Research Articles Base: Religion

RELIGION IN COLONIAL SOCIETY

RELIGION IN COLONIAL SOCIETY

Write a thesis statement for: “Compare the ways in which religion shaped the development of colonial society in the New England, Chesapeak...

A CONTRAST ON ISLAM, JUDAISM AND NATIVE RELIGION INTRODUCTION             Three of the oldest religions are Islam, Judaism and the Native American Religion. These three are not just a religion to most people but their way of living and the essence of their personality.             For many years, these religions have thrived and continue to exist because of faithful followers whose faith is unwavering to their beliefs.             In this study, these religions will be contrasted with each other with each other in terms of creed, culture and community. After this study we would be able to understand how they are different from each other and why.     NATIVE RELIGION During the time of European Contact, all the small indigenous cultures in North America developed a coherent religious system that involved cosmologies – creation myths, transmitted orally from one generation to the next, which purported to explain how those native religious societies had come into being. ( 2008) The most native people worshiped an all-powerful, all-knowing creator which is also called as the “Master Spirit” that is, at the same time, assumed in a variety of forms and genders. These people also venerated a lesser supernatural god who creates disaster, suffering and death. ( 2008) Moreover, these ancient people believe in the immortality of human soul, after death, which has perfection and abundance of all good things. ( 2008) Like most ancient cultures, the Native Americans believe of supernatural entities to control the world. Each tribe has its own set of religious rituals and beliefs, which they are devoted to follow. (2008) Most of them thought that the gods will be pleased by sacrifices and offers of valuable items in exchange for assistance and graces. Successful hunt, victory in war and bounty harvests are their most often prayers in exchange of their offers and sacrifices.  ( 2008) The believers call upon shamans, priests, priestesses, whom they believe can transcend into an entity with supernatural powers. They have uncommon abilities including prediction of dreams, ability to predict the future, control the weather and other supernatural practices. ( 2008) The Native American Religion has the only creed which is accepted by the American Government because it is the only creed that prays for all Americans. The Native American Religion is by nature, nationalistic since it prays for the good of whole America. It aims to unite the people and extend the families and live with love, truth and perseverance.   (  2008) Native religion is the first group of people who had value system. There were four commandments in this religion, which is believed to be the commandment of the Great Spirits. Those are 1. respect mother Earth 2. respect the great spirit 3. respect our fellowman and woman 4. respect for individual freedom.   JUDAISM             According to the Jewish Tradition, the history of Judaism begun with the covenant between God and Abraham, a patriarch and progenitor of Jewish people.  Judaism is also one of the oldest religious traditions. (, 2007)             Judaism didn’t have an official creed since they emphasized on acts rather than of words. However, they have a number of creeds created. All of them talk about one ever-powerful and ever-living God.             Judaism has no symbolic books and no articles of faith. Swearing or worshipping symbols are strictly prohibited by this religion. Prayers should be directed to God alone. There are no other God aside from the creator.         was the first to conceive the idea of merging the religion like all other sciences. The religion became a monotheistic one, with one God as the source of all.             The Jewish Religion has three core foundations. First, they believe in the existence of God. Second, they believe in the existence of revelation from God and lastly, they believe that there are corresponding rewards and punishments in disobedience and obedience of God. Judaism also believes in resurrection of the death, or a life after death.                Religious liberals and historians believe that the ancient Israelites celebrate the three ancient harvest festivals of the       and modified these festivals into Jewish Festivals of             .                or the feast of       is celebrated every 15th of Tishri, which is very similar to Thanksgiving. This was considered as the most important Jewish Festival.      or Festival of weeks recalls God’s revelation of the laws to the people. This is celebrated every 6th of the Sivan. The         is celebrated every 15th day of Nissan. This celebration recalls the exodus or the freedom of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jews normally celebrate this at home with a holiday meal. ( 2008)             Men and women have separate roles in the culture of Judaism. Men were given higher roles because while women is limited. In biblical times, or during the evolution of Judaism, polygamy is allowed. Abraham and Jacob are two good examples. (, 2007) ISLAM                 The Islamic Religion is at the same time, monotheistic. It worships only one God who is known in the name of “Allah.” The messenger of Allah said that being Islam is to testify that there is no God but Allah and Mohammad is the messenger of Allah. ( 2008)             The Islam Religion is one of the fastest growing religion in the world. Islam believes and upholds fairness and justice. Islam believes that “if anyone harms  other people, God will also harm him, and if anyone shows hostility to others, God will show hostility to him.” (  1625) Islam has a holy book which is called Quran that holds their doctrines and beliefs as a religion. According to the Quran those who follow the Jewish scriptures and Christians, and all those who believe in God and the last day and the work of righteousness; shall have their reward from the Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. ( 2 : 62)             Islam was born in Arabia-peninsula, now Saudi Arabia during the seventh century. Islam, likewise has a separate treatment for women. Women in Islamic Religion are given roles and rights but are limited and not equal to men. Islam culture is also polygamous. Men are allowed to have a number of wives as long as he is capable of sustaining their needs and their family’s needs. (, 2008) DISCUSSION             The three religions were all ancient in nature. The only difference is that Native American Religion is polytheist, which involves many Gods while Islam and Judaism are monotheists. They only knew one God. Apart from that, Islam and Judaism were founded by a specific person. Moses for Judaism and Mohammed for Islam. However, native religion doesn’t have any specific founder nor a messenger to credit the spread of religion to. Native religion started with group of people who sought for assistance in their daily challenges.             Aside from the fact that Islam and Judaism were both founded by specific individual, they are also by nature polygamous, and paternal. Since Islam is in many ways similar to Judaism, let’s look at the core difference of the two. The real difference between the two religions is belief. Judaism is based on a historical event that is considered divine. That is the revelation of Torrah, or the commandments of God to Moses. However, Islam is based on a prophetic claim of a single individual who was Mohammed. ( 2008)             Moreover, almost the whole concept of Judaism was derived from history. The most important feasts and holidays that Judaism celebrates constitute of a particular event in the past such as the liberation of slavery from Egypt. Islam, as mentioned, is prophetic in nature, which convinced many followers.             The origin of Native religion is, on the other hand, neither prophetic nor historical. It is solely cultural since a group of people agreed to have one belief and make it a religion.                        Native religion is also the only one among the three that mentioned and gave weight to nature. Islam and Judaism focus more on the deeds or actions of an individual. REFERENCES: Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

ESSAY- RELIGION

A CONTRAST ON ISLAM, JUDAISM AND NATIVE RELIGION INTRODUCTION Three of the oldest religions are Islam, Judaism and the Nati...

