without corruption. Churchs involvement in development
will decrease governments expenditures in programmes and institutions that reduce
punish and compensate for deviance.
REFERENCES
Barker, K.L. (ed) (1985). Niv Study Bible, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.
Boddie, et al. (2001). Monetary Values of Churches Services, Mich Gale, Philadelphia.
Elder, et al. (2006). Churches Health Programmes and Development Action, License
Global, California.
Encyclopedia of American Industries (2008).
Farmington Hills.
Religious Organizations, Gale Group,

86
Girigiri, B.K. (2005). Social Institutions and the Dynamics of Rural Community, Amethyst
and Colleagues Publishers, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Gite, L. (2006). The New Agenda of the Black Church: Economic Development for Black
America, Black Enterprise, North Carolina.
Gruber, J. (2005). Religious Market Structure, Religious Participation and Outcomes,
National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper Series, No.11377,
Washington D.C.
Haralamboa, et al. (2000). Sociology: Themes and Perspectives Harper Collins, London.
Harald S. (1998). Doctrine of the Church, The Equipping the Saints Trust, Abak, Nigeria.
Holladay, W.L. (1971). Hebrew and Avanic Lexicon of the Old Testament, Grand Rapids,
Eerdmans.
Landa, E.W. (2009). Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, Nashville, Abingdon.
Lioyd, G.B. (2000). The Black Church and Economic Development, Western Journal of
Black Studies, Vol.1 No.4, New York.
Okoye, J.C. (1997). Modern Management Techniques and Development Administration,
Abbot Books Ltd., Onitsha, Nigeria.
Oxafarm Community Aid Abroad (2001). Regions and Economic Report.
Pennell, H. (2009). Churches and Economic Development Entrepreneurship, Economic
Gardening, New York.
Tirrito, L. and Cascio, B. (2003). Economic and Social Benefits from Churches. Nashville,
Philadelphia.
Yahaya, A.O. and Akinyele, O.T. (1992). Human Resources Development and Utilization,
Policies and Issues, Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan, Nigeria.

87
CHAPTER NINE
ANALYSIS OF THE END TIME
Joseph Oluwarotimi Aje
Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State
INTRODUCTION
Scripture uses the expression last day to describe the final period of the worlds
existence. In the Old Testament, prophets predicted the last days as the time when the
Messiah would arrive. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the
LORDs house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the
hills and all nations shall flow unto it. Isa. 2:2. But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the
mountain of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted
above the hills; and people shall flow to it. Micah 4:1.
The New Testament writers actually saw themselves as witnesses who were watching
the last days unfold. Peter, for instance, explain in his famous Pentecost speech that the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfils the words of prophet Joel found in Joel 2:28, also in
Acts 2:17-18. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my spirit
upon all flesh: and your son and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see
visions and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I
will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.
The author of the letter to the Hebrew declares, Long ago God spoke many times and in
many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. But now in these final days, He has spoken to
us through His son. Heb. 1:1-2. (NLT).
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and His disciples came to him for to shew
Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, see ye not all these things? Verily I
say unto you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.
Matt. 24:1-2.
The disciple were so interested in the building of the temple, since most of them were
older than Him. They felt it was the time to tell the story of the temple to Him by calling
His attention to the buildings. But Jesus as matter of urgency quickly dis-abused their
thought by letting them know that the building is of no value. Because the Jew have so
much believe on the temple. Jesus said, as matter of fact, all the buildings will be
completely demolished, not even a stone will be left on top of another. Are we not like
the disciple today; we are so much busy with the church building; so much interested in
numerical increase of the members; infact we have left the weightier matter that was

88
originally committed to the church. Many have slept the sleep they ought not to sleep,
as of the five foolish virgin. Even though they were virgin they were cut unprepared
and they missed the bridegroom. Are you prepare for this end time? Are you aware of
happening of the end time? Read through this book, it will help you better.
Jesus told them, Dont let anyone mis-lead you for many will come in my name,
claiming, I am the Messiah. They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and
treats of wars, but dont panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end wont
follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many part of the world. But all this
is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested,
persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my
followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And
many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant
everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end
will be saved. And the good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the
whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about -the
sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the holy place.......... . 23 Then if
anyone tells you, look, here is the Messiah, or there he is, dont believe it. For false
Messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to
deceive, if possible, even Gods chosen. See I have warned you about this ahead of
time.......37 When the son of man returns, it will be like it was in the Noahs day. In
those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and
weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. (Matthew 24:4-38, NLT).
THE BEAST
Rev 13:18;
Here is wisdom, let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the
number of a man; and the number is Six hundred three score and six. (KJV).
Here is (room for) discernment (a call for the wisdom of interpretation). Let anyone who has
intelligence (penetration and insight enough) calculate the number of the beast, for it is a human
number (the number of a certain man): his number is 666. (Amp. Bible).
Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the
beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666. (NLT Bible).
You need wisdom to understand the number of the beast! But if you are smart enough, you can
figure this out. Its number is six hundred sixty-six, and it stands for a person. (CEV)

