Department Of Religious Studies
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Browsing Department Of Religious Studies by Author "Falako, F. O."
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- ItemOpen AccessAn Appraisal of Faith-Based Literacy Programmes on the Socio-Economic Life of Adult Learners in Lagos, Nigeria(EAJERP: East African Journal of Educational Research and Policy. A Publication of Higher Education Research and Policy Network (HERPNET), Kampala International University, Uganda., 2017) Falako, F. O.; Anyikwa, BlessingThe study was carried out to appraise the literacy programmes provided by Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) in Mainland Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, Nigeria to ascertain their effects on the socio-economic life of the learners. A total of 27 Faith-Based literacy centres, managed by over 100 Facilitators and 20 Administrators formed the population. The researchers sampled 50 Facilitators and Instructors through the stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using researcher-made questionnaire titled “Faith-Based Literacy Centres and Empowerment Questionnaire” (FBLCEQ). The instrument consists of twenty items which was subjected to face and content validity using experts in evaluation and Adult Education from the University of Lagos. Three research questions guided the study. Findings obtained included that basic literacy tops the list of programs offered by the FBOs literacy centres; and in terms of functionality, they expose learners to skills that impact positively on their socio-economic endeavours. It recommended periodical in-service training for all adult instructors amongst others.
- ItemOpen AccessBiblical View of Parenthood and Implications for Education in the 21st Century Nigeria(Concept Publications, Lagos, 2017) Falako, F. O.This paper examined the Biblical principles on parenthood with particular reference to education; the purpose was to draw out Biblical model vis-a-vis current educational principles and practices. Some of such principles are: parents as the first ‘teachers’ of the child; the family or home being the first point of contact of the child and the most influential agent of value transmission; and the importance of learning a trade. The paper noted that modern trends like indiscipline and violence in schools occasioned by factors like single parenthood, role reversal/role confusion are impacting negatively on parenthood and education in the country. In conclusion, the paper recommended that parents/guardians should be more involved in the education of their children/wards while the government should make education more holistic by emphasising the training of not only the Head (cognitive) but also the Heart (affective) and the Hand (skills acquisition).
- ItemOpen AccessChristian Missions and their Linguistic Legacies(Ilesa: Triumph-Providential, 2011) Falako, F. O.Indigenous languages are adversely affected in this era of globalization, due to an apparent negligence in favour of foreign ones. The paper focused on the early Christian Missions and their attitude of appreciation to the language of their hosts. It looked into how in the course of evangelism they reduced Yoruba, Igbo, Efik, Nupe and Hausa languages into writing. In the process, they created linguistic hegemony, a culture of reading and tribal consciousness that helped fan the embers of nationalism; all to the consternation of the colonial administrators. The paper posited that these legacies must be built upon in our generation so as to save indigenous languages from total eclipse. To pave way for the assimilation of traditional ideas and values, the paper advocated a sympathetic evaluation of African linguistic heritage.
- ItemOpen AccessDignity of Labour and Productivity: Perception of Christian Religious Studies’ Curriculum in South-Western, Nigeria(AJEP: African Journal of Pedagogy. A Publication of the Faculty of Education, Kampala International University College, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania., 2016) Falako, F. O.One of the challenges to productivity in the Nigerian labour force is the apparent lack of dignity of labour. A lot of people feel dissatisfied at work while majority of civil servants show apathy to work. Therefore, production is often below expectation. This paper probed into how focus on Dignity of Labour in Christian Religious Studies (CRS) can help inculcate confidence, enthusiasm and improve productivity among Nigerian labour force. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Four research questions were developed to guide the study. The sample for the study comprised of 140 Christian Religious Studies lecturers and first year undergraduates (that have been exposed to the curriculum) of fourUniversities in South-Western Nigeria selected through a simple random sampling technique. The findings, among others, revealed the importance of religious capital in production; and that integration of dignity of labour and absorption of NEEDS/MDGs notions into Christian Religious studies curriculum could help enhance productivity across all labour force. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other things that teachers should adhere strictly to the syllabus and include more of empowerment themes in the curriculum.
