AGORA - A Journal of Philosophical & Theological Studies

MADE LIKE GOD: A RE-READING OF GEN 1:26

Francis Olawale Adelab — 2022-12-12

At the centre of formation to the sacred priesthood is a human person. A major goal of the whole process of formation to the sacred priesthood is to facilitate a Christlike human(e) person who will lead other human persons to God as he (the formandus) also manifests the values and principles he hopes to encourage in the faithful. Paradoxically, apart from the crisis of faith which plagues our world today, human mores, values and character are among the foremost challenges in the formation to the sacred priesthood. The qualities of respect for persons and principles, sincerity of purpose, selflessness, commitment to a worthy goal, sense of community, tolerance and transparency, right judgement and discretion are in dire demand. Gen 1:26 gives the fundamental of the identity of the human person preparing to become a priest. What does it mean to be made in the ṣelem (image) and demut (likeness) of God? Are these two Hebrew morphemes the same? What are their implications for the self-understanding of the formandus and a better comprehension of his future flock? The morphological, lexical and patristic study of these Hebrew morphemes and their syntactical connection with their immediate and wider context constitute the crux of this scribal enterprise.At the centre of formation to the sacred priesthood is a human person. A major goal of the whole process of formation to the sacred priesthood is to facilitate a Christlike human(e) person who will lead other human persons to God as he (the formandus) also manifests the values and principles he hopes to encourage in the faithful. Paradoxically, apart from the crisis of faith which plagues our world today, human mores, values and character are among the foremost challenges in the formation to the sacred priesthood. The qualities of respect for persons and principles, sincerity of purpose, selflessness, commitment to a worthy goal, sense of community, tolerance and transparency, right judgement and discretion are in dire demand. Gen 1:26 gives the fundamental of the identity of the human person preparing to become a priest. What does it mean to be made in the ṣelem (image) and demut (likeness) of God? Are these two Hebrew morphemes the same? What are their implications for the self-understanding of the formandus and a better comprehension of his future flock? The morphological, lexical and patristic study of these Hebrew morphemes and their syntactical connection with their immediate and wider context constitute the crux of this scribal enterprise.

AN INQUIRY INTO THE PHILOSOPHICAL SOURCE OF ATHEISM IN THE MODERN WORLD

Evarestus Igwe-Alufo, CM, — 2022-12-12

This article “An Inquiry into the Philosophical Source of Atheism in the Modern World” is evoked by the perception that modern philosophy began by relegating metaphysics as its point of departure. Metaphysics, the science of being as being, is banished and replaced with the philosophy of consciousness (cogito) instead. But the challenges of the relegation and replacement have generated a series of problem including an orientation towards the ungodded society. Consequently, Descartes’ cogito, the basis for all modern philosophies, henceforth could not bridge the gap between noumenon and phenomenon, between thought and reality; for the idea of God does not necessarily involve the existence of God. Therefore, it is the belief of this article that an inquiry of such kind, through a critical and conceptual analysis of modern philosophies of consciousness may open up to a philosophical source of ungodded society today. The analysis of this inquiry uncovers and argues that the relegation of metaphysics implies the relegation of the science of being whose act it is to be (esse). The relegation of the science of being whose act it is to be implied the rejection of God, hence atheism

AN INTERROGATION OF THE NOTION OF MAN IN EXISTENTIALISM AND AFRICAN TRADITIONAL THOUGHT

Festus Adegboyega Akinola (Ph.D) — 2022-12-12

Many scholars have considered the nature of man from diverse perspectives. Many also identified some distinctive human features. The philosophical purpose of these considerations is to give us a better understanding of man in order to project humanity for better existence. Existentialism is the aspect of philosophy that concerns itself distinctively with the nature of human existence. Its concepts of freedom, choice, responsibility, individuality, and existence precedes essence are crucial to the understanding of human nature. Like other branches of philosophy, African philosophy is not bereft of ideas about human nature. Its conception of the nature of man is influenced by African worldview. Man in many African societies is perceived as instinctively spiritual, communal, responsible and in a way deterministic. These features on a face value interpretation contradict essential nature of man in existentialism. Sequel to the above, this paper seeks to interrogate the two branches of philosophy in an analytical manner. The interrogation of the two perspectives is with the aim of projecting humanity in Africa for a better existence. It is hoped that this comparative approach to Western and African existentialism will enhance an improved understanding of man and consequently help in improving human condition in Africa

ETHICAL TENSION BETWEEN MORAL AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN CATHOLICS SCHOOL: A PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE

Chrisanthony Ndikani, DMMM — 2022-12-12

Despite the progress of modern society in various fields of life, especially in education, people are yet to find true meaning, true happiness and real orientation towards ethical values. Most unfortunately, and on a daily basis, many young school leavers in Nigeria are far from real fulfillment and true happiness. They are either more confused themselves or confuse the entire system. Despite their well-paid jobs in public service, they still lack something tangibly meaningful. Alternatively, as the schools that produced them keep growing, glowing and blossoming in population/financial boom, the nation still suffers. Input determines output, and as a common elementary computer technology dictum goes, ‘garbage in, garbage out.’ This is our problem, and the root cause is not far-fetched. There is a discrepancy in the educational system due to lack of ethical ingredients in school management. It affects human behaviour, thoughts, actions. The in-thing is that because ethics is not given its proper place in schools, misplaced values take the center stage. Efforts to give ethics its proper place in educational institutions results in ethical tensions and dilemmas. This paper discusses the ethical predicaments that challenge most value-driven school managers in Nigerian Catholic/Mission school system which claims to be making a difference. Selecting the ethical issue of examination malpractice, we compared academic and moral excellence vis-à-vis ethics, its tensions, and the implications of its lack in Nigerian educational system. The rationale and root challenge are the corruption and injustice around the practice, and ethics alone paves the way forward.

AN ENQUIRY INTO THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIGHTENERGY:NIGERIA AS A CASE STUDY

Very Rev Fr Mike Iroh, CM — 2022-12-12

Preview measurements of the inflow by turbine-mounted lidar systems can be used to optimize wind turbine performance by increasing power production and alleviating structural loads1 Light Detection and Ranging devices (LIDAR) allow preview information about the approaching wind to be used to improve wind turbine control thereby optimizing operational performance of the wind turbine and hence effect increase in energy yield. We employed in this research a theoretical based method to obtain simulation results from lidar scan patterns which indicate a lot of prospects of lidar laser scanners operating in the region of pico and femto seconds regime. This makes the wind energy option in Africa as a whole and Nigeria in particular a welcomed development in renewable energy discussions and the country’s energy mix. Again, a generalized philosophy of energy will consider the following aspects: the inquiry into the natural phenomenon of energy; the critique of the functioning of energy in society; and the philosophy of technology within the contexts of energy transitions

RALPH BARTON PERRY’S ‘THEORY OF VALUE’ AS A TOOL FOR DISCERNING HUMAN MOTIVATION IN PRIESTLY FORMATION

Ekhelar Anslem (PhD) — 2022-12-12

In the best of times, the task of forming young men for the Catholic priesthood is a complex one. Yet, we are in such times that only the presumptuous would dare argue that things are not downright perplexing. Those directly entrusted with this task in seminaries and other houses of formation are at times not even sure what else they could do. They engage candidates for formation whose goodwill and appropriate disposition cannot be ascertained. Nevertheless, they forge ahead with courage sustained by hope, that the Lord who calls and whose task they have accepted to fulfil, will show the way through the maze and complexities that formation has become in our time and age. Thus, it is an imperative that the effort to seek for better and improved ways of appropriately engaging in the task of forming young men for the Catholic Priesthood should be a never ending one. I propose here, a perspective which though pertains to axiology, nevertheless bears relevance to the said task. It is an approach which could, hopefully, be developed as a module, in aid of the formation process. Adopting an analytic methodology, it takes ‘the theory of value as interest’ as proposed by Ralph Barton Perry, to highlight certain elements of it, while indicating what could be included in an effort at evolving a model for the fulfilment of the task of forming priests for the Catholic Priesthood.

GENDER DISCOURSE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Gregory Ebalu Ogbenika — 2022-12-12

There have been growing agitations for gender equality in Nigerian society in particular and the African continent in general. Consequently, a plethora of philosophical theories and literature on gender equality and gender inclusiveness became ubiquitous in the philosophical landscape as a society is built on the provisions of laws to foster fairness in human relations. Despite these concerted efforts toward gender equality, society still struggles to fully evolve from its firm patriarchal foundations. This slow pace in eliminating gender inequality and producing a society devoid of gender bias is seen in African states in general. African women are becoming more vocal and proactive in their dissatisfaction with the gender discrimination in society. African females and feminist philosophers have struggled for recognition and societal acceptance and implementation of some of the laws that have been made at national and international levels to ensure the revisitation of policies that reiterate the need for women to enjoy equal opportunities with their male counterparts especially concerning female participation in politics. This paper is in pursuit of gender equality within the crucible of gender equity and equal opportunities in the political, economic, socio-cultural, educational and other sectors that require the services of human resources. The goal is to foster an atmosphere of partnership and complementarity between both genders, where the female gender can complement the male gender in every area that will require the unique expertise and makeup of either gender. The paper uses critical and analytical methods.