89
This call for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is
mans number. His number is 666. (NIV)
Wisdom is needed to understand this. Let the one who has understanding solve the number of the
beast. For it is the number of a man. *His number is 666.* (NLT)
The matter of calling our heart unto wisdom is very necessary; as the coming of Jesus is
drawing nearer so the plot and plan of Satan is getting wide. Bible says if the day is not
shortened the very elect will be deceived. All the event, programmes, science and
technological advancement are pointing to the end of the world.
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elects sake
those days shall be shortened. Matt. 24:22
For there shall arise false christs, false prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders:
insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matt. 24: 24
Are there not false christs today? Are there not false prophets, false pastors today? Who
speaks as if they are God, no respect or regard to God. Many showcases themselves
more than necessary, many uses all sort of evil ways to gather followers, they pretend
to be holy by not sleeping with their wives or husband for several month even years.
I heard one sometimes on radio that says she has been instructed not to sleep with her
husband any longer. Let him that have ear, hear what the Sprit is saying to the church
today.
But thou, o Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall
run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Dan. 12:4
Looking at the world situation, all is not well, many are rushing here and there. Moving
from one town to another, nation to nation, even within our cities many lives have been
wasted all in the name of rushing. What about increase of knowledge, it more than
what mouth can explain. The advancement of knowledge around the globe cannot be
over emphasized. Take for instance;

90
COMPUTER the beast, Rev 13:18; Here is wisdom, let him that hath understanding count
the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and the number is Six hundred three
score and six. (KJV).
The number of the alphabet is 26, each of the alphabet takes the number in numbering
order:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20
A B C D E F G H I J
K L
M N
O P
Q R S T
21 22 23 24 25 26
U
V W X
Y
Z
At the creation, in Gen. 1:26-31.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and
over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in
the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.......And God saw everything
that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning was sixth
day.
So the number of man at creation was 6, if we then coin out the alphabetical number of
computer and multiply through by the number of man it will give number of the beast.
C
3X6
=
18
O
15X 6
=
90
M
13X 6
=
78
P
16X6
=
96
U
21X6
=
126
T
20X6
=
120
E
5X6
=
30
R
18X6
=
108
TOTAL
=
666
C
O M
P U
T
E
R
Read through and meditate in your heart and see to how you make use of this beast
called computer. Many dont bring bible to church again all in the name of computer;
many are found of using phone as bible. Let him that has understanding take caution
on how to make use of these beasts.
THE END TIME ANALYSIS
And as He sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, tell us
when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end world?
Matt. 24:3

91
The analysis of the last day (latter time) requires that we look into the study of
eschatology. The word eschatos from the Greek word refer to the time of His second
coming to earth. The last days (latter time),
I Thess. 4:16, for the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
The last day began at Pentecost in the year 33 AD, this was confirmed by the prophesy
of Prophet Joel in the book of Joel 2:28; which came to pass in Acts 2:16-17. This
happened 50 days after Jesus crucifixion.
The Old Testament prophets and the writers of the New Testament foresaw the last
days and describe them so that Gods people would be prepared. We are in the last
days now the time between Christs first and second comings. The last day will end
with the triumphant return of Christ. No one knows the day or hour of arrival. God told
us about the last day to give us ample opportunity to turn from our sins and to
evangelize others.
Therefore we should face the last days with courage and hope, for the sufferings of this
time will not compare with the glory of our heavenly existence.
THE SEVENTY WEEKS OF DANIEL
The seventy weeks must be clearly understood before other prophecies can be fully
understood. Seventy weeks of years upon Israel and Jerusalem to accomplish six things.
1.
To finished (Put an end to) transgression Dan. 9:24,
Rom. 11:25-29, Isa. 66:7-10, Ezek. 36:24-30
2.
To make an end of sin concerning Israel and Jerusalem this has never be done,
but will be accomplished at the 2nd advert of Christ Zech.14, The Spirit of
repentance will be poured out upon Israel just before the 2nd advert, and a
fountain for sin and uncleanness will be opened to whole nation at that time.
Zech. 12:10-13,
Rom. 11:25-29.
3.
To make reconciliation (atonement) for iniquity- This was done for Israel and all
other on the cross Isa. 53, Col. 2:2:14-17,
I pet. 2:24. But Israel as a nation has not yet experienced this covering for sin. The
will be fully reconciled to God at the 2nd advent of Christ Isa. 1:18-20, 66:7-8,
Zech. 12:10-13,
Matt. 23:38-39, Rom. 11:25-29
4.
To bring in everlasting righteousness- when the three points above has been put
in place, then his everlasting righteousness concerning Israel; and Jerusalem will
be ushered in.

