Papers by Dr. Vincent A . Olusakin
Introduction to Religious and Cultural Studies, 2012
The phenomenon of change is constant and pervasive in all aspects of life and society. Except a s... more The phenomenon of change is constant and pervasive in all aspects of life and society. Except a society in isolation, (if any) every society undergoes social and cultural change per time. Such a change which normally begins in a sub-culture or with few individuals, does not just settle down and merry-go-round within the sub-culture but spread to other sub-cultures (or
cultures) as contacts are made and thereby cause change in the new culture. This accounts for the similarity in cultural traits among many nations. In the face of such similarities, scholars have suggested two possibilities: evolution and cultural diffusions. While it cannot be denied that there could be independent inventions of a particular cultural trait, there are proofs that certain traits that evolve in a particular culture spread to another. An example in focus, is the planting of maize which is said to have started in Mexico, but has spread to other parts of the world. This is what cultural diffusion is all about. It is the spread of cultural traits from one sub-culture (or culture) to another. Cultural diffusion is so real in cultural change that the North American anthropologist, late Ralph, argued that it accounted for as much as 90% of any culture contents (Haviland, 1997:701). This chapter thus attempts to examine the concept of cultural diffusion
AKSU DIAKONIA: Journal of Religion and Culture, 2018
The idea of judgment is common to every religion. While some conceptualize it other worldly, some... more The idea of judgment is common to every religion. While some conceptualize it other worldly, some believe it is both this-worldly and other-worldly. Generally, it is believed that humans actions on earth is a determinant of the type of judgment awaiting them. This paper attempts a comparative analysis of Yoruba and Johannine concepts of judgment by using a synthesis of translation and anthropological theological models. John 3:17-19 is read as a l text to represent the idea of judgment in the Fourth Gospel. The reading of the text was that the choice made to either accept or reject Jesus Christ on earth determines whether a-not one will face judgment in heaven. In Yoruba belief on the other hand, man's actions on attract judgment upon him both here and hereafter. This therefore implies that fr4gment is common to the two belief systems and that one's actions on earth determine the type of judgment he or she faces. Humans are therefore enjoined to be careful of their actions earth because no one will escape God's judgment.
AKSU DIAKONIA: Journal of Religion and Culture, 2020
There exist numerous trees in their varieties in the land of Israel. Of the one hundred and twent... more There exist numerous trees in their varieties in the land of Israel. Of the one hundred and twentyeight d5'erent plants mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament, the fig tree was singled out in Jesus' eschatological discourse in the Synoptic Gospels (Matt 24:32-35//Mark 13:28-31//Luke 21:29-33). This paper examines why the fig tree is singled out to convey the message of the end-time. Drawing insights from the biblical text and works of Scripture scholars, the paper employs metaphor as analytical tool to show that the fig tree possesses some mythical features that bespeaks of eschatology.
Benin Journal of Religions and Society, 2020
It is an undeniable fact that HIV/AIDS is one of the global health challenges. Its affects cut ac... more It is an undeniable fact that HIV/AIDS is one of the global health challenges. Its affects cut across all strata of society. Though the 2019 report shows that the prevalence of the pandemic in Nigeria has declined compared to the reports of the previous years, there are still so much to do to totally curb its spread. The importance of religion in curbing the spread of the pandemic has been attested to by many. This paper is a contribution to ongoing discussions on the response of religion to the pandemic. As a descriptive study, the paper describes the bases for and areas of church response to HIV/AIDS. The paper posits that the church needs to be part of the fight against the spread of HIV because among others, her assignment is to the whole world and she is not sent to preach alone, but to also involve in mission's works and social work as an important aspect of it. The areas where she can be involved include theology, ethics, pastoral care, healing, justice and human Rights. Based on this, the paper concludes that the role of the church cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore recommended that the church should rise both individually and through its various Faith Based Organizations and collaborate with government and other sectors in the effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
Icheke: Journal of the Faculty of Humanities, 2020
The paper argues that church leaders in Nigeria need HIV/AIDS education to ensure adequate pastor... more The paper argues that church leaders in Nigeria need HIV/AIDS education to ensure adequate pastoral care. As a descriptive study, the paper examines the reality of HIV/AIDS and the need for church-based HIV/AIDS education. Also, it discusses various avenues through which church leaders could be reached with HIV/AIDS education and suggests how they can organize HIV/AIDS education in their local churches and communities. The paper recommends that NGOs and government bodies need to collaborate with denominational leaders for the HIV/AIDS education of church leaders. This is needed because if pastors are well informed, their members will be informed.
