Nsukka Journal of Religion and Cultural Studies

Editorial

Nkechi G. Onah — 2025-01-17

No Abstract

Environmental Sustainability as the Overarching Sustainability Pillar: Nexus with Religion in Nigeria

Chidi Nzeadibe — 2025-01-17

Sustainability is a known term in the academic discourse in present times. There are, however, some arguments about what constitutes the pillars of sustainability in current academic debates. Against its traditional three pillars, this paper argues for a reconsideration and expansion of the pillars of sustainability. It shows how culture has become a fourth pillar of sustainability. To prove its point, the paper discusses the interconnectedness of religion, a part of culture, with environmental sustainability. Using the Nsukka area as a case study, the paper shows how religious cum cultural practices contribute to environment sustainability thereby ensuring that the Quality of Life (QoL) of the people is maintained. This way, the paper contributes to the redefinition and expansion of the pillars of sustainability in present academic discourse.

Towards a cross-cultural methodological approach to environmental sustainability research

Josephine Ngozi Akah — 2025-01-17

This study examined how cross-cultural methodological approach can improve research on environmental sustainability in Africa. What is considered as the traditional methodological approaches to environmental sustainability in the continent are based on siloed traditions and revelation/intuition, and therefore low in creativity. Worse still, whereas ideas from other cultures could infuse new perspectives, creativity, and innovation, many scholars in areas studies insist on methodological monism because of a deeper interest in preserving cultural identity of the regions they study. This approach negatively affects area studies in general and African studies in particular. Thus, two questions guided this study: (i) how can cross-cultural approach to the study of the environment improve its sustainability in Africa; and (ii) to what degree do traditional approaches to knowledge enhance creativity and innovation to environmental sustainability in Africa? To answer these questions, this study adopted, qualitative research methods. Data for the study were generated from secondary sources and analysed using phenomenological, hermeneutic, and critical philosophical approaches. This study argues that insistence on methodological monism is a disservice to environmental sustainability around the world. The study also demonstrates that exploring and incorporating ideas from non-African – particularly modern scientific frameworks – will be beneficial to the continent.

Religion and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

Eric Chinenye Aneke — 2025-01-17

Humans are notoriously and incurably religious and very gregarious. As they live together in a society, they often exert negative pressures on the environment. This study conceptualises the following words/expressions: religion, environment, pollution, environmental degradation, and environmental sustainability. The problem of this study is necessitated by the disheartening negative pressures human beings exert on their environment in Nigeria. The major thrust of this study includes, among others, to decipher the ways through which human beings exert negative pressures on their environment. This study is qualitative in nature and uses both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Among the findings is that a good percentage of Nigerians abuse their environment. The study recommends, among others, that Nigerians should be educated on how to take good care of their environment and concludes that very pragmatic, serious and intensive strategies should be mounted to instil on Nigerians good behavioural ethics to the environment.

“The Earth Mourns”: The Intersectionality of Social Justice Movement in Isaiah 24:1-6 and Environmental Issue

Bamidele Olusegun Fawenu — 2025-01-17

In this paper, the theme of environmental desolation and social justice in Isaiah 24:1-6 is explored, motivated by the increasing relevance of ecological and social issues in contemporary theological discourse. Existing scholarship often treats environmental and social justice separately, overlooking their interconnectedness in biblical texts. Therefore, the problem addressed is the lack of a holistic understanding of justice and environmental sustainability presented in Isaiah 24:1-6. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the prophetic message in Isaiah 24:1-6, highlighting its implications for modern discussions on environmental sustainability and social equity. The objectives are to: Analyze the themes of environmental desolation and social justice; explore the links between human behaviour and environmental impact; contextualize these themes within current debates on sustainability and equity; demonstrate the relevance of ancient prophetic wisdom in addressing contemporary global challenges, particularly in line with SDGs 10 and 15. A qualitative research method is employed, involving historical-grammatical exegesis of Isaiah 24:1-6. Findings suggest that ancient prophetic insights can inform current efforts to address environmental and social injustices. Recommendations include integrating eco- theological principles into contemporary ethical frameworks and policy-making to promote sustainability and equity. Therefore, Isaiah 24:1-6 offers valuable perspectives for addressing ecological challenges.

Eco-spirituality as a Response to Climate Change in Nigeria

Emmanuel K. Okonkwo — 2025-01-17

The goal of this paper is to propose eco-spirituality as a remedy to the challenge of climate change. Climate change is primarily caused by human beings. Therefore, to tackle this problem it is important to change the lifestyle of humans. This change in lifestyle is already described in a concept known as eco-spirituality, which is the awareness that human activities impact other inhabitants of the universe. The problem is that some people in Nigeria are ignorant of eco-spirituality and some individuals who possess the knowledge do not put it into practice. This research is based on the theoretical framework of eco-spirituality. The qualitative research method was employed to explore how change of human lifestyle can alleviate the impacts of climate change. The researcher utilized the descriptive method of analysis to interpret the data gathered from secondary sources, such as books and online scholarly articles. The research findings demonstrate that an adequate awareness of the interconnectedness between human beings and other components of the ecosystem should result in a change in lifestyle that will decrease the human activities that exacerbate climate change.

