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IMPACT
OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION ON CULTURE
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE
STUDY
In
this paper, Christian values
are defined as those ideals or principles which Christianity cherishes. In this
presentation, my aim is not to dwell on the unique worth of Christianity or its
values. These are well-known and appreciated, especially in Nigeria society. My
main concern is to relate and evaluate this worth in terms of a definite culture, namely, Nigeria ensemble of
values. The choice of Nigeria is obvious for an Nigeria writer. It becomes
attractive and obvious, too, once we identify Western, including
American, culture, which
Benin s, rightly or wrongly, identify with Christianity. That is, since
Western culture has
been perceived in Benin land as synonymous with Christianity, Nigeria culture as a recipient of
Western culture bears
the influence or weight of Christianity on its own culture.
My
second duty will be to select certain sections of this culture in order to highlight
these Christian influences.
To fathom the extent of the influence of Christian
values on Nigeria culture some
historical and sociological perspectives will be necessary as they will mirror
such influences where they exists. The missionaries came to Benin land in the
later part of the 19th Century, where they met a pattern of
life not all of which ran counter to Christian principles.
The spread of Christian influence
was balked by such elements as the size of the area, the complete absence of
roads and means of communication, as well as other harsh environmental
circumstances which inhibited free movement of the early missionaries to all
corners of the area. These facts may have accounted for the less universal
preponderance of the Christian influence on the
host culture.
Such claims as these may be seen as too lofty in view of the allegation of mass
caving in of Nigeria culture to the invading European culture.
But the assumptions that local culture and Christian values
were polarized and conflicting and that Christian values dislodged
their host counterparts can be maintained only with notable qualifications, for
it must be remembered that the host culture was traditional and
natural, that is, it was unadulterated, original or God-given. It approximated
in part, and accorded with Christian values and to that degree was not in
conflict to them. Equally important in this regard is the similarity in human
nature which tends to minimize among differences among human groups. I have
been purposely cautious because there were indeed areas where conflict existed
between the host culture and Christian values.
Nonetheless, since grace builds upon nature and nature exists in Benin land as
elsewhere, there is much of enormous positive value in Nigeria traditions and
religious consciousness.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The effect has
been a more distinctive and permanent manifestation of the legacy or influence
of Christianity, which is the invisible and unofficial striving to live in
conjunction with both the Christian and the traditional life. Thus, the
individual Christian in
his subconscious and in moments of crisis clings tenaciously to, or relapses
without conflict or qualms, into traditional life. But credit must go to
Christianity for the tremendous impact it has had on the advancement of
knowledge and learning in Benin: the opaque scales that blindfolded the people
have been pulled down. All now know that all men are equal before God, and
probably this new thought has been the motive force behind the struggle for
Nigeria unity. Ignorance and superstition have been put to flight after contact
with Christianity. And this is an invaluable achievement indeed.
RESEARCH QUESTION
1.
How did Christianity influence the Benin Culture?
2.
Does Christianity religion have any bearing with
Benin culture?
3.
Do you think Christian religion is a better
religion compare to Benin culture?
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study is to:
1.
Determine the bearing of the Christian religion to
culture.
2.
Highlight the influences of Christian religion on
culture.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The research is important because it teaches us the relationship between
Christianity and culture. It will expose to the Christian the importance of
cultural heritage within the Benin kingdom, and also it will show us whether
culture and Christianity work hand in hand.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study is designed to find out the impact of Christian religion on culture
of Benin. The study is restricted to Oredo Local Government Area alone.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Christianity:
Religion:
Culture:
Belief:
Value:
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