BRIEFING PAPER ON ECUADOR

- Religion Ecuador’s religion comprises around 94% of Ecuadorians as Roman Catholics since they have been colonized by Spain for quite a time.  As Catholics, Ecuadorians practices attending the mass regularly and strongly devotes their faith to Catholicism.  However, in every other Latin American nation, Protestant Evangelicalism has had massive growth and other religious group like the Jehovah’s Witness and Mormons has also seen increasing numbers.  Despite of the decrease in numbers, Ecuadorian people as being traditional, practices being a Catholic will proved to be resistant into shifting to another religion.  In lieu to establishing of religion, it has been embodied by Ecuador’s constitution that guarantees the freedom of religion.  In 1979, in title two article 19 of the constitution states, the following provisions relating to freedom of religion; section 5, all forms of discrimination for reasons of religion are forbidden; section 6, freedom of conscience and religion, individually and collectively, in public and in private.  Persons can freely practice the faith that they prefer, except for the limitations prescribed by law to protect the security, public morality and fundamental rights of the persons. And section 15, the right to privacy concerning political and religious convictions.  No one may be required to manifest his convictions except in cases prescribed.       - Ethnicity/Ethnic Groups   The population of Ecuador is ethically diverse.  Of the estimated 11 million people population of Ecuador, 65% constitutes the majority ethnic group being the mestizos.  Next majority ethnic group consists of the Amerindians ethnic group that accounts the one-fourth of the total population of Ecuador.  The mainly criollos on one hand, accounted for 7% of the major ethnic group.  The small minority of Afro-Ecuadorian like Mulattos and zambos constitutes the remainder fraction of the total population.  Interestingly, in the Amazonian jungle, 3% of the population is of Amazonian Native Americans group.    - Relationships   In terms of relationship with foreign relations of Ecuador, Ecuador emphasized on multilateral approaches in international dealings.  Ecuador including most of its specialized agencies is a member of the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) and is also an affiliate member on many regional groups in the Latin America region, namely, the Rio Group, the Latin American Economic System, the Latin American Energy Organization, the Latin American Integration Association and the Andean Pact.  All of which tells us that when in comes to foreign relationships; Ecuador has been supported by many organizations and thus, will imply that Ecuador has developed and maintained special ties with the said organizations. In a dispute against Peru, Ecuador for 50 years sustained the 1942 Rio Protocol of Peace, Friendship and Boundaries in spite of which there were several issues unresolved.  Ecuador’s commitment of not engaging into aggressive means of compromise and settlement seem to have centrally flourished to its maximum.  Although, there were at times when hostility had erupted because of the unresolved feud between the two countries but nevertheless, the demarcation issue has been settled in the year 1999 when both Peru and Ecuador had set borders in their respective jurisdictions. However, the relationships in terms of the people, Ecuadorians are being characterized as having close ties that is brought about by the influence the Spaniards have cultivated to the Ecuadorians.  Traditionally, they provide emphasis in the giving of respect to the males, as being the dominant gender in Ecuador.  Further, the relationship is not good for Ecuadorian in spite of having close ties, because Ecuadorian people are being divided into classes.  The higher class gets to have close ties with an Ecuadorian with a high status also but they do not engage in having close ties with the people of the lower class. -          Class Structure In the late 1980’s, the elites of Ecuador includes the Sierra latifundistas (landowners), the Costa agro-exporters, financiers and the industrialists.  The cohesion among the elites continues to strengthen such that there are intragroup ties among the elites such as kinship and marriage between rich families.  The hacienderos as being the elites controls much of the land and are therefore, more likely to get richer.  Ecuador’s large cities and towns comprise the much diverse middle class that in grew in numbers during the 20th century.  Among the middle class are the businessmen, professionals, clerical employees, mid-level bureaucrats and managers, the army officers and teachers.  The lower level of middle class is made up of the upper echelons which are identified and emulated the elite.  Lastly, the peasants that comprises the majority of Ecuadorian populace which came from the rural social life, and are subjects to the control of hacienderos as they are being denied access to lands, if ever they have access to lands, the peasants are still subject with limited options.    - Sources of National Pride In every country in spite of the many dilemmas and the “bad image” one elicits in the world, there exists the sense of national pride of being a citizen of a particular country.  The sense of pride Ecuador can show to the world is their economy.  Ecuadorian economy as being based on petroleum, money transfers and in the exporting of world class products of bananas, shrimps and other primarily agricultural products takes price as being the world’s largest exporter of bananas and shrimps.  In 2002, almost half of its export earnings came from the exportation of oil that accounted for about one-third of public sector revenue.  The completion of the second Transandeal Oil Pipeline enables the expansion of Ecuador’s exports on oil such that it will double the oil transport capacity of Ecuador.  Simply stated, it is the beauty of the natural resources of Ecuador the Ecuadorians takes pride on which comprises 40% of Ecuador.  There are also interesting people who place Equador in the map in the fields of painting and sculpture, poetry, sports and in the entertainment industry.  To name a few famous people that is known not only in Ecuador but also in the world are ,  ,     and so on.   - Ratings on ‘s dimensions   The  analysis for Ecuador shares similarities to other Latin American countries.  The rating of Power Distance Index (PDI) of Ecuador is 78 that are indicative of the high level of inequalities between the power and wealth among the people allowing the gap between the rich and the poor to further widen.  In terms of individualism, Ecuador has low rating on individualism (only 8) that typifies the emphasis placed on close ties Ecuadorian people engages into.  The Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), constitute 67 rating from the Hofstede’s ratings that tells us that Ecuador as a country have low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity as shown that Ecuadorians have high concern for rules, regulations and controls and is resistant to change and the risk of adverse negative output.  And the rating for masculinity is high for masculinity since Ecuador’s population is mostly men.  Gender differentiation of roles is considerable of high degree and same as gender stereotyping.      REFERENCES:   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

BRIEFING PAPER ON ECUADOR

- Religion Ecuador’s religion comprises around 94% of Ecuadorians as Roman Catholics since they have been colonized by Spain for quite a...

