Toward Christian-Muslim dialogue and peace-building activities in Northern Nigeria: theological reflection

Umaru, Thaddeus Byimui (2013) Toward Christian-Muslim dialogue and peace-building activities in Northern Nigeria: theological reflection. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to examine critically the incessant inter-religious conflicts in
Northern Nigeria, to identify the real causes of such conflicts and to suggest theological
and practical ways to sustain peace building endeavours. Conflicts as an inevitable part of
human existence can be triggered and exacerbated by numerous factors. Religion as a
powerful impulse in human existence has been used to fuel conflict in Northern Nigeria.
Radical religious strife, quest for more converts, colonisation, ethnicity, and perceived
political domination have strengthened stereotypical views of the self and the other.
Religion is closely intertwined with culture and thus central in the understanding and
establishment of peace in society; continue to play paradoxical role in the locality. Religion
can be a cause of conflict and a way of conflict resolution. In Nigeria religion has failed to
establish the peace which it has claimed to promote, because deep historical feuds have
found expression in religion, and religion is thus at the core of the strife as experienced in
contemporary Northern Nigeria.
The theology of the Second Vatican Council, in which the Roman Catholic Church
reflects on its self-understanding as a community and its role in the world, provides a first
model for the encounter between Christianity and other religions in mutual understanding.
This thesis considers the theological potential of this interreligious encounter (or dialogue)
between Islamic and Christian traditions in general and the possibilities and difficulties of
dialogue between Muslims and Christians in Northern Nigeria in particular.
Moreover, this study delves into the need for engagement between theology and
politics in addressing issues of conflict. It explores the theology of interreligious dialogue
as a means for a promising peace-building process in Northern Nigeria. Religion as a
significant part of the problem is equally essential in proffering solutions. However, taken
on their own terms, neither religion nor politics have comprehensive answers. Hence, any
peace building project in Northern Nigeria must be multi-faceted. It could be, modelled on
a theological approach for encounter and dialogue which examines common grounds for
collaboration within the two faith traditions, in an attempt to consider and strengthen
peace-building endeavours within the region.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Inter-religious conflict, violence, dialogue encounter, peace-building, religion, religious and peace education.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Jeanrond, Prof. Werner and Jasper, Prof. David
• Date of Award: 2013
• Depositing User: Rev Thaddeus Byimui Umaru
• Unique ID: glathesis:2013-4249
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 13 May 2013 07:59
• Last Modified: 13 May 2016 14:43
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/4249