The Rise of Independent African Churches, 1890-1930: An Ethical-genesis of Nigerian Nationalism

Abstract

The ethical-genesis of Christianity in the emergence of Nigerian nationalism is a statement that seems to say something opposite to common sense, but which contained a truth. The role of Christianity in arousing national consciousness was dealt with from positive and negative perspectives as could be seen in this paper. Evangelizations situate liberation in Christ to include a transformation of concrete historical and political conditions. The human beings to whom the gospel is proclaimed are not abstract, apolitical beings, but members of a society marked by injustice and human exploitation. This research work is relevant to contemporary Nigerian citizens especially now that there is a call to uphold democracy, human rights, rule of law, enshrine security, strong political, cultural, and economic institutions through religious and cultural practices. It will be of profound significance to realize how these inalienable human rights distorted by the advent of the West were resuscitated by the Africans through their protest against the colonial power and domination.