- ItemOpen AccessDignity of Labour and Productivity: Perception of Christian Religious Studies’ Curriculum in South-Western, Nigeria(Faculty of Education, Kampala International University College, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania., 2016) Falako, F. O.The apparent lack of dignity of labour is one of the challenges to productivity in the Nigerian labour force. A lot of people feel dissatisfied at work while majority of civil servants show apathy to work. Therefore, production is often below expectation. This paper probed into how focus on Dignity of Labour in Christian Religious Studies (CRS) can help inculcate confidence, enthusiasm and improve productivity among Nigerian labour force. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Four research questions were developed to guide the study. The sample for the study comprised of 140 Christian Religious Studies lecturers and first year undergraduates (that have been exposed to the curriculum) of four Universities in South-Western Nigeria selected through a simple random sampling technique. The findings, among others, revealed the importance of religious capital in production; and that integration of dignity of labour and absorption of NEEDS/MDGs notions into Christian Religious studies curriculum could help enhance productivity across all labour force. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other things that teachers should adhere strictly to the syllabus and include more of empowerment themes in the curriculum.
- ItemOpen AccessFaith-Based Organizations and Environmental Hazards: A Study of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria(Nkumba Business Journal: A Publication of Nkumba University, Uganda., 2017) Falako, F. O.This paper looked at the proliferation of religious enclaves along the ever busy Lagos- Ibadan Expressway and analyzed the attendant hazards. The aims were to identify the attractions the highway offers; the ensuing environmental implications and steps to tackling the pollutions to make Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) nationwide eco-friendly. Adopting descriptive research design; data were collected through the use of a self-structured questionnaire, participant observation and unstructured interview. Two Hundred and Fifty copies of the questionnaire were administered in Lagos and Ogun States out of which Two Hundred and Twenty Two (222) were retrieved. The survey was by systematic random sampling. Three research questions raised were answered and data analyzed using the percentages. The study made these findings: The large expanse of land and its strategic location and serenity make the Highway attractive to religious bodies; environmental hazards identified included traffic jam, noise, filth, and deforestation. The paper made the following recommendations: development of a Faith–Based environmental program; green sermons; strict enforcement of environmental laws; and recycling among others. The paper will hopefully generate awareness as it brings to the fore a local instance of an often overlooked environmental pollution. It will also contribute to the avalanche of literature on Religion and Environment. The thesis of the paper is that while the larger picture of climate change looms globally; local cases that are the contributory factors should not escape attention.
- ItemOpen AccessFor God and Glory: Perceptions on Indigenization of Clerical Vestments in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)(Noyam Publishers, Ghana, 2023-01) Falako, F. O.; Ofuafo, P. UReligious personnel have always been unique in their costumes that depict ranks, nature of ceremony and roles in a given cultic rite. That the splendid vestments have always been culturally related and significant account for debates and modifications. For Africans, when it comes to the fabrication of liturgical attires, the questions are not concerning the need for change as much about the nature and extent of the Africanness in Christianity. This paper appraises the perceptions on what the contemporary styles of liturgical vestments like the chasuble, stole and cope in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) should be. The work evaluates calls for contextualization, nature and extent of such changes in the materials, colours, embellishment, symbolism, and implications. The authors adopted the qualitative approach, carried out a bibliographic survey and conducted interviews with a focused group and key informants. Data are limited to purposively selected priests, parishioners and vestment makers across Yoruba land, South-Western Nigeria. The findings reveal divergent views on cravings for indigenization of priestly sartorial spectrum, what constitutes quality, and ingenuity. The authors recommended more appreciation of traditional textiles and elements by the church.
- ItemOpen AccessGeneral Introduction Biblical Studies and Socio-Political Issues in the Nigerian Context: A Panoramic View(Concept Publications, Lagos., 2017) Falako, F. O.The continued survival of the Church is premised on two factors: the heavenly and the human considerations. As the Body of Christ and the Extension of the Incarnation, the Church is being sustained, guided and kept by our LORD and Saviour – Jesus Christ. This is an uncontroversial fact! Nevertheless, the human factor points to the role of individuals. Many Bible passages confirm the fact that Christians have responsibilities in keeping the fire of the Gospel burning and relevant in this turbulent generation. Our world is changing indeed! Unfortunately, the direction of the change is not Christ-ward. While frantic efforts are being made towards relevance, some are of the opinion that not all the sounds and steps are Biblical. Some attempts have just been counter-productive! How then do we in Nigeria make the Eternal Logos a Living Reality in every circumstance and situation? The endeavour to provide a holistic, robust and Biblical answer to these and other questions led to selecting the topic: Biblical Studies and Socio-Political Issues in the Nigerian Context in honour of a distinguished Nigerian, Academic, and Prelate.
