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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Religious Exclusivism & Religious Space: the Problem of Street Praying in a Nigerian Town |
Author: | Danfulani, Umar H.D. |
Year: | 1998 |
Periodical: | Exchange: Journal of Contemporary Christianities in Context |
Volume: | 27 |
Issue: | 4 |
Pages: | 342-359 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | Christianity Islam |
External link: | https://doi.org/10.1163/157254398X00376 |
Abstract: | Compared with the adherents of indigenous religions, who are more peaceful and tolerant because of the inclusivist nature of their faith, Muslims and Christians more often perpetuate religious intolerance and violence, as exhibited in street praying. This is because Muslims and Christians believe only members of their faith will gain entry into paradise. This paper examines street praying in Jos town (Nigeria) as a blueprint for understanding aspects of interfaith relations in a Nigerian context. It analyses a number of religious issues bordering on religious intolerance which arise out of Nigerian society as a result of exclusivist claims by both Christians and Muslims to divine truth and therefore salvation. The paper also discusses the basis for religious inclusivism and by implication the need for interfaith dialogue at grass-roots level among men and women of faith in Nigeria today. The way ahead is one of individual and collective choice by the Nigerian 'homo religiosus'. There are two choices: the path of exclusivism and its attendant vices such as street praying, religious intolerance and fundamentalism, or the path of religious inclusivism and religious tolerance, anchored in genuine and open interfaith dialogue. In a pluralistic and diversified society like Nigeria, the second option is advocated. Notes, ref. |