CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

A THEOLOGICAL-ETHICAL APPRAISAL OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN NIGERIA: REIMAGINING POLICY AND PRACTICE THROUGH THE LENS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Segun Ayotunde Olulowo, PhD — 2025-07-25

This study offers a theological and ethical appraisal of mental health care in Nigeria, exploring how Christian ethics—anchored in virtues such as compassion, justice, and human dignity, alongside African communitarian philosophy—can inform and transform mental health policy and practice within Nigeria’s diverse socio-religious environment. Utilizing a theoretical framework that integrates Christian moral theology (including Thomistic and Liberation theology) with public health ethics, the research critically examines existing literature, policy documents, and pastoral practices to reveal a significant gap: the absence of an explicit Christian ethical lens in mental health policymaking. While prior studies recognize the role of faith in mental health, this study uniquely bridges theological insights and health policy to propose a normative ethical critique tailored to Nigeria’s cultural realities. The findings highlight the transformative potential of collaborative partnerships between faith leaders, policymakers, and healthcare providers to reduce stigma, foster inclusive care, and promote holistic wellbeing. Recommendations include actively involving religious leaders in policy development, embedding ethical sensitivity into mental health training, and encouraging sustained cooperation between secular institutions and faith-based organizations. By enriching discourse on culturally and theologically grounded mental health care, this research provides practical and ethical insights to guide policy reform and pastoral engagement. Future empirical research is needed to assess the real-world impact of Christian ethical principles on mental health outcomes across Nigeria.

THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Pius Barinaadaa Kii, Ph.D — 2025-07-25

This paper examines the positive and negative functions of religion in Nigerian society. Nigeria is a pluralist society with three religions-African Traditional Religion, Islam and Christianity. Since no particular religion is officially recognized as state religion, it is expected that the three religions should co-exist side by side on the same environment without friction. Despite this, the three religions conflicts among themselves sometimes resulting in killings, verbal assaults, intimidation, open confrontation, destruction of worshipping centers and indiscriminate destruction of religious objects, emblems and shrines due to differences in religious beliefs and practices. In spite of this, religion on the other still binds people together and invigorates; that is, it gives them a strong sense of social solidarity and obligation. The study relied on secondary sources. The study adopted historical and phenomenological approaches to ascertain the curative factors to religious differences and to describe the usefulness of religion. Findings reveal that though religion sometimes can cause chaos but at the same time it stabilizes the society. The study recommends that religious leaders at all levels should encourage their followers/adherents to cultivate the values of forgiveness, tolerance, peace, love and truth so as to facilitate the practice of religion in a pluralistic society like Nigeria.