African Traditional Religion as an Antidote to Environmental Challenges in Nigeria

Robert Chibueze Ugwuogo — 2025-01-17

The existence of the environment is of paramount importance to all Africans. For an African the environment is a conglomeration of the physical made up of the air, water, human beings, animals, rocks, hills, mountains; the socio-cultural which comprises ethics, economic, aesthetics, and the spiritual which embodies the Supreme Being (creator), the deities, shrines, spirits among others. This goes to explain that for an African the world is not dichotomized but seen as a whole and so all exist to complement the other. In Nigeria, there are some experiences that are fighting against the environment which is the embodiment of the above-mentioned components thereby generating environmental crisis through flooding, erosion, desertification, pollution, climate change among others. All these forces destabilize the harmony that keeps the balance of the ecosystem. The aim of this paper is to bring out some environmental challenges African Traditional Religion proffers solution to so as to set a balance in the eco system. When the environment is in harmony with life will be better, to some extent, for all Nigerians. The study was carried out in Nigeria. The data was collected through interviews and analyzed by adopting the qualitative approach. The findings of this paper indicate that through the existence of sacred grooves, customary laws and environmental ethics like respect for rivers and streams as abode of the spirits and goddesses, totems, reverence for sacred lands, African Traditional Religion protects the environment from degeneration. The paper recommends that African Traditional Religious adherents and traditional rulers should sensitize the younger generation on the need to protect environment and take note of the danger of the climate change red alert.

African Traditional Religion as an Antidote to Environmental Challenges in Nigeria

Martha Ene Utaji — 2025-01-17

The problem of environmental sustainability in Nigeria is exacerbated by the complex interplay of religious and political influences. Religious doctrines and political frameworks often clash or fail to adequately address environmental issues, leading to ineffective policies and practices. This paper therefore examined the impact of religion and politics on environmental sustainabilty in Benue State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and hypotheses. The study employed a correctional survey research design. The study population comprise of 1,454,303 members of all registered religious bodies in Benue State out of which 400 respondents were randomly sampled for the study. The study employed structure questionnaire as instrument of data collection. Data collected was analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions. Hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistical tool. The findings revealed that religion has positive impact on climate change. The study further revealed that religion also has impact on environmental sustainability in Benue State. Tapping into these motivations and combining them with religious teachings about climate change and environmental sustainability could provide a powerful story line to enable the desired change. It was therefore recommended, among other things, that the religious leaders should endeavour to adopt appropriate measures in motivating their members to change their behaviours towards enhance environmental sustainability in the state.

Care for Creation: Religion and Environmental Sustainability in South-eastern Nigeria

Chioma Patricia Onuorah — 2025-01-17

The world is contending with the severe problems of climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and the reckless destruction of wildlife. South-Eastern Nigeria is particularly afflicted by environmental issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution, worsened by both governmental exploitation of mineral resources and daily human activities. Utilising a qualitative research approach, this study explores the interconnectedness between religion and sustainability of the environment in south-eastern Nigeria, focusing on the part played by religious beliefs and practices in shaping environmental attitudes and behaviours. Data were gathered through focus group discussions and the examination of religious and relevant texts. Employing thematic analysis, the findings reveal that while religious teachings frequently advocate for environmental stewardship, there is a notable discrepancy between these teachings and actual practices. Cultural and socio-economic factors also affect how these teachings are interpreted and implemented. The study underscores the potential of religious institutions to significantly influence environmental sustainability by harmonising religious teachings with sustainable practices. The research enriches the understanding of the complex interactions between religion and environmental sustainability, promoting comprehensive strategies that harness the power of religious institutions to create a more sustainable future in south-eastern Nigeria.

Role of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Ensuring Environmental Sustainability in Plateau State, Nigeria

Hilary Chuwuka Achunike — 2025-01-17

This paper focuses on the role of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in ensuring environmental sustainability in Plateau State, Nigeria. The aim of the study is to examine the current state of the environment in Plateau State, identify the environmental challenges facing the state, and assess the role of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in addressing these challenges. The methodology used in the research is phenomenology. The study finds that Plateau State faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, erosion, pollution, and climate change. The paper also reveals that Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) has been involved in promoting environmental sustainability through initiatives such as Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Community Development Program (CCDP), tree planting campaigns, waste management programs, and advocacy for sustainable agriculture. The paper concludes that Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) need to intensifies its efforts to promote sustainable environmental practices in collaboration with other stakeholders to address environmental challenges.

Interrogating the Durkheimian Theory of Religion and its Implication on African Religion and Environmental Sustainability

Gbashahwange Maya — 2025-01-17

In the contemporary world, humanity is confronted with a lot of challenges through our actions and inactions. One of these challenges is environmental degradation and its concomitant effect. As a result, diseases have increased, global warming is a threat, Green House emissions and pollution are also increasing. This scenario has drawn the attention of the academia, governments, United Nations, non- governmental organizations and religious bodies across the globe on how best to mitigate this challenge. Questions are asked on who to blame and what should be done. This study, as an aim, seeks to look into these mind-boggling hiccups and proffer solutions to the lingering menace where the thoughts of Emile Durkheim are interrogated to identify how it has contributed to African Religious thoughts on environment and how the theory can help in environmental sustainability. Qualitative research approach is adopted in the work for information gathering. The paper discovered that in spite of accusations and counter accusations on the aspect of environmental degradation and sustainability, there is still hope that African religious environmental management can help tame the tide in respect of ecological crisis. The paper recommended that there is need for action by all and sundry towards achieving the desired qualitative and conducive environment now and for the future.