92
5.
6.
Isa. 9:6-7, 12:1-6, Dan. 2:44-45, Ezek. 43:7, Luke 1:32-33,

Rev. 11:15, 19, 11-20, 21:1-22
To seal up the vision and prophecy it could also mean that there will be no
more need for his men to rebuke Israel at Jerusalem in the attempt to lead them
to God and righteousness when the Messiah comes for all know the Lord from
the least unto greatest of them. Isa. 11:9, 66:7-10, Jer. 31:33-40
To anoint the most holy- The preparation of the Holy of holies, the temple and
the city Jerusalem from abomination of desolation Zech. 6:12-13
Meaning of the 70 weeks

The phrase 70 weeks literally means 70 sevens Daniels prayer to which this vision was
an answer did not concern days but year Dan. 9:2.
The last Seven is one and divided into two parts, the last half explain to be three and
half years, the first half is also three and half years, making the one seven of Dan. 9:27 to
be seven years.
The whole period therefore is 70 x 7=490 years
Division of the weeks
They are divided into three main periods.
1.
7 sevens=49 years for the rebuilding of Jerusalem fulfilled by Ezra and Nehemiah
2.
62 sevens=434 years to the time Messiah was cut off or crucified for man. This
was fulfilled in the birth of Christ. The birth and the crucifixion of Christ was
after 62 weeks which was the first event.
3.
1 seven=7 years of this age, ending with 2nd advert of Christ to the fulfill the 6
events of vs 24
The second event is the destruction of the city, fulfilled AD 70, then unto the end a
period not fixed, but which has already nearly, 2,000 years. We are in the period
between 69th and 70th week which is called the church age. When the church age will
end and the seventieth week begin, is nowhere revealed.
Read Dan. 7:18, 7:13-14, Dan. 2:44 the gold head of this statue represented the man
ruling in Daniels day in the person of Nebuchadnezzar. He was the head of gold.
Prophetic time Measurement 2 Pet.3:8. By this rule six day would be six thousand years.
From the fall of Adam until Christ came was about 4, 000 years (4 days) from Christ
until the present is about 2, 000 years (2 days)
The Tabernacle of Moses Outer count measurement is approximately 1, 500 years from
Moses to Christ which is the dispensation of Law. Exo. 27: 18.

93
The Holy place Exo. 26: 1-37, the Measurement is about 2,000 square cubits, represent
the 2, 000 years which is the dispensation of grace.
The Holy of Holies Exo. 26:1-37 approximately 1, 000 square cubits represent the
millennium which would be 1, 000 years.
Hoseas prophecy Hos. 5:15, 6:1-2. The phrase after 2 days signifies a 2, 000 years
when all is restored. This could be nothing else but the millennium.
The feast of trumpet
Lev. 23: 23 -25 The period is the period of great harvest in Israel. Exo. 34: 22, Matt 13:
39.
The trumpet of that time suggests that the feast of trumpet has much to do with events
at the end of the church age: 1 Corin.15:51-52, 1Thess 4:16 also confirm the below of
trumpet for the final harvest of the time
The seven dispensations
In looking into the last things, the scripture divide time by which is meant the entire
period from the creation of Adam to the new heaven and a new earth into seven
unequal periods called dispensations. It is also called ages.
These periods are marked off in scripture by some change in Gods method of dealing
with mankind, or a portion of mankind, in respect of the two questions of sin and of
mans responsibility. Each of the dispensations may be regarded as a new test of natural
man, and each ends in judgment-marking his utter failure.
Five of these dispensation or period of time, have been fulfilled, we are living in the
sixth, probably towards its close, and have us the seventh and the last-the millennium.
1 MAN INNOCENT: This dispensation extends from creation of Adam Gen.2:7 to
the expulsion. Adam, created innocent and ignorant of good and evil, was placed
in the Garden of Eden with his wife, Eve, this dispensation end with disastrous
failure and it was closed by judgment- so He drove out the man.
Gen. 3:6; 22-24.
2 MAN UNDER CONSCIENCE-The fall of Adam and Eve gave conscience a basis
for right moral judgment, and hence the race came under this measure of
responsibility- to do good and eschew evil. The result was that all flesh had
corrupted his way upon the earth, that the wickedness of man was great in the
earth, and that every Imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil
continually. It was closed with the flood. Gen. 6:5, 11, 12
Gen. 7:11, 12, 23.