AKANKA ODEABỤ: NTỤLEKỌRỊTA ABỤ NDỊ A HỌỌRỌ

Chioma Oluchi Ohanwe — 2025-07-25

Akanka bụ ụzọ pụrụ iche odee ọbụla si ede agụmagụ ya, nke e jiri mara ya kpọmkwem site n’ụzọ o si a họọrọ okwu o ji ede agụmagụ n’ụdị pụrụ iche bụ nke mkpa aka ya. Mgbe ụfọdụ, akanka odeabụ webatara n’abụ ya na-eme ka nghọta abụ ghara ịdị mfe. Niihi ọnọdụ a, u ̣fọdụ nghọta na-emi ala ma ọ bụrụ na-etinye echiche miri emi mgbe a na-agụ ya. Nsogbu dị otu a kpaliri mmụọ nwanchọcha izipụta site n’abụ abụọ a họọrọ, ka e wee kpọọ omimi chọpụta akanka ha n’otu n’otu. Nwanchọcha bu n’obi inyocha abụ ndị a họọrọ ma zipụta akanka odeabụ ji wepụta echiche na mmetụtaobi dị n’abụ ya. Usoro Atụtụ nwanchọcha ji mee nchọcha a bụ Atụtụ Nnyocha Akanka, site n’ilebanye anya na nhazi agụmagụ, atụmatụokwu na nka asụsụ odeabụ ji dee abụ ya. Nwanchọcha họọrọ naanị abụ abụọ bụ; Akaraaka na Ọjị dị n’akwụkwọ abụ Ekpe Nna nke A. K. Obierozie dere. Nchọcha a ga enyere ndị nkuzi, ụmụakwụkwọ karịsịa ndị nnyocha agụmagụ aka ịchọpụta ụzọ e si enyocha abụ site n’usoro atụtụ e jiri mee nchọcha a. Ọ ga-eme ka ha na-elezi anya ịchọpụta akanka odeabụ abụ ndị ha na-agụ. N’ikpeazụ, a chọpụtara na akanka odeabụ wepụtara echiche na mmetụtaobi dị n’abụ ya, bụ nke ga-akpali mmụọ ọgụụ ibido nwewe mmasị ịgụ abụ ederede Igbo. Nwanchọcha na-atụ alọ ka ọhanaeze, ndị nkuzi na ụmụakwukwọ na-etinye uche n’ebe abụ edereede Igbo dị, iji chọpụta echiche miri emi dị n’abụ ndị ha na-agụ.

NSIRIHỤTA ỤMỤNWAANYỊ N’ALA IGBO N’OGE GBOO: NZIPỤTA YA N’AGỤMAGỤ EJIJE NWATA RIE AWỌ

Azubuike Chibuzor Okudo, Ph.D — 2025-07-25

O ̣nọdụ a ụmụnwaanyi nọri kemgbe na-agbazi ha anya mmiri nke na ezinụụlọ na ọhaobodo na-enweta nsogbu site na mgbanwe ha chọsiri ike ka agbanwee ọnọdụ a. N’agbanyeghị mgbanwe ụfọdụ batarala na nsirihụta ụmụnwaanyị n’ala Igbo n’oge ugbua megide ka ọdịbu n’oge gboo, ndị odee agụmagụ nke oge ugbu a ka na-ezi ozi ahụ site n’agụmagụ ha, nke na egosị na ha ka na-akwado ọnọdụ ahụ etu ọ dị n’oge gboo. Ọnọdụ di etu a kpaliri mmụọ nwanchọcha ime nchọcha n’isiokwu a, iji gbaa n’anwụ mmetụta di mwute na-esite n’ọnọdụ a, ma gosipụta etu agụmagụ ndi Igbo ke oge ugbua dere si esite n’ụzọ di otu a wee na akwado ọnọdụ ahụ site agụmagụ ha dere. Nwanchọcha bụ n’obi inyocha akwụkwọ ejije Nwata Rie Awọ, nke G. O. Onyekaonwu dere, ka e wee gbaa n’anwụ ka odee si jiri agụmagụ ya zipụta nsirihụta umunwaanyi n’ala Igbo. Nwanchọcha gbasoro usoro atụtụ nchọcha Feminizim wee mee nchọcha ya, site n’ilebanye anya n’ọdidi maọbụ ụdidi pụrụ iche nke u ̣mụnwaanyi, ahụmahụ ha na ihe ndi ha na-agabiga n’ohaobodo. Ka e mechara nchọcha, a chọpụtara na odee sitere n’ejije ya zipụta ọnọdụ ụmụnwaanyi nọ n’ala Igbo dika ndi enwe enwe. N’ikpeazu, a tụrụ anya na nchọcha a ga-eme ka a mata nsirihụta ụmụnwaanyi n’ala Igbo nakwa ọrụ pụrụ iche ha na-arụ n’obodo tụmadi n’ezinụụlọ ha. nwanchọcha wee na atụ alo ka omenaala tọhapụ ụmụnwaanyi kpamkpam n’agbụ e kere ha n’ụdi ọnọdụ di ala n’agbanyeghi oke ọrụ ha na-arụ n’ezinuụlọ.