MODERN EUROPEAN INTEGRATION IS INSEPARABLE FROM CHRISTIANITY

The concept of modern European integration is inseparable from Christianity.     European integration is defined the process of political and economic (and in some cases social and cultural) integration of European (and some peripheral) states into a tighter bloc. The main and most powerful body of European integration is the European Union, though other institutions like the Council of Europe also integrate their member states. The regions of Europe are integrated into larger Euroregions (). Christianity is defined as a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as recounted in the New Testament. Christians believe Jesus to be the Messiah, and thus refer to him as Jesus Christ (). The concept of European integration as inseparable from Christianity would have a positive impact on the social and even in the economic sector of the Union.             Where does Europe stands now? What holds its many people together? Where lies their destiny?             The process of European integration has transformed the constitutional framework of Europe. And it would a lot of changes to the constitution and lots of issues to decide before a constitution can be submitted.  The European Union’s first constitution was signed by EU leaders Oct. 29, 2004, in Rome. It takes effect in 2007, but must first be ratified by the EU national parliaments and the European Parliament. Ten nations will stage referendums ( 2005).               In connection with this, an issue pressing on the role of Christianity to be recognized and be part of the constitution had arisen. The role of religious institution has been omitted from the constitution for the reasons that the leaders of the European Union believe that these would cause trouble to the integration of the European countries. But a committee headed by former French President  has been preparing a new European Union (EU) constitution designed to integrate the continent’s social and political institutions. The committee’s attempts to preface its legal prose with a fitting introduction have triggered an unprecedented controversy over the spiritual sources and identity of Europe. What sparked this dispute was the absence of any mention of the historic role Christianity played in educating and spiritually unifying the array of tribes and nations ( 2004).   The proposed preamble to the constitution has neglected religion.  But Pope John Paul II reminded the committee that Christianity has left its mark on the rich life and culture of Europe for almost two millennia and that Christian roots of Europe are the main guarantee of its future. Christianity also added a spiritual dimension to the young culture and fundamentally transformed its moral values.   Europe was optimistically described as a kind of great republic, embracing several states but in all relationship with one another, all having one and the same religious basis, the same principles of public law, and the same political ideas.  Edmund Burke also referred the continent as “virtually one great state, having the same basis of general law and the same Christian religion” ( 2004). But unfortunately, this description does not correspond to the existing reality and already not seen in Europe today.   In the early modern age, tradition underwent modification when the beginning of rationalism became an ideology. Europe experienced its darkest period in its history. , a Jewish thinker exclaimed that the root of European crisis is in a mistaken rationalism. He also added that rationality is an evil or that in the totality of human existence it is of minor importance. Moreover, he qualified that the original concept of reason sets Europe upon its spiritual destiny and it controlled its intellectual development and directing it toward an ideal image of life and being ( 2004).   The foundation of European integration should be inseparable from Christianity.  Yet unity had been shattered by the division among Christians, European unity is still essentially spiritual. This proposed to unify Europe on the basis of the idea of common humanity. In doing so, they disregarded existing traditions, customary rights, and diverse cultural identities.  As history describes it, Europe was primarily consisted of people who are concerned with the inner life and who care for their soul more than any other. And that continuous spiritual thread links the successive sources of Europe’s unity.   Europe’s political and economic unification or integration must be accompanied by a strong awareness of spiritual identity. With Christianity still in the hearts of people, there would be peace and unity. Believing and fearing God makes every person to act and follow the footsteps of Christ. Without Christ in the hearts of human kind, the world would shatter and there would be menace and chaos everywhere.   For instance, in the country of Wales, a remarkable religious revival happened which was led by the charismatic preacher . From around the world Wales was known as the holiest place on earth but that was 100 years ago. In Wales, there were no crimes and policemen became the members of the church choir instead. Beer houses were closed and were converted to churches. This is an example of a nation that has God in their hearts.    European integration should not marginalize Christianity for it had contributed and continue to contribute the culture of humanism in Europe. History of the Old World was marked by natural values that were defended by Christianity. Moreover, without Christian religion, Europe would not have arrived at this level of civilization.  The foundation of the new Europe needs a more inclusive base.  Europe’s spiritual identity should be preserved and it must firmly attached to the principal values of tradition   European integration should recognize Christianity because it has contributed enormous on human values such as the dignity of the human person and solidarity.   Christian teaching, with its emphasis on the calling of sinners to repentance, provided a means by which convicts might be controlled and perhaps reformed. It gave a moral underpinning to the penal system and exposed the recalcitrant to the threat of eternal damnation.   It should be recommended that the EU constitution should contain an invocation of God. This would offer a unique opportunity to enhance peace and prosperity in Europe and also promoting development, justice, freedom elsewhere in the world.   European countries are in crossroads. The fundamentals and the defining role of Christianity should be reflected and should be given importance. Recognition of the spiritual nature of human person and the moral character of social and economic development must be prerequisite for the transformation of the society into true civilization. As quoted by Pope John Paul, “If Europe wants to be a harmonious association of human beings and peoples that live with deep respect and mutual benevolence, Christ must inspire this continent” (, 2004).   Recognition of the continents heritage would not diminish the secular nature of the EU. Rather it would help guard the continent against double risk of ideological secularism.   From his book, “The Republic and Religion: Hope,”  quoted , “That the religious phenomenon is more important than people think, that it can contribute to peace, to balance, to integration,  and to unity” ( 2005).   The roots of the problem of fragmentation and the fading solidarity can be traced to a worldview without God or Christ. It should be understood by the committee of the European constitution makers that spiritual aspect plays a very important role in the lives of the mankind.               Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

MODERN EUROPEAN INTEGRATION IS INSEPARABLE FROM CHRISTIANITY

The concept of modern European integration is inseparable from Christianity. European integration is defined the process of ...