An Introductory Survey of the History of New Christian Religious Movements in Nigeria, 2013
This chapter explores the activities of Christian missionaries in Northern Nigeria in the 19th an... more This chapter explores the activities of Christian missionaries in Northern Nigeria in the 19th and 20th centuries. It examines their failures and achievement as well as the reasons for such failures and successes.
AKSUJA: Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts, 2020
This paper examines the connection between global warming and eschatology (study of the end time)... more This paper examines the connection between global warming and eschatology (study of the end time). A descriptive study, the researcher used questionnaire! administration and interview to sample the opinions of the Christians in Port Harcourt on the connection between the two concepts. It was discovered that while all the respondents believe in eschatology, some do not see any connection between it and global warming. Hence, they believe that global warming could be controlled. However, some believe that global warming is a sign of the end time and imply that time, efforts and resources should not be wasted in trying to control global warming. The paper concludes that global warming is human-induced and if human activities leading to it is reduced, it can be controlled. It is therefore recommended that awareness should be created in churches to inform Christians and Church leaders on the cause and control of global warming
AKSUJA: Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts Arts, 2014
This article examines Paul's view on gender equality in his authentic epistles, giving specific a... more This article examines Paul's view on gender equality in his authentic epistles, giving specific attention to the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14: 33-36 where women are purportedly commanded to be silent in the church. Besides, we examine the implication of this passage on the participation of Christ Apostolic Church women in Port Harcourt in church activities. It is discovered that there is no consensus among scholars on the exact meaning of the passage. However, we agree with the interpretation that in the passage Paul shows his disagreement with the idea that women should be silent in the church. This is confirmed by verse 36 where Paul asks 'Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?' Also, it is discovered that in Christ Apostolic Church Port Harcourt, women participate in church activities but with certain restrictions. The paper ends with recommendations on how to encourage women participation in Christ Apostolic Church generally and Port Harcourt in particular to enable the church to enjoy their full potentials.
Journal of Religion and Culture, 2014
Global warming remains a major problem in the world today. Some attribute it to climate change wh... more Global warming remains a major problem in the world today. Some attribute it to climate change while others interpret it eschatologically. Scholars from various disciplines continue to investigate the cause as well as proffer solutions to global warming. Most works on eco-theology however have not addressed eschatological dimension in attitude toward the control of global warming. This research fills that gap. It contextualizes the study in Port Harcourt area. The research investigates the reality of global warming in Port Harcourt and also examines the causes and effects of the phenomenon in the city. Port Harcourt Christians' attitude to global warming is read in light of Luke 21:5-11. Not a few believe that the text represents the signs of end time. While some perceive global warming as a sign of the end time, the research shows that the event is human made and therefore can be controlled.
Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts, 2024
The covenant of Yahweh with Israel is central in understanding her religion and it dominates the ... more The covenant of Yahweh with Israel is central in understanding her religion and it dominates the entire Old Testament corpus. Indeed, Israel's origin, nationhood, survival, blessings, and victories, all swivel around covenant. Unfortunately, Israel's tendency of recurrent breaching of her covenant with Yahweh despite its values, seems to be a reality among Christians today. As a contribution to scholarly efforts on the relevance of the Old Testament to contemporary Christianity, this paper sets out to examine covenant motif in the book of Prophet Hosea, find out its resonance in the New Testament and explore its relevance for modern Nigerian Christianity. Adopting historical and theological approaches, the writers discovered in Hosea, covenant motif such as election and parental relationship, apostasy and harlotry, lack of knowledge, faithfulness and love, and curses and blessings of the covenant. These also resonate in the New Testament. It is also discovered that Christians in contemporary Nigeria do not take these motifs seriously as they relate with fellow humans and nature. The paper concludes that lack of commitment to covenant motif as exemplified in Hosea is at the root of corruption, violence and insecurity, underdevelopment, ecological crisis and others, being experienced in the world and in modern Africa. It is therefore recommended that Christians should tenaciously adhere to covenantal virtues such as faithfulness, obedience, committed sense of service to God among others, in order to enjoy the blessings of obedience to covenant and for the global society to be a better place to inhabit.