BIBLICAL HEBREW STUDIES IN THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS: A RELIABLE KEY TO ACCURATE INTERPRETATION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT – AN APPRAISAL

Albert Ulutorti Green — 2025-07-25

This paper aims to explore the notable role biblical Hebrew studies have inside theological colleges as a tool for obtaining an accurate interpretation of the Old Testament. This emphasizes the importance of connecting with the original language to find subtleties, cultural contexts, and theological concerns sometimes lost in translation. The study reveals the challenges students face. Among these challenges are a lack of skilled teachers, too much curriculum content to cover, and student apprehension about language study. It argues that these obstacles hinder good learning and therefore affect the standard of pastoral duties and theological education. The research emphasizes the need of having a strong command of the Hebrew language in relation to preventing translation mistakes and doctrinal misinterpretations, improving exegetical and hermeneutical abilities, and appreciating the literary merits of the writings. This study uses case studies and academic viewpoints to draw attention to examples of misperception brought on by linguistic constraints. The study also argues for the relevance of Hebrew studies in the training of next leaders for efficient ministry. Recommendations at the conclusion of the study can be implemented to enhance language programs, promote early exposure to Hebrew, leverage technology, and create learning environments supporting cooperation. By stressing Biblical Hebrew studies, theological colleges can provide students with the fundamental tools needed for precise biblical interpretation. This helps people to better serve others and grasp theology more. Faithful and well informed Old Testament interpretation calls for a close involvement with biblical Hebrew, as this assessment confirms that such an involvement is absolutely vital.

THE CHURCH AS AN AGENT OF ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION: PRACTICAL MINISTRY MODELS FOR CHRISTIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Veronica Vou Ajibulu — 2025-07-25

This study explores the role of the Church as an agent of economic transformation through the promotion of Christian entrepreneurship, with a focus on Nigerian faith communities. The purpose is to examine how churches can support economic development and empower individuals to establish businesses grounded in biblical values. The paper highlights practical ministry models that foster entrepreneurship within the faith community, providing both theological and practical frameworks for economic impact. The study adopts a conceptual approach, using secondary data such as published academic papers, newspaper articles, and online sources as a literature base. These sources also serve to validate key arguments. In addition, primary data is drawn from the author’s observations of church-led entrepreneurial initiatives in Nigeria, which offer grounded insights into the effectiveness of various ministry models. Findings suggest that churches significantly contribute to economic empowerment when they integrate biblical principles with practical business strategies. Ministry approaches that include mentorship, business training, and financial support are particularly effective. Christian entrepreneurs also report enhanced fulfillment and success when their work aligns with their faith. The paper concludes by recommending that Nigerian church leaders institutionalize entrepreneurship as a core ministry focus. By developing structured training programs, facilitating access to resources, and forming partnerships with external stakeholders, the Church can foster inclusive economic growth, social justice, and a culture of ethical entrepreneurship.

INTERSECTION OF WOMEN, RELIGIOUS ABUSE AND VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Odei Moses Adeiza, PhD — 2025-07-25

This study investigates the intersection of religion, abuse, and violence against women in Nigeria, arguing that patriarchal interpretations of religious doctrines perpetuate systemic gender-based violence. Religiously justified abuse—encompassing physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional harm—remains prevalent despite global advancements in women’s rights, as misinterpretations of sacred texts reinforce male dominance and suppress women’s autonomy. Previous research identifies religious abuse as a global phenomenon but inadequately explores its unique manifestations in Nigeria’s multi-religious context, where Christianity, Islam, and indigenous traditions intersect with cultural norms to silence victims and protect perpetrators. This gap necessitates a focused analysis of Nigerian women’s experiences. The study’s scope encompasses historical contexts, typologies of abuse, socio-economic impacts, and resistance strategies, justified by Nigeria’s high rates of gender violence and the urgent need for context-specific solutions. Employing qualitative methods—including textual analysis of religious doctrines, semi-structured interviews with survivors, and case studies—the research utilizes feminist theory to deconstruct power hierarchies and advocate for gender-just reinterpretations of faith traditions. Findings reveal that religious institutions often weaponize theology to justify domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and psychological coercion, yet emerging feminist movements within these traditions offer pathways for empowerment. The study concludes that collaborative efforts among religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society are vital to dismantle patriarchal structures. Recommendations include theological education reforms, legal enforcement, and survivor-centered support systems, contributing to broader gender justice efforts in religiously diverse societies.

