ENCOURAGING DIALOGUE AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AMONGST ADHERENTS OF CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM AND AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN NIGERIA: A PANACEA FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATION

Abstract

A Pluralistic Society is one that does not have a state religion. Nigeria fits in this description hence it has different religions that are being practiced by her people. These include Christianity; Islam and African Traditional Religion. Nigeria as a pluralistic society is faced
with a lot of religious conflicts and it is in line with this that this paper “Encouraging Dialogue and Peaceful Co-existence amongst Adherents of Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion in Nigeria: A Panacea for National Integration” is concerned. The paper employs the qualitative research design where data were sourced from books journals and periodicals. The descriptive method was used to situate scholars’ ideas on the subject matter; the expository method was employed to establish the thoughts of adherents of these religions as to whether or not dialogue and peaceful co-existence exist amongst them. The evaluative method was used to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the existence of the subject matter. The paper will be of value to religious leaders and their followers, students and academia’s as it brings out areas that the adherents of the above three religions can dialogue, tolerate and co-exist. The paper notes that dialogue is an inevitable instrument in any pluralistic society with diverse religions. It is a vital tool that brings two or more people to settle their misgivings. Thus, leaders of Christianity, Islam and African Religion should embrace and encourage dialogue and peaceful co-existence amongst their followers to enhance national integration.