- ItemOpen AccessGod in African Christian Theology: Towards a Platform for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria(Department of Religions, Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, 2020) Falako, F. O.This paper examines the idea of God from the African Christian perspective, arguing that the reality of the existence of God is fundamental to all religions. The purposes are to underpin the interface; establish a platform for inter-religious dialogue; and make a case for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria, in particular, and Africa in general. The paper adopts a systematic theological approach which enables the author to draw data from books and journals. The paper draws out the distinctiveness of the African Christian belief amid the mainstream Judeo-Christian idea, and highlights how this central belief can help in the quest for mutual understanding. The thesis is the imperativeness of theological debates for mutual enrichment and peaceful co-existence in a religiously pluralistic nation like Nigeria.
- ItemOpen AccessHeterosexuality in Traditional African Culture: Peculiarities, Modern Concerns and Implications for the Church(International Council for Higher Education (ICHE, West Africa), 2017) Falako, F. O.This paper examined the subject of sexuality in the traditional African culture with the aim of bringing to the fore the implications of modern concerns for the Church. Adopting an analytical method, data were collected through archival and bibliographical search. The paper highlighted the conceptual perspectives of heterosexuality and African culture; religion and heterosexuality; and the modern concerns. It further probed into the shape of heterosexuality in African cultural practices; the ‘myth’ of African heterosexuality and emergent issues. Findings confirmed the relatedness between culture and religion; the divisive nature of modern debates and the implications for the Church. In conclusion, the paper recommended that the Church should be more appreciative of African Traditional cultural practices for the sake of contextualising the Gospel and take more pragmatic steps against the scourge of ‘sex revolution’ by helping stem the tide of its contributory factors like human trafficking, prostitution, e-dating, substance abuse, nudity and so on.
- ItemOpen AccessHeterosexuality in Traditional African Culture: Peculiarities, Modern Concerns and Implications for the Church(West African Journal of Higher Education. A Publication of the International Council for Higher Education (ICHE, West Africa), 2017) Falako, F. O.This paper examined the subject of sexuality in the traditional African culture with the aim of bringing to the fore the implications of modern concerns for the Church. Adopting an analytical method, data were collected through archival and bibliographical search. The paper highlighted the conceptual perspectives of heterosexuality and African culture; religion and heterosexuality; and the modern concerns. It further probed into the shape of heterosexuality in African cultural practices; the ‘myth’ of African heterosexuality and emergent issues. Findings confirmed the relatedness between culture and religion; the divisive nature of modern debates and the implications for the Church. In conclusion, the paper recommended that the Church should be more appreciative of African Traditional cultural practices for the sake of contextualising the Gospel and take more pragmatic steps against the scourge of ‘sex revolution’ by helping stem the tide of its contributory factors like human trafficking, prostitution, e-dating, substance abuse, nudity and so on.
- ItemOpen AccessNew Religious Movements and Space Contestation: A Study of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria(Ibadan: Bookminds/AASR, 2020) Falako, F. O.Global as ecological and environmental cases are, local contexts make the matter peculiar and so a source of concern for every responsible individual. Apart from problems like drought, flood, depletion and climatic changes; land occupation for industrial and other purposes on a hazardous scale is threatening and alarming. It is high time we considered the implications of the way in which religious spaces are found in every nook and cranny in the country. This paper examines a new wave in church planting in Nigeria which is the idea of religious camps and communities along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The expressway links the commercial nerve centre of Lagos to the rest of the country. It is without doubt the busiest highway in Nigeria. One of the major peculiarities of the popular expressway is the concentration of religious camp grounds. There are about twenty of them. Hence, the highway has earned the name "Church Highway" or “Heavens Gateway”. This work appraised the issue of space contestation by various Christian religious organisations and the attendant implications. Data for this study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected through personal observation, in-depth interviews and discussions with respondents selected through purposive sampling technique. The secondary data was gathered through documents, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and books. Data were analyzed by simple percentages. The following findings were made space contest leads to the emergence of affluent settlers, tension due to the disappearance of arable land, encroachment, mistrust, litigations, and rivalry. Recommendations made included balancing the teachings on dominionship with that of stewardship; dialogue and relocation. Findings of the study significantly revealed a drift towards competition and ecological crises. The paper concludes on the note that activities of religious groups on the highway need to be monitored and censored in order to maintain a clean environment and sustainable development.