WARFARE PRAYER AS AN ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTIC DEVICE: A CASE STUDY OF AYYUB (JOB) IN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY

Alfred Adekunle Bamgbose, PhD — 2025-07-25

Warfare prayer, a form of spiritual intervention rooted in religious traditions, has been increasingly examined as both an alternative medicine and a therapeutic device. The prophetic tradition recognizes Dua (prayer in Islam) as a weapon to the believers both in Islam and Christianity. This idea really corroborates the divine powers endowed man by the creator at all ages which serves as a blessing for humanity on all matters. Existing studies on the subject have focused on the efficacy of prayer, the need for adherents of both religions to pray and the types of prayer with little attention paid to Job’s warfare prayer comparatively. This paper explores its conceptualization in Islam and Christianity, using the Biblical and Qur’anic narrative of Job (Ayyub in Islam) as a case study. Scholarly discourse highlights prayer’s role in mind-body medicine, its psychological benefits, and its contested classification within complementary and alternative medicine. While some studies suggest prayer’s efficacy in healing, others critique its theological implications. This article synthesizes theological and medical perspectives to argue that warfare prayer functions as a therapeutic modality, particularly in contexts of suffering and chronic illness, bridging faith and healthcare. The study made use of library research presented in descriptive and narrative approach to discover the defining moment in the story of Job’s warfare prayer. The study revealed Job’s endurance through suffering and his reliance on prayer exemplified warfare prayer as a means of spiritual combat, healing, and resilience. Recommendations are also made on how supplicants could have an acceptable Dua.

CHALLENGES OF CHRISTIAN PARENTING IN 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA: LESSONS FROM EARLY CHURCH HISTORY AND NEW TESTAMENT ETHICS

Joseph Chukwuemerie Nwankwor — 2025-07-25

This study explores the challenges confronting Christian parenting in 21st century Nigeria, drawing insights from Early Church history and New Testament ethics. The study begins by contextualizing the sociocultural, economic, and technological pressures that modern Nigerian Christian parents face in nurturing children within a biblical framework. The core problem identified is the growing disconnect between Christian ethical teachings and the prevailing value systems influencing contemporary Nigerian youth, often exacerbated by secularism, moral relativism, and inadequate parental discipleship. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study integrates a comprehensive review of relevant literature with oral interviews conducted among Christian parents, clergy, and child development experts across various denominations. Findings reveal that many Christian parents struggle with transmitting faith-based values due to inconsistent biblical literacy, peer influence, media exposure, and diminished family cohesion. Lessons drawn from Early Church parenting practices and New Testament ethical teachings such as community accountability, intentional discipleship, and scriptural formation offer valuable models for today’s context. The study concludes that effective Christian parenting in Nigeria requires a return to spiritually grounded, community-supported, and ethically consistent models of child-rearing. It recommends increased church-based parental education, the establishment of support systems for families, and renewed emphasis on scriptural ethics in both home and church life. These measures aim to empower parents to raise children who can live out Christian values amidst a rapidly changing society.

