Contextualization paradigm in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23: a panacea for multi-religious barriers to evangelization of the Christian faith in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research divulges information on some resistance to distinguishable success of Christianity in Cross River State, which is a multi-religious state as a result of some incursions and activities of some religious bodies that are anti Christianity. It proffers possible measures that could positively encounter them. The study is descriptive, and makes use of primary and secondary sources. It applies missiological and theological perspectives, and adopts the Apostle Paul’s contextualization paradigm in 1 Corinthians 9:9-23, which he employed in the ancient Church at Corinth, a multi-religious environment with notable cultural and religious intolerance. The study suggests possible approaches that will encourage religious harmony for a working and enabling environment to evolve, thereby facilitating evangelization of the people of Cross River State with the true gospel.