Modern Religious Slavery in Nigeria: The Christian Perspective

Emmanuel Williams Udoh

doi:10.26858/pdr.v4i1.14525

Abstract

Gandhi's concept of nonviolence has a humanistic approach. He tried to change the very character of every Indian in the society where he lived. He said that man is basically a violent being, but gradually he can become non-violent if he desires. He recognizes that man is a conditional being and as such subject to the determination of the physical world. The ultimate end in man's life for Gandhi is realizing the Absolute. Pertinent to note that, Gandhi had spent quite some time in his tutelage in Southern Africa where his experiences impelled him to adopt non-violence as the only paradigm to overcome oppression and domination in his country India. British oppression and inhumanity were so severe and intensive that Gandhi was cautious about the use of violence, alternatively, he adopted non-violence to be the only imperative paradigm to dislodge the domination and inhumane treatment of the British against the Indians in South Africa. In this respect, I recommend Gandhi's non-violence principles as a fundamental paradigm towards peace in Africa. Peace in Africa is imperative for human and societal development especially as one sees Africa grappling with instabilities, insurgencies, terrorism, xenophobia, political upheavals, nepotism and gender agitations. In this article, I recognize Gandhi’s postulations on non-violence as an initiative which if adopted and its dictates are adhered to, could enhance peace in Africa.

Highlights

In modern society, there are elements of slavery everywhere
A clear indication is the current laws and emphasis on human equality, feminism, and many similar regulations to checkmate the spade of inhuman and oppressive policies, customs and traditions that are inimical to human freedom in our society
It can be said here that "Slavery" is one concept that has defied a single, universally accepted definition. The reasons for this difficulty are that its origin has not been known; it was practiced by both religious and non-religious persons in the early centuries; it is a phenomenon that has grown with humanity; scholars, in turn, looked at it from their various fields

Summary

INTRODUCTION

There are elements of slavery everywhere. The present upsurge of human trafficking and child labour are common occurrences in our society. It can be said here that "Slavery" is one concept that has defied a single, universally accepted definition The reasons for this difficulty are that its origin has not been known; it was practiced by both religious and non-religious persons in the early centuries; it is a phenomenon that has grown with humanity; scholars, in turn, looked at it from their various fields. Aside from the physical sufferings of the slaves in their various places of forced labour or service, they suffer psychologically or mentally as a result of their hopelessness, realisation of being separated from their relations whom they would probably not see again and can do nothing to free themselves Such scenarios are not but present in our society and in our generation. This work is necessitated to expose slavery as seen in Christianity today; to show that slavery is still in existence despite its pronounced abolition worldwide; to expose the nature of modern slavery, highlighting its causes and effect and offer some suggestions on the possibility of reducing or eradicate the menace in the Church

Theoretical Framework

Types of Slavery

Effects of the Slave Trade

CONCLUSION