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP COUNSELING

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP COUNSELING         Christian Discipleship Counseling is a Christian Virtue and Activities to follow the teachings of the Bible as they believed as written in (Mathew 28:18-20) “go and make disciples of all nations”. The Disciples of Christ gives spiritual counseling and advice to uplift the lives of people and to help them grow spiritually using biblical principles and stories. They intend to give biblical advice as the supreme nature of eternal gift and as a guide to salvation and they entirely devoted themselves to follow the rules of God and the bible is the only book that they believe in that is written for salvation.       They believe that they need to lead others to Christianity so that they themselves may found the needs to lead others on their own and this is the very first foundation of discipleship counseling. The Disciples themselves have experienced the freedom in Christ by applying and relating their life to the teachings of the bible, they believed that they are renewed and they can also create changes to other person through counseling, they may be willing to travel and help people with or without salary. These are the works of Christ descendants like Pastors, Evangelist, and Minister etc.       They believed that they are used by God spiritually and morally so they found the courage to use their experience to come to know God better and that they want to share their experience because of their love in Christ so they seek people to share God’s words counseling people especially the spiritually weak people, those who suffered bitterness, defeated and discouraged. They also seek people who suffered from frustration to strengthen their faith. Disciples prepare themselves to give advice to people all about the words of God and they defend their faith in Christ no matter what happened. They may say that they shielded themselves in faith not to use their knowledge to delude and take advantage to people who trusted them.       They have also set their principles to focus all their works as a good human being as a model of the society to prove their God is manifesting on their life. They may speak and act as if they are full of love and caring to people as intended and command by God to love one another. They can also teach the deeper meaning of faith through encouragement, live in faith, grow and have a personal relationship with the spirit and be humble in his presence. The Disciples uses the words of God to touch people through prayers and heal them so that they themselves will also be like in a Christ character by surrendering themselves to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.       Christian Discipleship Counseling can also be a mastered profession to show their love in Christ and as an answer to the calling of the Lord as written in (Galatians 6:1-10) that God calls us to motivate and teach others and this is their most important calling beside their family and their real profession. Discipleship has become their purpose to give back to Christ the life that they have given, and to take God for everything, they may sometimes build a church, gather a crowd and use all the media and all this stuff to make disciples and preach the words of God. They believe that counseling and preaching leads to serving God as written in (Ephesians 2:10).       Christian Discipleship Counseling is an active participation to lives of every people of the world, because they believe that Christianity is not just listening to the minister or a priest and sitting on the pew during mass. They themselves must be involve in spreading the words of God to whatever extent they can help, they are also committed to build a lasting relationship even to those people who do not believe in God but through friendship and role modeling so that people can see the difference in their maturity to accept life with Christ.       Christian Discipleship Counseling also mean serving the community by putting themselves into real and practical ordinary individual who can lend their hand to people who are in need. Like an ordinary Social Workers who gives education to people who have suffered poverty, they can also teach basic livelihood program for their physical needs. They believe that they can serve God if they serve their people and this creates a meaningful and healthy community that Pastors, Christian Workers and other Disciples who conduct more than counseling but training are loved by people.            Being a Disciples and Counselors they exercise honesty, morality, faith, trustworthy leadership to give hope to people. They are ready to listen to people in fact they love them and care for them as written in James 1: 2-4 A disciple is willing to endure hardships and consider them as a growth opportunities. They may have completely surrendered themselves to follow the direction of Christ for a lifetime. As written in Mark 8:34-38 to follow Christ wherever he leads us! If you have ever encountered those people who are the Disciples of Christ through Counseling try to listen and observe for yourself if they have really follow the virtue of Christ.                                Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP COUNSELING

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP COUNSELING Christian Discipleship Counseling is a Christian Virtue and Activities to follow the teachings...

The Concept of European integration

The concept of modern European integration is inseparable from Christianity.   European integration is defined the process of political and economic (and in some cases social and cultural) integration of European (and some peripheral) states into a tighter bloc. The main and most powerful body of European integration is the European Union, though other institutions like the Council of Europe also integrate their member states. The regions of Europe are integrated into larger Euroregions.. Christianity is defined as a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as recounted in the New Testament. Christians believe Jesus to be the Messiah, and thus refer to him as Jesus Christ. The concept of European integration as inseparable from Christianity would have a positive impact on the social and even in the economic sector of the Union.             Where does Europe stands now? What holds its many people together? Where lies their destiny?             The process of European integration has transformed the constitutional framework of Europe. And it would a lot of changes to the constitution and lots of issues to decide before a constitution can be submitted.  The European Union’s first constitution was signed by EU leaders Oct. 29, 2004, in Rome. It takes effect in 2007, but must first be ratified by the EU national parliaments and the European Parliament. Ten nations will stage referendums (AP Worldstream, 2005).               In connection with this, an issue pressing on the role of Christianity to be recognized and be part of the constitution had arisen. The role of religious institution has been omitted from the constitution for the reasons that the leaders of the European Union believe that these would cause trouble to the integration of the European countries. But a committee headed by former French President Valery Giscard d’Estaing has been preparing a new European Union (EU) constitution designed to integrate the continent’s social and political institutions. The committee’s attempts to preface its legal prose with a fitting introduction have triggered an unprecedented controversy over the spiritual sources and identity of Europe. What sparked this dispute was the absence of any mention of the historic role Christianity played in educating and spiritually unifying the array of tribes and nations.  The proposed preamble to the constitution has neglected religion.  But Pope John Paul II reminded the committee that Christianity has left its mark on the rich life and culture of Europe for almost two millennia and that Christian roots of Europe are the main guarantee of its future. Christianity also added a spiritual dimension to the young culture and fundamentally transformed its moral values.   Europe was optimistically described as a kind of great republic, embracing several states but in all relationship with one another, all having one and the same religious basis, the same principles of public law, and the same political ideas.  Edmund Burke also referred the continent as “virtually one great state, having the same basis of general law and the same Christian religion” (Dupre, 2004). But unfortunately, this description does not correspond to the existing reality and already not seen in Europe today.   In the early modern age, tradition underwent modification when the beginning of rationalism became an ideology. Europe experienced its darkest period in its history. Edmund Husserl, a Jewish thinker exclaimed that the root of European crisis is in a mistaken rationalism. He also added that rationality is an evil or that in the totality of human existence it is of minor importance. Moreover, he qualified that the original concept of reason sets Europe upon its spiritual destiny and it controlled its intellectual development and directing it toward an ideal image of life and being (Dupre, 2004).   The foundation of European integration should be inseparable from Christianity.  Yet unity had been shattered by the division among Christians, European unity is still essentially spiritual. This proposed to unify Europe on the basis of the idea of common humanity. In doing so, they disregarded existing traditions, customary rights, and diverse cultural identities.  As history describes it, Europe was primarily consisted of people who are concerned with the inner life and who care for their soul more than any other. And that continuous spiritual thread links the successive sources of Europe’s unity.   Europe’s political and economic unification or integration must be accompanied by a strong awareness of spiritual identity. With Christianity still in the hearts of people, there would be peace and unity. Believing and fearing God makes every person to act and follow the footsteps of Christ. Without Christ in the hearts of human kind, the world would shatter and there would be menace and chaos everywhere.   For instance, in the country of Wales, a remarkable religious revival happened which was led by the charismatic preacher Evan Roberts. From around the world Wales was known as the holiest place on earth but that was 100 years ago. In Wales, there were no crimes and policemen became the members of the church choir instead. Beer houses were closed and were converted to churches. This is an example of a nation that has God in their hearts.    European integration should not marginalize Christianity for it had contributed and continue to contribute the culture of humanism in Europe. History of the Old World was marked by natural values that were defended by Christianity. Moreover, without Christian religion, Europe would not have arrived at this level of civilization.  The foundation of the new Europe needs a more inclusive base.  Europe’s spiritual identity should be preserved and it must firmly attached to the principal values of tradition   European integration should recognize Christianity because it has contributed enormous on human values such as the dignity of the human person and solidarity.   Christian teaching, with its emphasis on the calling of sinners to repentance, provided a means by which convicts might be controlled and perhaps reformed. It gave a moral underpinning to the penal system and exposed the recalcitrant to the threat of eternal damnation.   It should be recommended that the EU constitution should contain an invocation of God. This would offer a unique opportunity to enhance peace and prosperity in Europe and also promoting development, justice, freedom elsewhere in the world.   European countries are in crossroads. The fundamentals and the defining role of Christianity should be reflected and should be given importance. Recognition of the spiritual nature of human person and the moral character of social and economic development must be prerequisite for the transformation of the society into true civilization. As quoted by Pope John Paul, “If Europe wants to be a harmonious association of human beings and peoples that live with deep respect and mutual benevolence, Christ must inspire this continent”.   Recognition of the continents heritage would not diminish the secular nature of the EU. Rather it would help guard the continent against double risk of ideological secularism.   From his book, “The Republic and Religion: Hope,”  Sarkozy quoted , “That the religious phenomenon is more important than people think, that it can contribute to peace, to balance, to integration,  and to unity” (Ford, 2005).   The roots of the problem of fragmentation and the fading solidarity can be traced to a worldview without God or Christ. It should be understood by the committee of the European constitution makers that spiritual aspect plays a very important role in the lives of the mankind.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

