In Religion and the Making of Nigeria, Olufemi Vaughan examines how Christian, Muslim, and indigenous religious structures have provided the essential social and ideological frameworks for the construction of contemporary Nigeria. Using a wealth of archival sources and extensive Africanist scholarship, Vaughan traces Nigeria’s social, religious, and political history from the early nineteenth century to the present. During the nineteenth century, the historic Sokoto Jihad in today’s northern Nigeria and the Christian missionary movement in what is now southwestern Nigeria provided the frameworks for ethno-religious divisions in colonial society. Following Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960, Christian-Muslim tensions became manifest in regional and religious conflicts over the expansion of sharia, in fierce competition among political elites for state power, and in the rise of Boko Haram. These tensions are not simply conflicts over religious beliefs, ethnicity, and regionalism; they represent structural imbalances founded on the religious divisions forged under colonial rule.

The question envisioned and pursued in this book is how to discover a dynamic idea that fosters interdenominational initiatives for socio-economic, political and spiritual empowerment of Nigerian Christians today. It proffers solution by using the biblical-Pauline message of justification as paradigm. This book grapples with the scandalous divisions of the followers of Christ. Every Christian needs evangelical repentance. We can only grow together in the unity willed by Jesus Christ, by growing together in God's love poured into our hearts at our baptism.

Through fieldwork research, this book seeks to explore Catholic ecumenism and the proliferation of Pentecostalism. Using data gathered from four West African countries, it additionally endeavors to investigate the sociopolitical impact of Pentecostalism, which is growing exponentially and is seen by many as the new face and phase of Christianity on the continent. This book puts a search light on the reality of West African Pentecostalism and its relationship with the older Christian traditions. It cogently asks if Pentecostalism is a cog in the wheels of the fragile ecumenical work among West African Christianity and wonders about its impact on the poor existing social, economic, and political situations common to most West African politics and governments. This book is for professionals and students of religion and theology, and is useful for the casual reader.

This Work offers a groundbreaking theological exploration of interchurch marriages among Christians from different denominations. Based on extensive research, it delves into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by couples navigating relationships between Christian churches. Josephat Obodo argues that interchurch marriages hold immense potential for fostering unity and ecumenical dialogues in Nigeria. Examining baptism and shared Eucharist, this book urges church leaders to embrace these marriages as a bridge-building opportunity. With thought-provoking analysis and compassion, the author encourages reflection on the theological implications of interchurch marriages and their impact on the ecumenical movement. Offering practical insights, guidance, and wisdom, this book equips individuals and church communities to overcome challenges and celebrate the blessings of interdenominational ecumenical marriages. 'Interchurch Marriages in Nigeria' is essential for priests, pastors, theologians, counselors, and anyone interested in promoting unity and ecumenical cooperation within the Christian community.

Ethnocentrism is one of the greatest obstacles to peace on the African continent. Taking the Church as Family of God as a model of evangelization, this work explores means of inculturating the Gospel message in African cultures in order to transform them, make them blossom and enable Africans to live as authentic Christians in their cultures. It examines the values of African extended families and the prospects of interreligious dialogue as means through which the various religious bodies can effectively work together to overcome ethnocentrism and its evil effects and thus establish a wholesome African society where every human person is at home irrespective of family orientation or tribal background.