94
MAN IN AUTHORITY OVER THE EARTH- Out of the fearful judgment of the
flood, God saved eight persons to whom, after the waters assuaged, He gave
purified earth with ample power to govern it. The dispensation of Human
Government resulted upon the plain of shiner, in the impious attempt to become
independent of God and closed in judgment- the confusion of Tongues. Gen.9:12;
Gen. 11:1-8
4 MAN UNDER PROMISE- Out of the dispersed descendent of the builders of
Babel, God now calls one man Abram, with whom He enters into covenant. The
Dispensation was closed in the judgment of the Egyptian Bondage. The book of
Genesis which opens with the word in the beginning God created, Closed with
in a coffin in Egypt. Gen. 12:1-2, Gen. 15 : 5; 26: 3: 28:12 13 Gen. 50: 26, Exo. 1:
13-14.
5 MAN UNDER LAW Again the grace of God came to the help of helpless man and
redeemed the chosen people out of the oppression. In the wilderness of Sinai, He
proposed to them the covenant of law. Instead of humbly pleading for a continued
relation of grace. They presumption answered All that the lord is one long record
of flagrant, persistent violation of the law and at last, after multiplied warnings, God
closed the testing of man by law in judgment. First, Israel and Judah were driven
out of the land and into a dispersion which still continue. A feeble returned under
Ezra and Nehemiah of which in due time Christ came. This dispensation was finally
closed by Jesus crucifixion Exo. 19:1-8, Rom. 10 :5, Gal. 3:10, Rom. 3:19-20, 2 kings
17:1-8, 25:1-11.
6 MAN UNDER GRACE-The sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ introduced the
dispensation of pure Grace John 6:29, 47, John 5:24, John 10:27-28, Eph. 2:8-9. The
predicted result of this testing of man under grace is judgment upon an unbelieving
word and an apostate church-Rev.3:15-16, Luke18:8, 2 Thes. 2:7-12. The first event in the
closing of this dispensation will be the descent of the lord from heaven, when sleeping
saints will be raised and, together with believers then living, caught up to meet the
Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord 1Thess.4:16-17. Then follows the
brief period calledthe great tribulation Matt. 24:21-22, Zeph. 1:15-18, Dan. 12:1 Jer.
30:57. After this occur the personal return of the Lord to the earth in power and great
glory and judgments which introduce the seventh and last dispensation (Matt.24:29-30).
7
MAN UNDER THE PERSONAL REIGN OF CHRIST: After the purifying
judgment which attends the personal return of Christ to the earth. He will reign over
restored Israel and over the earth for one thousand years. This is the period commonly
called the millennium. The seat of His power will be Jerusalem, and the saints,
including the saved of the dispensation of grace the church will be associated with Him
in glory. Isa. 2:1-4, Rev. 19:11-21, 20:1-6, Isa.11. But when Satan is loosed, a little
season he find the natural heart as prone to evil as ever, and easily gathers the nations
to battle against the Lord and His saints, and this last dispensation closes, like all the
3