The Concept of European integration

The concept of modern European integration is inseparable from Christianity. European integration is defined the process of political...

AN ANALYSIS ON JOHN HICKS PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

AN ANALYSIS ON JOHN HICKS PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION         John Hicks is a British Philosopher of religion he became famous because of this theory of religious pluralism, this theory is probably one of the most influential theory of religion of all time whether we knew it consciously or subconsciously. This theory highly recognize and respect the practice of religious individual although they are different in belief, John Hicks allow people to demonstrate their faith share it to other or even believe in them without prejudice or feeling of guilt and betrayal against  your own faith.       He demonstrated a mature acceptance that people can live harmoniously even if they are different and that people may exercise their freedom to choose what they want to believe. His Philosophy proves that a person or individual can accept other religions without conflicts. He has created no barrier or wall to divide religion that such religion is the only one that is right and people can only be saved if they will join their religion but John Hicks has crossed boundaries to show that religious differences can be overcome. John Hicks does not intend people to believe in God without conviction but what he wants to exercise is that people have the rights to be right without telling people that they are wrong.       One of his another critical theory is the Iranian “Soul Making” theodicy Where John believes that there are literal and non literal meaning in the interpretation of history as written in the bible for example is in the life of Adam and Eve who live with God. According to Hicks that they may not be able to turn away to God because they are perfect creatures and living with god alone is restricted and impossible to fall or create a rebellious thinking but god allows us the free will and the devil may exist but not literal since it is our decision that makes us choose and not the devil.       He believes that sufferings is a part of Gods plan in order to mold us to be in his likeness and this has been the reason why he send Adam and Eve to the wild.  Another theory of John is the Christology that Jesus Christ do not represent himself as God but he represent himself as the child of God who has the authority to forgive and heal but not necessarily being God. Hicks does not believe in the “Death and after life of Christ” but he believe in replica theory that a person may look the same although they are not the same person.       In my personal analysis and stand about John Hicks theory of Religious Pluralism it can do well to openness and unity and this will bind people no matter what they believe in. Respecting the faith of others and listening to their opinion and giving them the rights to choose freely is another universal belief that should be practice around the world. This will create a peaceful world ahead of us believing that we can respect each other beyond culture. I believe in the same theory and it should be practiced and implemented. As it is written in the bible “I in them and you in me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23).         The manifestation and division of people created a world of mirage that brought in the threat of war, and this is largely evident in the recent September 11bombing of World Trade Center because of battle in philosophy and religion and this is manifested around the world that we can see signs of civil war that is always on the news almost every day. John may have given his opinion because he desire cooperation among people like most of us have long dreamed of. It is evident that John Hicks wants to bridge the gap between people to prevent all these negative things.           But some of his belief like the Death and Afterlife of Christ and the Iranian “Soul Making” theodicy theory comes from his own findings and not purely biblical although he has the rights to believe and he may be right but it is clear in the bible that the story about Adam and Eve really suffered the consequence of their own disobedience that brought them to suffer such consequence given by God and it is not that God himself has brought them to suffer.        The story in Genesis really prove that they have sinned and violated the word of God that is why they where cursed. “Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; and you shall it the plants of the field” (Genesis 3:19). In his theory of replica is again not true, that Jesus Christ really rose from the dead to prove his worth and power as written in the bible, “For as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rose again from the dead” (John 20:9). We can exercise our own rights to what we believe in like the theory of pluralism but if we are Christians the most reliable truth is the word of God the bible itself and not the theory of men.          Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

AN ANALYSIS ON JOHN HICKS PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

AN ANALYSIS ON JOHN HICKS PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION John Hicks is a British Philosopher of religion he became famous because of this...

