Christian Religion and Peaceful Co-Existence for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Sociological Approach

Abstract

The relationship between Christian religion and peace down through history has been ambivalent. On the one hand, most religions proclaim peace and have served the cause of peace. On the other hand, religion has been the cause of many wars. Christian religion permeates every aspect of man’s existence in the world, be it the political, social, cultural or economic life of people. No religion preaches violence. The three main religions in Nigeria, namely, Christianity, Islam and African traditional religion, all advocate and preach peaceful co-existence in various ways. Thus, religion has been used as the most important instrument for the social control of man and society. Since progress and sustainable development can only occur in a rancor free environment, the role of Christian religion in fostering peaceful co-existence cannot be over emphasized.

Keywords:      Christian Religion, Peaceful Co-existence, Sustainable Development, Nigeria, Sociological Approach.