CHURCH PROLIFERATION AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUTHS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

A critical look at religious situation in Nigeria suggests that the recent socio-economic and political situation has been a symptomatic of the endemic plurality of Nigeria’s religious landscape. The country is now a breeding ground for diverse kinds of religious movements especially within the Christian faith. Proliferation of churches in Nigeria and its influence on the Nigerian youth has attracted attention of many scholars both within and outside Nigeria, especially since their massive proselytizing by certain groups has won adherents in Europe and America. Recognized as an off-shoot of missionary Churches and bearing some features of African traditional religion, proliferation of Churches is seen on the whole to constitute pastoral challenge on Christendom in Nigeria. The founders of these new generation churches always postulate diversified reasons for their emergence and expeditious growth, some say that their call is a divine call from God, while some claim divine visions and dreams, emphasized deeper biblical interpretation and so on. However, it is the opinion of the present researchers that the pivotal factors for the emergence of these newer churches, as well as the costs and benefits of the activities of these new movements to the entire Nigerian society have not been properly investigated and analyzed. Therefore some responsible theological investigations have become imperative, more so at this stage of crucial discussions and debate concerning the gains of religion in nation building. The result of such investigations and evaluations will help towards the establishment of truly stable and authentic Church of Christ in Nigeria. The thrust of this research, therefore, is to trace the historical foundations of Church proliferation in Nigeria.

The issue of moral decadent in our society is a thing that is needed to be looked into. Many things have gone wrong, since no one sees the reason to be upright in action at all times, in all places and in all circumstances. The continuing degeneration of personal virtue among the world’s societies seems to be emerging as the single-most urgent issue of our time.  Until recent years, churches had since deferred from their original roles in morality, though many outside the church continued political pressure to move churches either towards or away from a value oriented. This posse’s questions and ideas about the appropriate approach to learning of morality in the society today. (Oviawe, 2012).

Oviawe, (2012) opined that moral and morale are polite, decent and appropriate way of portraying ourselves in our duties, home and society. It is a socially acceptable manner of life. It can also be referred to as the principle of right and wrong or decorum. Our parents and ancestors practices moral and morale to the core and had h9igh regards of them. They also handed them to us with diligence. At that time they paid particular attention to the manner of sitting, walking, talking, greeting, eating, principle of right and wrong, discipline and commitment in everything they did and the way they did it.  They were conscientious about their duties, keeping to the rules and regulations related to them. They saw this as maintaining their own dignity and respect for themselves and others. They made sure that everybody was well brought up.

Therefore the study will also look into various dimensions of Church proliferation and investigate its effect on the Nigerian youth.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

          Everyone wants to be successful, everyone wants to be healthy, happy and rich, but most people are not willing to pay the price. Occasionally, they may be willing to pay part of the price, but they are not willing to pay the whole price. They always have some excuses or rationalizations to not discipline themselves to do everything that they need to do to achieve their goal.

          The problem in our society today is the high moral decadence in the society, as the churches, parents and tutors etc have failed in their role of moral education. Hence this study intends to investigate the proliferation of churches in Nigeria and increase in moral decadence in the society.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 

          The major purpose of this study is to examine the effect of church proliferation on youths in Nigeria. Other specific purposes of the study are;

1. To examine the major cause of church proliferation in Nigeria.
2. To highlight the major benefits of church proliferation in Nigeria among youths.
3. To examine the relationship between church proliferation and moral decadence among the youths.
4. to examine the role of the church towards reducing moral decadence among Nigeria youths.
5. to recommend ways of improving youth decadence in Nigeria.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the major cause of church proliferation in Nigeria?
2. What are the major benefits of church proliferation in Nigeria among youths?
3. What is the relationship between church proliferation and moral decadence among the youths?
4. What is the role of the church towards reducing moral decadence among Nigeria youths?
5. What are the ways of improving youth decadence in Nigeria?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: There is no effect of church proliferation on Nigerian youths

H1: There is no effect of church proliferation on Nigerian youths

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

          The research is important because it teaches us the relationship between church and morality. It will serve as a documents that can be referred to in order to clear some doubt about the issue of moral decadence.

          It will serve as documents that will enlighten the Church/Christian leaders on the need to embark on teaching of morality in churches.   

          Finally, the study will also enlighten the public on the causes of moral decadence and how to find lasting solutions to such a problem.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is designed to investigate church proliferation and its effect on youths. The study is restricted to the Nigeria society