Mysticism

The human race is developing into a universal society, and this evolution embraces the mystical dimension of life. The religions thus have a central role in this process. (Hammond, Howarth and Russell, 1991) There are three progresses connecting the religions are acquiring explicit form: the discovery and expansion of deep bonds of community among the religions themselves, the phenomenon of interspiritual wisdom, and the sober recognition that the environmental crisis is a concern and a responsibility that we all share. (de Caussade, 1975) Although mysticism comprises a huge bulk of the activities of man, it is, instead, a loosely organized collection of premises, held to be self-evident. The evidence comes from experience; which is to say, the foundation of all categorical concepts is believed to be simple, unsophisticated experience (Suzuki, 1964, p. 33). It is for this reason that mysticism is always characterized, in its most basic form, by reference to direct experience. Mysticism, in this sense, shares a commonality with phenomenology and existentialism. The existential focus on existence rather than essence reflects this same understanding of evidence (Hammond, Howarth, & Keat, 1991; Merleau-Ponty, 1967). In terms of the discussion on the nature or origin of all mysticism, it can be said to be a direct, immediate, experiential awareness of reality, nevertheless that is known and conceived. (Jones et al, 1986) This description is moderately general, thus it should be relevant in characterizing every form of mysticism, regardless of the tradition. Mysticism spawns religion, since all religion bounce from some kind of encounter with or inner consciousness of what they perceive as absolute. It is an empirical responsiveness of this reality, knowing that takes place from undergoing it completely and instantaneously. Majority of all forms of mysticism are personal or impersonal; or relational, intimate, and loving; or nonrelational, purely unitive, nonemotional, and nonaffective. To illustrate, the virtues of Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta in the Hindu custom are formal mysticism since there is no “entity” to which the mystic could be dispassionately associated. There is only an unconditional bias or unadulterated subjectivity. It is an uncongenial “affiliation” or a non-relational kind of mystical union. Christian, Sufi, Jewish, specified Hindu schools, and aboriginal variety of mysticism are considered as personalist for the reason that they give emphasis to the reality of a deity and an familiarity of correlation with God. Although some forms may have both the personal and impersonal characteristics, these are very atypical and make up a more unmitigated category that possesses greater understanding. (Gyatso, 1990) Forms of mysticism could also either be transcendent and immanent, apophatic and kataphatic. A nonrelational mysticism such as the Buddhist form is essentially transcendent, while the personalist mysticism of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism is both immanent, as of God’s proximity to the humankind, and transcendent, that is, further than man and outside his comprehension. (Jones et al, 1986) Simultaneously, the understanding of reality is overwhelmingly apophatic meaning that the experienced in an inexpressible method that exceed the competence of logic, understanding, recollection, thoughts, and the senses. Apophatic mysticism is the consequence of the concept of a divine’s transcendence to mankind. To be apophatic denotes to be enigmatic or to be incomprehensible in the current conditions of comprehension. Moreover, it suggests instinctive or circumlocutory ways of understanding that appear to be fundamentally dissimilar from what one have been familiarized to call knowledge. Ultimately regardless of place whether East or West, North or South, the presence of apophatic theology is always focused on the absolute as judiciously arcane, while kataphatic theology take for granted a specific level of balanced knowledge derivative from the absolute’s discernible by itself in the restricted universe. (Griffiths, 1982) In addition, every established or wholly complete form of mysticism has several elements in common with every other type despite the fat that is in changeable levels of prominence for specific religions. These elements include the aptitude to exist morally, innate peacefulness, harmony with the whole existence and the world itself, a spiritual habit and a responsible self-knowledge, plainness of life, altruistic assistance, and visionary action. (Hammond, Howarth and Russell, 1991) The initial three are introductory temperament, persuasive feelings, and continuing steadfastness; the fourth is the channel of spiritual living, while the only remaining three are the end result. The ability to live in the bounds of morals is the source of the solid foundation for mysticism when it is realized through the practice in one’s everyday life. When one lives morally in concrete situations, then the moral capacity is actualized. Each religion and spirituality emphasizes this insight. It could be see in the Ten Commandments and in Jesus’ two great commandments or conditions for salvation, “to love God” and one’s “neighbor.” Similarly, it is present in the yogic tradition of Hinduism in the notion of yama (restraint) and niyama (discipline) and in the Eight-Fold Path of the Buddha. The global ethic draws on this foundational role of the moral part of human being and appeals to it. Spiritual life is not possible without moral character, though it is only deemed as the beginning. Examples of this moral capacity at work in Christ, the prophets, the saints of all traditions, the Buddha, Mahavira, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and the Dalai Lama. (Gyatso, 1990) Moreover, indisputable spirituality and mysticism have need of a allegiance to deep-rooted nonviolence. This type of nonviolence is comparable to the ahimsa of the Indian tradition as it is brought into being in its Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu categories. (Jones et al, 1986) This variety of non-harming stretch to all sentient beings and to the planet itself; it is not simply a focus on the human species. Deep nonviolence is clearly necessary to the successful growth and development of spirituality and to the emerging global society, because it adjusts our outer actions and inner attitudes to the consistency of compassion and the demands of love. Another building block of every act of mysticism involves the way of spiritual customs. It is impossible for a system of spirituality to become crucially authentic and efficient without some type of religious restraint that is the process of intimate development in the disposition, temperament, behavior, and devotion of the existence of meaning, profundity, and human sensibleness that is foretasted in the finest of religious experience. (Von Hugel, 1999) Moreover, mystic practices particularly meditative forms of entreaty, reflection, consecrated recitation, or what is called lectio divina in the Christian tradition, which accurately stand for “divine reading,” a soothing, conscious attendance at liturgy and ceremony, an effective partaking in them, music, chanting, yoga, even walking – are all transformative. Moreover, the subsistence of spiritual masters in each tradition demonstrate the recurrent, collective soundness and efficacy of spiritual practice as an assistance to authentic self-understanding and uncompromising inner transformation.  All mystic practice is about this internal progress that arrive at the culmination in altruistic affection and empathy. Such mystical practices as chanting the names of God, the numerous types of meditation are all confirmation of overwhelmingly positive consequences that cannot be overlooked. (Jones et al, 1986) Similarly, mystical practice, which comprises and necessitates self-knowledge, display an altered essence, or nature in the latter three aspects of spirituality within the bounds of simplicity of life, selfless service and prophetic action. (Von Hugel, 1999) These are among the consequences based on action as reflected in every form of mysticism. These stand for the inner assets needed for shifting the course of the humanity such that it could assume its universal responsibility, as the Dalai Lama puts it, for the Earth. (Gyatso, 1990) Among these inner resources that improves this common responsibility and could affect a critical modification in humankind’s rapport to the milieu and other such issues, is simplicity of life. Mysticism has constantly advocated this value and practice in every form it has understood, more than ever in its austere expressions and other forms of religious life. There is only the dimension of spirituality itself as part of human experience, and its requirements are universal.  (Von Hugel, 1999) Simplicity has largely disappeared in the Roman Catholic Church and in most other Christian communions. Priests have become very attached to their material comforts with no spirit of sacrifice in how they use resources. Most religious communities have lost any real sense of poverty. (Watts, 1983) Simplicity of heart and life requires an appreciation of insecurity, vulnerability, marginality, and detachment, which a certain experience of material poverty facilitates. Similarly, true mysticism is always open to service; it never evades it, especially as need arises, but the spiritual life summons us to a selfless kind of service, a form of action that, as the Bhagavad Gita so powerfully emphasizes, does not seek a result: that is, it is not attached to the possible fruits of any action, so it is not performed with any result or purpose in mind other than to respond to the perceived need. (Gyatso, 1990) Mystical views are not as incompatible as they might first appear however. In fact, many of the issues with which mystics have struggled have begun to present themselves.  It seems likely that behavior analysts may at some point find themselves addressing some of these same issues and, in being forewarned, may be better prepared to do so. Moreover, the philosophical category of mysticism encompasses many different traditions. What distinguishes these traditions is not the end to which they are aimed: All mysticisms are inevitably drawn to the same end. Neither do they differ in their fundamental premises, however implicitly these may be contacted. Instead, they differ in the extent to which those premises sustain a consistency throughout; and this in turn reflects their positions along the path to the end. Furthermore, providing an understanding of mysticism, therefore, entails more than merely characterizing the end to which it is aimed, or to that which is referred to as “mystical experience.” Required, as well, is an understanding of the path by which it may be approached. It is difficult to make sense of a path when its destination is unclear, however.   Reference: de Caussade, Jean-Pierre (1975) Abandonment to Divine Providence. Image-Doubleday, Garden City, NY. Griffiths, B. (1982) The Marriage of East and West. Templegate Publishers, Springfield, IL. Gyatso, T. (1990) the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, The Global Community and the Need for Universal Responsibility. Wisdom Publications, Boston, MA. Hammond, M., Howarth, J. & Russell, K. (1991). Understanding phenomenology. Oxford, UK & Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Publishers. Jones, C. Wainwright, G. and Yarnold, E. eds. (1986), The Study of Spirituality. Oxford University Press. New York Merleau-Ponty, M. (1981). Phenomenology of perception (C. Smith, Trans.). London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. (Original work published in 1962) Suzuki, D. T. (1964). An introduction to Zen Buddhism. New York: Grove Weindenfeld. Von Hugel, F. (1999) The Mystical Element of Religion: As Studied by Catherine of Genoa and Her Friends, ed. Michael Downey. Crossroad, New York. Watts, A. (1983). The way of liberation. New York & Tokyo: Weatherhill. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Mysticism