- ItemOpen AccessNigerian Football Supporters’ Club and Employment of Church Songs: The Interplay between Religion and Sports(Department of Physical and Health Education, Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, 2018) Falako, F. O.Africans are said to be incurably religious and are in all things religious; this religiosity comes to the fore in the activities of the Nigerian Football Supporters’ Club since its establishment in 1959. Their activities include prayer sessions, spiritual consultations, sacrifice and the invocation of the Divine through the employment of Church songs during matches. This paper appraises the role of songs, reasons for their use, the sentiments often displayed about these songs in sports rituals. In summary, the paper establishes the nexus between religion and sports.
- ItemOpen AccessPedagogical Significance of Title-Taking among Yoruba Christians of South Western Nigeria(Faculty of Education, Kampala International University College, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania., 2017) Falako, F. O.The paper probed into the pedagogic significance of title-taking, an instrument of governance among the Yoruba speaking people of Nigeria. Adopting both historical and sociological approaches, it highlighted some of the philosophies and the cultural transmission mechanism embedded in the system. The paper also emphasized the influence of Yoruba chieftaincy culture on Christianity and how through the making of Christian chiefs; the Church inculcates moral values and traditional ethics that help in securing and sustaining social order and cohesion within Church and Community. The paper viewed the whole gamut of chieftaincy in Yoruba land as a “teachable moment” vis-a-vis value education in the Nigerian school system and recommended further symbiotic relationship between African cultural practices and Christianity towards sustainable development.
- ItemOpen AccessPerspectives of the Anglican Church on African Traditional Religion and Culture: A Study of Abeokuta, 1842-2000(International Centre for African Law Studies (ICALS), Nigeria, 2020) Falako, F. O.This study probes into the perspectives of Christian Missionaries on African Traditional Religion and cultural practices. The aim is to dissect the views of early missionaries on the traditional Religion and culture; identify causes of conflicts, and compare and contrast such with modern evangelists. The paper adopts a historical approach which enables the author to draw data from books and journals. It gives a panoramic assessment of opinions of scholars and zeros in on the inter-faith relationship in Abeokuta, Egba land, between1842 when the Missionaries arrived and 2000, the beginning of the millennium. Findings establish prejudices, clash of interests, and a paradigm shift towards the perspective of sympathy. Finally, the paper recommends dialogue, training, and re-training of missionaries, and a symbiotic relationship for mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence.
- ItemOpen AccessReflections on Jesus’ Safety Measures: Lessons for Nigerian Preachers on Mission Security(Faculty of Education, Kampala International University College, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania., 2017) Falako, F. O.Increase in cases of hired assassination, armed robbery, kidnapping, and bombings targeted at the Church, preachers and worshippers calls for a change in the thinking and approach to personal and corporate security issues. The purpose of this study is to draw insight from Jesus’ approach. Employing both historical and exegetical method, the author highlighted Jesus’ precautionary measures towards the security of his mission in an atmosphere of stiff misgivings, opposition by the religious parties and the general public and political unrest in Palestine. The measures as contained in the Gospels included prayer, tactical withdrawals, secrecy and modesty. To Jesus, security is more than being surrounded by guards and/or the use of weapons. The paper also touched on the teachings of Jesus on security consciousness as well as his firm grasp of the socio-political scenario of the era. Findings revealed that the attitude of many Nigerian preachers shows a lack of understanding and/or application of security principles and practices. The paper concluded by recommending the adaptation of Jesus’ principles and the need for other practical steps such as information gathering, employment of technology, watchfulness and use of security outfit. It is hoped that this article will help in no small way to create awareness and make the Church more security conscious in the face of hostilities and violence not only in Nigeria, but across the globe as this article is being read.
