THE INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION ON CULTURE
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
THE STUDY’S BACKGROUND
Christian values are defined in this paper as the ideals or principles that Christianity holds dear. My goal in this presentation is not to dwell on Christianity’s unique worth or values. These are well-known and valued, particularly in Nigerian society. My primary concern is to relate and evaluate this value in terms of a specific culture, specifically the Nigeria ensemble of values.
Nigeria is an obvious choice for a Nigerian writer. It becomes appealing and obvious when we identify Western culture, including American culture, with which Beninians, rightly or wrongly, identify with Christianity. That is, because Western culture is associated with Christianity in Benin, Nigerian culture, as a recipient of Western culture, bears the influence or weight of Christianity on its own culture.
My second responsibility will be to pick specific segments of this culture to highlight these Christian influences. To comprehend the extent of Christian values’ influence on Nigerian culture, historical and sociological perspectives will be required, as they will reflect such influences where they exist. In the late nineteenth century, missionaries arrived in Benin, where they encountered a way of life that did not always conform to Christian principles.
The spread of Christian influence was hampered by factors such as the size of the area, the complete lack of roads and means of communication, and other harsh environmental conditions that prevented early missionaries from freely moving to all corners of the area. These facts may have accounted for the host culture’s less universal predominance of Christian influence.
Such claims may be seen as too lofty in light of the allegation of widespread acquiescence of Nigerian culture to invading European culture. However, the assumptions that local culture and Christian values were polarized and conflicting, and that Christian values dislodged their host counterparts, must be qualified, because the host culture was traditional and natural, that is, it was unadulterated, original, or God-given. It approximated and accorded with Christian values in part, and thus was not in conflict with them.
Equally important in this regard is human nature’s similarity, which tends to minimize differences between human groups. I was deliberately cautious because there were areas of conflict between the host culture and Christian values. Nonetheless, because grace is built on nature, and nature exists in Benin as well as elsewhere, there is a lot of great value in Nigerian traditions and religious consciousness.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The result has been a more distinct and permanent manifestation of Christianity’s legacy or influence, which is the invisible and unofficial striving to live in tandem with both the Christian and traditional lives. Thus, the individual Christian clings tenaciously to, or relapses into, traditional life in his subconscious and in times of crisis.
However, Christianity must be credited for the tremendous impact it has had on the advancement of knowledge and learning in Benin: the opaque scales that blindfolded the people have been removed. All men are now equal before God, and this new thought has most likely been the driving force behind the struggle for Nigerian unity. After coming into contact with Christianity, ignorance and superstition were put to rest. And this is a priceless accomplishment.
QUESTION FOR RESEARCH
1. What impact did Christianity have on Benin culture?
2. Does the Christian religion have any bearing on Benin culture?
3. Do you believe the Christian religion is superior to the Benin culture?
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The investigation’s goal is to:
1. Determine the cultural significance of the Christian religion.
2. Highlight the cultural influences of Christian religion.
THE STUDY’S IMPORTANCE
The study is significant because it teaches us about the connection between Christianity and culture. It will demonstrate to Christians the significance of cultural heritage within the Benin kingdom, as well as whether culture and Christianity can coexist.
THE STUDY’S OBJECTIVE
The study’s goal is to discover the impact of Christian religion on Benin’s culture. The research is limited to the Oredo Local Government Area.
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