The human race is developing into a universal society, and this evolution embraces the mystical dimension of life. The religions thus have...

PROPHECY, CURSE, OR FACT: FOR THE POOR ALWAYS YOU HAVE WITH YOU A DISSERTATION ABSTRACT PAPER

ABSTRACT The study intends to examine the verses on the bible, specifically John 12:1-11 and Luke 7: 36-39, providing the liberal notion of Jesus towards the poor whether it could be considered as a form of prophecy, curse, or a fact of life. Likewise, The purpose of this research is to define the concepts of prophecy and curse to determine the relationship between Jesus’ statements in the gospels of Luke and John about the poor as well as the predominant fact that poverty is still in the midst of society.  The research also aims to trace the significance of the prophecy in relation to the existence of the poor. In order to accomplish these objectives, the researcher shall gather all the necessary data the prophecy-related studies and articles. Based on this information, the researcher shall analyze the significance of the prophecy in relation to the existence of poverty in society.  The study will draw its conclusions from the justification and connections established linking poverty, agricultural problem, technical problem, and attitude problem of people toward the poor.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

PROPHECY, CURSE, OR FACT: FOR THE POOR ALWAYS YOU HAVE WITH YOU A DISSERTATION ABSTRACT PAPER

ABSTRACT The study intends to examine the verses on the bible, specifically John 12:1-11 and Luke 7: 36-39, providing the li...

Religion Essay

Religion   In today’s busy world, religion plays as a drawback for people who are always on the go. It offers them sanctuary in times when they feel that things are getting out of hand. Unlike in the past eras, where religion can dictate and lead its followers to war, religion today is more peaceful. Primarily, because the laws of religion are separate from the laws of men. And because the laws of religion are not strictly followed by patrons anymore. Religion today may not be that big of a deal, but still for some people, religion plays a crucial role in their lives. As it offers them peace, it also offers them a way to accept certain reality that occurs in everyone. For example, it offers them ways of releasing a person who has passed away. Religion, especially its leaders can give advice to people who have troubled minds. What this paragraph states may seem contradictory to the first, but it is still covered in the statement that religion is a drawback, a sanctuary for people. Maybe it is just that people today are not contented with the religion that they are born into, that is why they do not take it seriously anymore. But a lot of people who were not able to find answers in their religion found an easy way, and that is to change religion. Nowadays, there are a lot of religions or sects or cults that sprung from old religions, especially in Christianism. Since, there are a lot of different interpretations of the Bible, people came to have different opinions, which brought about the different sects. Now, each sect is trying to gather people to join them. Religion as a whole may seem obsolete in our world today, but people always needs something to hold onto, to make them sane in a world full of deception and somewhere to go to release tension and stress. Not just in a spa, or club. It may not seem true but religion can have a calming effect for those whose troubles found roots in spiritual emptiness and can not be solved by earthly recourse. Religion is a belief wherein followers find solace for their troubled minds and where they find answers that gives them spiritual growth. A god is the supreme being that rules over a religion. Sacred is something or a being that is worthy of reverence. Most sacred things are what religions treasure the most and what they treat with utmost care. Ritual is a sequence of things to do to be able to achieve a task. Myth is a belief that offers unverifiable proofs of events where a person or a sacred thing exists.             According to Carrigan (1995), deism is a movement of system or thought advocating a natural religion, emphasizing morality, and in the 18th century denying the interference of the Creator with the laws of the universe. To Alston (2002) theism is the view that there is a single, ultimate and supremely perfect source of being, on which all other than itself depends at every moment for its existence, and which appears to us as personal. From Geisler (1991), polytheism is the name given to a specific religious situation, one that is characterized by plurality, a plurality that manifests itself in many forms. Monotheism is the belief that God is One (Bass, 2003). Mysticism is any type of theory asserting the possibility of attaining knowledge or power through faith or spiritual insight (Donner, 1997).  In Urban’s (1939) view, symbolism is the representation of any moral or spiritual thing by the images or properties of natural things. Fundamentalism was a response to the loss of influence traditional revivalism experienced in America during the early years of the twentieth century (Jones, 2001).       Reference: Carrigan, Cky. (1995). Rise and Fall of English Deism. Raleigh, North Carolina: On Truth: An Apologetic Devotion.   Alston, William. (2002). The Experiential Basis of Theism. Addison, Texas: Christian Leadership Ministries.   Geisler, Norman. (1994). Neopaganism, Feminism, and the New Polytheism. Rancho Santa Margarita, California: Christian Research Institute Journal.   Donner, Neal. (1997). Mysticism and the Idea of Freedom: A Libertarian View. Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles Valley College.   Bass, Allan. (2003). Monotheism and Origin of Religion. Montgomery, Alabama: Apologetics Press.   Jones, Steven. (2001). Fundamentalism. Virginia: University of Virginia.   Urban, Wilbur Marshall. (1939). Language and Reality: The Philosophy of Language and the Principles of Symbolism. New York: MacMillan.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Religion Essay

