AFRICAN SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL

INCARNATING FRANCIS OGUNMODEDE’S QUEST FOR UNITY AND STABILITY IN THE CHURCH

OGULERU, MATTHEW C., ODERINDE, ABOSEDE O.

March 25, 2025

Citation

AFRICAN SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL , Vol. 14 (1) (2025) , pp. 21-31

Details

ISSN: 978-37889
Published: March 25, 2025
Status: Published

Abstract

Disunity and instability are two major problems that have plagued Nigeria  since independence. While society generally battles ethnic and religious challenges, the Church faces ethnic and class conflicts. Francis Ogunmodede describes Nigeria as a complex country whose problems revolve around ethnic and religious divisions as a result of the British forcefully amalgamating over 250 erstwhile self-governing nationalities with divergent socio-cultural and religious backgrounds leaving a polity with socio- political/religious conflicts fueled by corruption, selfish and porous leadership. The study adopts a mixed method which comprises the historico- critical method and the advocacy approach of the existential method of biblical exegesis in the analysis of 1 Corinthians 1:10-12, postulating that Pauline teaching on harmonious relationships in 1 Cor. 1:10-12 could serve as a model for resolving conflicts within Church communities. Francis Ogunmodede’s proposition on screening electoral candidates to checkmate politicians and corrupt practices, getting a new credible census, good leadership, respect for the Rule of Law, separating Religion from State and Sovereign National Conference/ Referendum stands as a panacea to Nigeria's problems and challenges: The church in her search for oneness and unity can benefit from the advocacy of Ogunmodede, a united Nigeria that takes advantage of her diversity.

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