Religion and the Prospect of Peace in a Pluri-Religious Society

Abstract

Religion is widely acclaimed to be one of the most cherished sources of peace, unity, justice, and development in the society. This is because its tenets are principally associated with genuine teachings of love for each other and the promotion of values. This religious task, however, becomes complicated with the composition of each particular society involved. In a pluri-religious society like Nigeria, it becomes much more demanding and complicated. The paper will, therefore, consider to a large extent the particular situation of Nigeria, which as a country has a peculiar history, a unique philosophy, and a complex religious orientation. All these factors contribute to define it as a special point of reference in Africa, especially in her inter-human, inter-religious, inter-cultural, and social relationships. The same factors also influence their understanding of justice, sense of freedom and responsibility. The paper aims at elucidating the significance embedded in the multi-cultural and pluri-religious composition of Nigeria as well as pointing out its role towards attaining the much-desired peace and unity for its development and progress. It will also highlight some of the problems and obstacles facing the continued realisation of the goal of religion as a symbol of peace and unity for the entire humanity, using some historical and analytical methods of exposition.