The use and abuse of religion: Implications in Nigerian society

Abstract

Religion is a way of life. Religious beliefs, practices and doctrines are for the most part useful for human development and peaceful co-existence in society. People globally believe in the existence of God. Nigeria, on her part is full of intensely religious people who believe that a transcendent being is overlooking and overseeing human activities on earth. Nigerians in contemporary times are predominantly Christians and Muslims. There are minority adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) also in Nigeria who are the custodians of the native heritages. Religions in Nigeria play significant roles in the development of the nation before and after independence. This paper examines the use and abuse of religion and its implications for the Nigerian society. It adopted historical and descriptive methods in its discussion. The study discovered that the religions in Nigeria have been turned to commercial ventures, avenue for disunity and a tool for destruction of human lives and properties. It identified regional, political, religious and ethnic divisions and conflicts in Nigeria as mostly effects of abuse of religion, with particular reference to Islam and Christianity. The work is of the view that religion can be useful in society, depending on how it is handled by the adherents. The conclusion is that for religion to be useful in Nigeria or any other society, the adherents must live by the ethical teaching of their religions.

Keywords: African Traditional Religion Christianity, Islam, abuse of religion