AN EVALUATION OF ROBERT PUTNAM’S SOCIAL CAPITAL THEORY

Egbonu, John Okwuchukwu, Ph.D. — 2022-12-12

There are many societies blessed with rich resources and influential people where some members of that community still lack the basic economic resources to grow and build themselves. This is because some have in excess and some little and some do not have at all. To correct situations like this, Robert Putnam’s Social Capital Theory suggests the building of trust and relationship between and among individuals in a society. The Social Capital Theory of Putnam encourages societal connectedness and the provision of resources for her citizens as means of improving economic development and growth. Aside being explored theoretically and empirically some of the assumptions of social capital theory have been challenged; its limitations as a unified concept have not been adequately tackled thus creating uneasy flow in relationship and trust. This paper therefore tries to evaluate Putnam’s notion of social capital, stating that trustworthiness and connection are key to developmental growth but these qualities are not just shown to all by all. Using the evaluative method, this paper concludes that togetherness in economic building can develop the society faster and stronger rather than individually targeted which can as well provide a central means of resolving distrust and commitments among members.

THE NOTION OF SYNODALITY FROM THE ANCIENT CHURCH

Emmanuel A. LEWIS — 2022-12-12

With the recent call by the Holy Father, Pope Francis for dioceses to convene synods on synodality, inviting all members of the church to journey together, it is pertinent to take a look at some of the early synods or councils in the ancient church. This will in no little way help in the understanding and appreciation of the intention of the Pope. The terms ‘synod’ and ‘council’ were used interchangeably in the early church to represent the gathering of bishops, sometimes with experts and sometimes without. These gatherings were in a way an expression of what the church truly is, that is, the gathering of a people called together by God. In this article I hope to use the synods and councils in the ancient church to buttress the fact that the church by her very nature is synodal and that these gatherings were very helpful in the resolution of issues. I hope to achieve this goal through an historical analysis and discussion of the early synods and councils of the ancient church. These gatherings that started quite naturally in the ancient church, were means of rubbing minds on issues affecting the church and proffering solutions to such issues.

ENHANCING QUALITY E-LEARNING IN BUSINESS EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA: A PRAGMATIC APPROACH

Obi, Bibiana Irukaku (Sr. Mary Noeleen) Ph.D — 2022-12-12

The study determinied strategies for enhancing quality e-learning in business education programme in Nigeria: A Scientific Inquiry Approach. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study and descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The study was carried out in Anambra State, Nigeria. The population of the study consists of all (105) one hundred and five business educators. The instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire. The instrument designed for the study was subjected to face and content validation. The Cronbach’s alpha method was used to obtain overall reliability coefficient of 0.79. Eighty-eight (88) copies of the questionnaire were returned after administration. The research questions were answered using means and standard deviations. The null hypotheses formulated for this study were tested at a 0.05 level of significance using Independence Samples t-test. The study revealed that Business educator agreed that funding and effective administration could be used as a strategy to ensure quality e-learning in programme. The study recommended that curriculum planners should constantly review business education curriculum to accommodate recent development in technology.

THE PRIEST: LEADING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY AT WORSHIP

Chike John Nwanze, PHD — 2022-12-12

Pentateuch recounts the movement of the people of God from Egypt to the promised land. As they journeyed they worshipped God the way they knew best. As they became more sedentary, the institution of the priesthood began to gain greater importance. This can be seen by the improved manner of their worship of God. At different times and in various stages, they worshipped God according to the circumstance in which they found themselves. Over time, they developed some religious Institutions. Among them was the priesthood. The priest had a specific role. He was charged with the cultic responsibility. What this simply meant was that the priest had to concern himself with spiritual activities. His job had to do with establishing and maintaining relationship with God. This is done through the act of worship, which enables encounter with God. This essay, through the prism of Pentateuch examines the development of the priestly function, especially his role at worship. Utilizing Synchronic-diachronic approach while respecting Pentateuch canonical framework, the priest has been seen to occupy a central place in the worship tradition of the people. This role of the priest as a leader of the worshipping community will be helpful in the understanding of today’s priest. It is in this light that the paper is unambiguous about the character of the priest in relation to leading at worship. The outcome of the research is that the priest while serving the people is expected to lead them to God through daily worship of God.

PRODUCTS AND CRAFTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

EGBE, Peter PhD — 2022-12-12

An Esan adage says: “Ejaye Ole-akhor.” Meaning “One resembles his/her dwelling place or environment.” The message is that: “the environment makes the person” or “the person is a product of his/her environment and in turn makes the environment.” Environment here is understood as geographical, socio-ethical and cultural milieu. All that the senses explore and in particular, the physical environment. The opinion of this paper is that, human activities have impacted more negatively on the environment. The environment is reciprocating on a global scale and the consequences are dire for the lives of the elements in the universe, including human life. Humanity is tied in a web with the environment and its elements. Hence, there is need to pay attention to the importance of the environment, its health and the consequences of human relationship with the environment. The consideration is multiple approaches that reveal the complex nature of the human life and its realisation in a given physical community and its universal implication. Using the analytic-exposé and synthetic methods, this paper takes a cue from Laudato Si and aims at awakening consciousness about human discipline and integrity as beneficiary and craft of the environment. The environment needs the attention of all as life is incarnate in it. The health of the environment impacts the wellbeing of the inhabitants. Therefore, for life to continue in the universe and flourish, all need to harmoniously work to preserve and maintain the health of the environment.