- ItemOpen AccessReflections on Jesus’ Safety Measures: Lessons for Nigerian Preachers on Mission Security(KIU Journal of Education. A Publication of the Faculty of Education, Kampala International University College, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania., 2017) Falako, F. O.Increase in cases of hired assassination, armed robbery, kidnapping, and bombings targeted at the Church, preachers and worshippers calls for a change in the thinking and approach to personal and corporate security issues. The purpose of this study is to draw insight from Jesus’ approach. Employing both historical and exegetical method, the author highlighted Jesus’ precautionary measures towards the security of his mission in an atmosphere of stiff misgivings, opposition by the religious parties and the general public and political unrest in Palestine. The measures as contained in the Gospels included prayer, tactical withdrawals, secrecy and modesty. To Jesus, security is more than being surrounded by guards and/or the use of weapons. The paper also touched on the teachings of Jesus on security consciousness as well as his firm grasp of the socio-political scenario of the era. Findings revealed that the attitude of many Nigerian preachers shows a lack of understanding and/or application of security principles and practices. The paper concluded by recommending the adaptation of Jesus’ principles and the need for other practical steps such as information gathering, employment of technology, watchfulness and use of security outfit. It is hoped that this article will help in no small way to create awareness and make the Church more security conscious in the face of hostilities and violence not only in Nigeria, but across the globe as this article is being read.
- ItemOpen AccessReflections on Jesus’ Safety Measures: Lessons for Nigerian Preachers on Mission Security(KIU Journal of Education. A Publication of the Faculty of Education, Kampala International University College, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania., 2017) Falako, F. O.Increase in cases of hired assassination, armed robbery, kidnapping, and bombings targeted at the Church, preachers and worshippers calls for a change in the thinking and approach to personal and corporate security issues. The purpose of this study is to draw insight from Jesus’ approach. Employing both historical and exegetical method, the author highlighted Jesus’ precautionary measures towards the security of his mission in an atmosphere of stiff misgivings, opposition by the religious parties and the general public and political unrest in Palestine. The measures as contained in the Gospels included prayer, tactical withdrawals, secrecy and modesty. To Jesus, security is more than being surrounded by guards and/or the use of weapons. The paper also touched on the teachings of Jesus on security consciousness as well as his firm grasp of the socio-political scenario of the era. Findings revealed that the attitude of many Nigerian preachers shows a lack of understanding and/or application of security principles and practices. The paper concluded by recommending the adaptation of Jesus’ principles and the need for other practical steps such as information gathering, employment of technology, watchfulness and use of security outfit. It is hoped that this article will help in no small way to create awareness and make the Church more security conscious in the face of hostilities and violence not only in Nigeria, but across the globe as this article is being read.
- ItemOpen AccessReligion and Violence: Historical Appraisal of the Activities of the Boko Haram Insurgence in Nigeria, 2009-2012(NJSE: Nigerian Journal of Sociology of Education, 2013) Falako, F. O.One of the realities of the 21 Century is intense religious radicalism with every nation having its own share of fear as religious reasons are being invoked to cause collectivel violence. In the case of Nigeria, cases of religious fundamentalism abound with the attendant disruption of peace, loss of lives and property. Perhaps, the most explosive and devastating of these is the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram (Western Education is Sin) insurrection which since 2009 has added a twist to the insurgency problem in Nigeria; becoming not only a major threat to the nations’ nascent democracy but also a challenge to her corporate entity. Adopting a historical and bibliographic approach, this paper traced the origins, influences and activities of the group, as well as attempts at peace between then and October 2012.
- ItemOpen AccessReligion as an Institution that Combats Corruption in the Development of Nigeria: A Christian Perspective(Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, 2021) Falako, F. O.The paper investigates the nexus between religion and politics majoring on the role of religion in combating the menace of corruption in Nigeria. Writing specifically from a Christian perspective, the author notes the paradoxical fact that Nigeria ranks high in both religiosity and corruption indexes. Built on the functional theory of religion, the paper underlines the impression of religion on the individual in particular and on the society in general. The import of this theory is that religion influences attitude and behaviour. Adopting a bibliographical and historical approach, the writer regrets that the tenets of the Christian religion have not been adequately appropriated in the struggle. Therefore, the author recommends that religious people should back up their faith claims with corresponding praxis of morality and accountability; the church should be free from persons of doubtful characters; enforce disciplinary measures against erring members and support every government efforts in the fight.