95
others in judgment. The great white throne and then come the new heaven and a new
earth; eternity begins (Rev. 20:7-15, 21 and 22).
EVENTS OF THE LAST DAY
Rapture- Rapture is the act of transporting the saint from the earth to heaven. The
rapture is the first of the two coming. Not a coming to the earth but in the air. When
Christ meets the saints in the air He takes them back to heaven with Him and presents
them before the fathers throne where they remain during the time the tribulation is
running its course on the earth. And established in eternal and unblameable holiness by
God. In the rapture men receive unforfeitable life for the first time as a harvest of a life
of sowing to the spirit and to fulfill the promises of eternal life in the next life. To the end
He may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our father, at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. I Thess.3:13. The rapture is the time Christ
comes for the saints to take them to heaven. Therefore, rapture is for Christ to receive
saints to Himself; to resurrect the dead in Christ from among the wicked dead; to take
saint to heaven to live in the new Jerusalem and receive rewards; to change bodies of
saints to immortality; to present saints before God; to make saint whole in the body,
soul, and spirit; and to permit the revelation of the antichrist. Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so
shall we ever be with the Lord. I Thess. 4:17.
The first resurrection That which is unto life will occur at the second coming of
Christ. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christs
at His coming. 1 Corin 15:23, the saints of Old Testament and church ages meeting Him
in the air. 1 Thess 4:16-17, For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet
the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Not church saints only, but all
bodies of the saved, of whatever dispensation are included. This is the peculiar hope of
the church, that the body will be incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and spiritual.
The second resurrection - This is also known as resurrection of damnation or
condemnation. They are met for judgment. The first and the second resurrection were
separated by a period of one thousand years. After the one thousand years comes the
resurrection unto judgment. The resurrection body of the wicked dead is not described.
They are going to be judged according to their works and cast into the lake of fire. And
whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:15.
The judgment seat of Christ this is where Christ will judge the works of all believers;
where the saint will be judged for the deed done in the body whether they be good or
bad.

96
Every mans work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed
by fire; and fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is. 1Corin 3:13. The judgment of the
believers works, not sins, these has been atoned for, and remembered no more forever.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things
done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Corin 5:10.
Every work must come into judgment, the result is reward or loss, but he himself
shall be saved.
The reward Rewards are going to be awarded; five different crowns shall be awarded.
i.
The crown of life Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when
he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him. James 1:12. Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer; behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death,
and I- will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2:10. This crown is meant for the
martyr and those that suffer and endure temptation.
ii.
The incorruptible crown This is the crown for the overcomers: And every
man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to
obtain a corruptible crown; but we incorruptible. I Corin 9:25. This crown for the
winner, the man or woman that won the race of life shall be awarded with
it. Apostle Paul wrote in verse twenty seven that But I discipline my body
and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself
should become disqualified. Therefore, for us not to be disqualified or cast
away; we must run with certainty; fight, not as if we beat the air. Let us
keep our mission in sharp focus.
iii.
Crown of glory And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall
receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. I Peter 5:4. This crown is
meet for shepherd (pastors) who had so be diligent in the discharge of his
duty to the flock. By serving them before being served; not as lords but as
example; be example to the flock by demonstrating how to live.
iv.
Crown of joy or of rejoicing For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of
rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His
coming? For ye are our glory and joy. I Thess 2:19-20. This crown is meant
for the soul winners, bible says he that win soul is wise. In other word,
wise people do the work of evangelist.
v.
Crown of righteousness This crown is meant for all Christian expecting
the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall
give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing.
II Tim 4:8. Do you love His appearing; are you righteous; do

