THE CHURCH IN NORTHERN NIGERIA IN THE FACE OF RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM, AND THE RE-INTERPRETATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHURCH SUFFERING: A REFLECTION

Abstract

Extensive studies have shown that at the outset of the 21^st century, the most immediate danger faced by nations of the world, apart from global climate disruption is fundamentalism. It has shown that this phenomenon has tended to divide the world on the line of religion. In the case of Nigeria, this dividing line is always in the increase and is setting people against each other. This is because, this has not only disrupted development, but has led to a situation in which some people have become second class citizens in their native country, so much so that they arguably constitute what the Catholic Doctrine refers to as the Church Suffering-faithful who are undergoing the purification of purgatory while on earth. This is hinged on the premise that perhaps for the sake of Christ and the Church, they are being prepared for heaven after torturous life on earth. The qualitative method is used for this particular research. Data obtained from primary and secondary sources were deployed to carry out the study with an analytical and narrative historical approach. This includes historical, descriptive and analytical approaches based on gathered evidence. The primary source for this research is based on field investigations conducted in the area and surrounding territories. Among other things, the data collection process includes semi-structured interviews with individuals. The research also uses historical documents from the national archives, relying on previous research conducted on issues relating to Colonial and Missionary activities in northern Nigeria, Religion, doctrine and intergroup relations in addition to documentary data taken from newspaper accounts, diaries, letters and verbal reports.