Religion In today’s busy world, religion plays as a drawback for people who are always on the go. It offers them sanctuary in times...

History of Christianity in Abeokuta

History of Christianity in Abeokuta  Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun state in southwestern Nigeria.  It is located on the east bank of the Ogun River.  Abeokuta means “Refuge among Rocks”.  It was founded around 1830 by Sodeke, a hunter and the leader of the Egba refugees who were fleeing from the Oyo empire.  The town was settled by missionaries in the 1840’s and by the Sierra Leone Creoles. Abeokuta is an agricultural trade center which produces rice, yams, cassava, corn, palm oil and kernels, cotton, fruits, vegetables.  It is an exporting point for cocoa, palm produce, fruits, and kola nuts.  Rice and cotton were introduced by the missionaries in the 1850’s and cotton weaving and dyeing (with locally grown indigo) are now traditional crafts of the town.  (Britannica)  Local industry is limited but can now name fruit-canning plants, a plastics factory, a brewery, sawmills , and an aluminum products factory.  To the south are Aro granite quarries. Apart from Benin and Warri, which had come in contact with Christianity through the Portuguese as early as the fifteenth century, most missionaries arrived by sea in the nineteenth century. As with other areas in Africa, Roman Catholics and Anglicans each tended to establish areas of hegemony in southern Nigeria. After World War I, smaller sects such as the Brethren, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others. African-American churches entered the missionary field in the nineteenth century and created contacts with Nigeria that lasted well into the colonial period.  Christianity came in with education to Abeokuta, January 1843 by Henry Townsend. Orthodox religion, Christianity and Islam are practiced with traditional religion. There is the belief in Egungun, Erinle, Ogun, Obatala, Sango, Gelede, Oro, Omolu, Obaluaye & Osun to mention few.  Christianity was introduced into the diocese of Abeokuta in the early part of the 19th century.  It currently houses the first Bible that was brought into the country by the early Missionaries. Catholicism came to Abeokuta in 1880 from where it spread to the other parts of what is now Abeokuta Diocese. The history of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Abeokuta is intertwined with the wider history of the missionary works of the Fathers of the Society of African Missions (SMA) and Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA). While the SMA Fathers arrived in 1880, the OLA Sisters followed in 1886. Since then, the Church has continued to grow. According to Wikipedia, there are in the diocese approximately 54,000 adherents of the Catholic faith, presently distributed into 19 parishes and 3 quasi parishes, administered by a total number of 47 priests with His Lordship, Most. Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins. The Diocese has witnessed a rapid growth from 9 parishes and 11 priests in 1998 to what we have now. Its pastoral strategy includes the formation and maintenance of Small Christian Communities and particular attention to the youth and young adults, the future of the Church. The Diocese of Abeokuta, like Ogun State in which it is situated, is typically a ‘Gateway’ diocese. Not only does it connect the Archdiocese of Lagos with the closely situated Diocese of Ijebu Ode and the Archdiocese of Ibadan in Nigeria, it is also strategically interconnected with the Church in the wider area of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), especially the adjacent Diocese of Porto-Novo in the Republic of Benin.  There is visible peaceful co-existence among the religious groups in the diocese as we have close ecumenical relationship as well as cordial relationship with the other religious bodies. There are a lot of joint religious programmes between the various Christian denominations.  (Wikipedia)  The Nigerian press is a product of evolution from the early Christian missionary establishment in the South of the country. Between 1842 and 1885, the Church Missionary Society, the Baptist, Methodist and the Catholic Missions established their presence independent of one another in various locations, particularly in Abeokuta, Calabar and Onitsha. The desire to spread Christianity to the local people in their own language and anthological environment caused the CMS to start what is generally acknowledged as the first newspaper in Abeokuta. As it was reported, the Rev. Henry Townsend of the CMS was said to have observed, “My object is to get the people to read; and get them to inculcate the habit of reading.” (Oyovbaire) References: Abeokuta.  Encyclopaedia Britannica.com  Retrieved 8 June, 2011 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1111/Abeokuta Abeokuta South.  Ogun State Government.  6 September, 2010.  Retrieved 8 June, 2011 from http://www.ogunstate.gov.ng/Government/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71:abeokuta-south&catid=142:local-governments&Itemid=85 Christianity.  Retrieved 8 June, 2011 from http://countrystudies.us/nigeria/47.htm Oyovbaire, Sam.  The Media and the Democratic Process in Nigeria.  29 August, 2001.  Retrieved 8 June, 2011 from http://www.waado.org/nigerdelta/essays/Oyovbaire.html Roman Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta.  Wikipedia.  Retrieved 8 June, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Abeokuta Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

History of Christianity in Abeokuta

H istory of Christianity in Abeokuta Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun state in southwestern Nigeria. It is located on the east bank o...