97
you have a right standing before God. Because your right standing before
God will make you to be expectant of His coming.
The marriage Supper of the Lamb And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,
and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thundering, saying, alleluia: for the
Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the
marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that
she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of
saints. And he saith unto me, write, blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper
of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, these are the true saying of God.
Rev 19:6-9. This ceremony is going to take place in the sky, our Lord Jesus Christ is the
Groom while the saints are the bride. As the wife of Jesus, how prepare are you; are you
really ready for the Groom. Dont be like foolish virgin, be wise.
The Millennium Reign of Christ This is one thousand year reign of Christ on earth:
Isa. 9:7-9,Luke 22:28-30, Rev. 5:10, Rev. 11:15, Rev. 20:1-10. During this period: the
dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan, shall be bond for a thousand
years; cast into bottomless pit; Christ will rule under the control of God; The apostles
will rule over the one tribe of Israel each; All saint shall have part in ruling as kings and
priests; The world capital will be Jerusalem. The earth will not be desolate during this
period; Human life will be prolong indefinitely; There shall be universal peace.
Three perspectives regarding how the millennium relates to the coming of Christ;
1. Premillennialism: Christ will return before the millennium to inaugurate a
literal 1,000 year rule on earth with his holy people before the final
judgment.
2. Amillennialism: 1,000 years is is a metaphor representing the current age
between Christs first and second comings. Christ reigns spiritually with his
people. At the end of this age, Christ will return, execute the final judgment.
3. Postmillennialism: The good news will triumph on earth, and Christ will
establish through the age of peace on earth. Then Christ will come and
inaugurate his eternal Kingdom.
The Antichrist The Antichrist is called man of sin because he will be the embodiment
of lawlessness and leader of great apostasy. All of whom would deny that Jesus was
both divine and human. The number of antichrist is 666.
Christian must think seriously, about the presence of evil and its opposition to Christ in
the people and power structure of the world. Resisting these enemies may lead to
persecution and even death. Our hope rests in victory through Christ. Let no man deceive
you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there comes a falling away first, and that
98
man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is
God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God siteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he
is God. II Thess 2:3-4.
Facts about the antichrist: 2Thess.2:-12
* The antichrist is called the man of sin, because he will be the embodiment of
lawlessness and leader of apostasy. Let no man deceive you by any means for that day will
not come, except there comes a falling away first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition. 2Thess. 2:3.
* The antichrist is the son of perdition, because of being destiny to destruction by his
rebellion act.
* He is to be revealed.
* He will be the opposer of God. Who opposeth and exaltheth himself above all that is called
God. V.4
* He will exalt himself above God and exaltheth himself above all that is called God. V.4.
* He will accept worship as God.
* His worship will be carried on in the future Jewish temple at Jerusalem. He even exalted
himself as high as the prince of the host; and by him daily sacrifice were taken away and the place
of his sanctuary was cast down. Dan. 8:11.
* He will claim to be God
* The spirit of lawlessness now works preparing for his revelation.
* He is the mystery of iniquity.
*He will head the armies at Armageddon and will be destroyed by Christ. He is also
called the wicked.
* He is a satanic agent.
* He will have satanic backing, working miracles
* He will be a deceiver.
* He will be followed by those who are lost.
* He will be a great delusion and a lie.
Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How
long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give
both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, unto two
thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Dan. 8:13-14.
Tribulation This is the period of seven years, it has to do with the antichrist. The first
three and half years will be lesser tribulation while the last three and half years will be
great tribulation. The great tribulation is referred to as the world most terrible period.
Rev. 11:3-13, 14:14-20.
War of Armageddon Armageddon means mount of slaughter, it will only last for one
day. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the
earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
99
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk
naked, and they see his shame. And he gather them together into a place called in Hebrew tougue
Armageddon. Rev. 16:14-16.
The Great White Throne The wicked dead are raised and finally judged, it will take
place after the one thousand year of Christ reign. The saint will be associated with
Christ in this judgment and hence cannot be the subject of it. Rev. 20:3, 7-15, I Corin. 6:2.
THE SECOND ADVENT OR SECOND COMING The second coming of the Lord
Jesus , And I saw heaven open, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called
faithful and True, and righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of
fire, and on His head were many crown; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He
Himself (Rev. 19:11-12).
This is going to take place at the end of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus will
appear from the cloud. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he
that sat upon him was called Faithful and true, and righteousness he doth judge and
make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and he
had a name written, that no man knew, but himself (Rev. 19:11-12). Behold he cometh
with cloud; and every eye shall see him, and kindred of all the earth shall wail because
of him. Even so, Amen.
In time like this, that confirms what the bible says; the time of peril, with all of these
characteristics; lovers of self, lovers of money, boaster, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy ,unloving, unforgiving, slanderers,
without self- control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers
of pleasure rather than lover of God, having form of godliness but deny its power,
always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. When it shall
be difficult for men to live godly. It of a necessity for us to earnestly contend for the
faith. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was
needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith
which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3. Therefore, be prayerful; preach the word;
insist on sound doctrine; making no provision for the flesh; obedient to Gods will and
endure affliction and hardship. Know this also; and from the days of John the Baptist until
now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violence take it by force. Matt. 11:12.
Finally, hold fast which thou hast, that no man takes thy crown. Be faithful until death, I
will give you the crown of life. So you, too, must keep watch! For you dont know what
day your Lord will come.

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NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLES OF THE CHURCH

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, NIGERIA

Knowledge for Global Development

Copyright 2016 SEDInst

This first edition published 2016 by

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Prof. Mohammad S. Mubarak

Prof. Francisco Torrens

Hon. Niyi Jones Akinyugha

Mr. Sola Akitimehin

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Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

Knowledge for Global Development

the world, many disillusioned congregants understandably believe they are

Knowledge for Global Development

supply, unemployment, poor governance, breakdown in healthcare delivery and the