ETHICO-THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF “ROBOT” PASTOR ON AFRICAN CHRISTIANITY IN THE CONTEXT OF 1 PETER 5:1-4

Dr. Vincent A. Olusakin — 2025-07-25

The invention of robots and other AI applications capable of undertaking human tasks with speed, accuracy and precision is unprecedented and it has raised the question of job security in many professions. In some religions, robots lead in different religious activities. This development has necessitated debate on the possibility of robots taking over priestly duties in African religions. As a contribution to the debate, this paper explores the ethico-theological implications of having ‘robot’ pastor in the church in Africa using 1 Peter 5:1-4 as a focal text. The aims are to exegete 1 Peter 5:1-4 to decipher its meaning in relation to pastoral duties and investigate the possibilities of robots carrying out those duties giving the peculiarity of African churches. The paper employs descriptive method and the evaluative model of African Contextual Hermeneutics. It was discovered that the pastoral duties discussed in the text cannot be carried out by robots since they do not possess the required emotions and feelings. Also, the emphases of African churches on communality, holistic view of faith and connection to the spiritual world which most times necessitate prayers for healing, deliverance from evil spirits, among others, are beyond the abilities of robots. The paper therefore concludes that robots cannot take over human pastoral duties in Africa. While robots may assist in duties that require physical interaction, human pastors will still be needed to carry out duties that require emotions, feelings, communication with God, experiential knowledge, modelling certain lifestyle, empathy among others.

CHINA IN AFRICA COLONIALISM / NEOCOLONIALISM: A HISTORICAL SURVEY

Folusho Michael Fakayode, Ph.D — 2025-07-25

The renewed engagement of China with African states and China's growing assertiveness on the global stage have spurred a polarising debate on the conceptualisation of China's involvement in Africa within the wider academic literature. Indeed, the African policy, as part of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) foreign policy of the "Going Global Strategy", poses some serious questions about the role of China as a rising power and its impacts on the current international system order- as a status quo or revisionist power. Traditionally, China's presence in Africa has been viewed through three different strands of thought: as a development partner, an economic competitor or as a coloniser. What has been coined as the "Dragon Slayers" versus "Panda Huggers" debate - on whether China represents a threat or an opportunity for the African continent - presents valid arguments on both sides. In this light, this paper argues that this polarising debate on China as a neocolonial power (threat) or as a genuine development partner (opportunity) highlights the growing uncertainty.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AS AGENT OF PEACE RESTORATION IN NSUKKA CULTURAL ZONE

Blessing Ndidi Ezema, Ph.D — 2025-07-25

Religion plays a dual role in human societies, influencing both conflict and peace. In the Nsukka cultural zone of Nigeria, daily life is shaped by African Traditional Religion (ATR) alongside foreign faiths, especially Christianity. Despite the influence of Western religions and modernism, ATR continues to offer meaning and spiritual grounding for the people. Traditionally, it upheld moral values and social order, promoting peaceful coexistence. However, the rise of Christianity and modern ideologies has eroded these traditional structures, contributing to increased insecurity in the region. Ironically, this insecurity has sparked renewed interest in ATR as a means of restoring peace. This study addresses a research gap by exploring ATR’s role as an agent of peace restoration in Nsukka. Adopting a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research relies primarily on oral interviews and participant observation, supported by secondary sources such as books, journals, and articles. Findings reveal that ATR helps restore peace through indigenous institutions such as deities, the council of elders, and masquerade cults, which function as custodians of justice, reconciliation, and moral discipline. The study recommends increased reliance on these traditional mechanisms to sustain peace and social harmony. Ultimately, it highlights the relevance and efficacy of African Traditional Religion as a viable model for peace-building in Nsukka and potentially in other African societies facing similar challenges.

THE PLACE OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS LIKE POSTMODERNISM, FEMINISM AND MARXISM IN HISTORICAL STUDIES: A HISTORICAL DISCOURSE

Michael Folusho Fakayode, Ph.D — 2025-07-25

Postmodernist Approach to the Discipline of History familiar with the different ways through which the past is made accessible, meaningful, and comprehensible is a must for advancing historical consciousness at schools and confronting the complexity of the past. Seixas also stresses that unless models in the discipline of history are identified and used in the teaching and learning of history, any framework for exploring students’ thoughts about history is destined to remain murky (Seixas, 2001: 546).