Ifiok: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2024
Concerns about the fate of humans after death have generated a lot of reactions among different p... more Concerns about the fate of humans after death have generated a lot of reactions among different peoples and traditions from time immemorial. While some believe that there is no life after death, some others (as found in most popular religions) hold that the human soul is immortal and that there is life after death. Religions generally provide answers to the question of the fate of humans after death. However, beliefs in life after does not seem to influence the public morality of many Nigerians. It is in this regard that this paper examines the Christian belief and teachings on life after death in relation to the Yoruba belief with its implications for the public morality of Nigerians. As a descriptive study, the aim of this paper is to describe major concepts in life after death among Christians and Yoruba, bring out their similarities and differences and show the implications of the belief for public morality in Nigerian society. Findings revealed that the two belief systems conceptualize death as a reality, and as an event marking the end of an existence as well as the beginning of another existence for humans. On the other hand, while the Yoruba do not believe in a specific day of judgment for all the dead, Christians believe in a final judgment day. It is also discovered that this belief has not positively impacted the public moral life of many Nigerians. The paper concludes that every religion is sui generis and should be treated accordingly. Also, Christians and African traditional practitioners are expected to allow their beliefs in life after death to positively influence their relationships and interactions in public life, in order to make the Nigerian society a peaceful, progressive and better place to inhabit.
The problem of global warming and its implications on the continuous existence of the world are a... more The problem of global warming and its implications on the continuous existence of the world are alarming. Hence, the phenomenon has attracted a lot of responses from different people including scholars, journalists and religious leaders. While researches on possible solutions to the menace of global warming continue, the contribution of this paper is that a combination of traditional African attitude to nature and Christian theology of environment can be used as a model for the control of global warming. Important elements in the two traditions include the idea of relationship between God, human and nature and the eschatological views of the two traditions. The paper concludes that the combination of these views will help to check human attitude to nature and unbridled craze for material wealth which are the major causes of global
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Papers by Dr. Vincent A . Olusakin
cultures) as contacts are made and thereby cause change in the new culture. This accounts for the similarity in cultural traits among many nations. In the face of such similarities, scholars have suggested two possibilities: evolution and cultural diffusions. While it cannot be denied that there could be independent inventions of a particular cultural trait, there are proofs that certain traits that evolve in a particular culture spread to another. An example in focus, is the planting of maize which is said to have started in Mexico, but has spread to other parts of the world. This is what cultural diffusion is all about. It is the spread of cultural traits from one sub-culture (or culture) to another. Cultural diffusion is so real in cultural change that the North American anthropologist, late Ralph, argued that it accounted for as much as 90% of any culture contents (Haviland, 1997:701). This chapter thus attempts to examine the concept of cultural diffusion
cultures) as contacts are made and thereby cause change in the new culture. This accounts for the similarity in cultural traits among many nations. In the face of such similarities, scholars have suggested two possibilities: evolution and cultural diffusions. While it cannot be denied that there could be independent inventions of a particular cultural trait, there are proofs that certain traits that evolve in a particular culture spread to another. An example in focus, is the planting of maize which is said to have started in Mexico, but has spread to other parts of the world. This is what cultural diffusion is all about. It is the spread of cultural traits from one sub-culture (or culture) to another. Cultural diffusion is so real in cultural change that the North American anthropologist, late Ralph, argued that it accounted for as much as 90% of any culture contents (Haviland, 1997:701). This chapter thus attempts to examine the concept of cultural diffusion