Papers by Dr. Vincent A . Olusakin
Kingsley I. Owete and Ndidi J. Gbule (Eds) Medicine, Witchcraft and Sorcery in Africa: A Reader. Port Harcourt: Enhance Digital Press, 2014
In African society, it is believed that the universe is replete with invisible and mystical power... more In African society, it is believed that the universe is replete with invisible and mystical powers. These powers and forces, it is also believed, could be tapped, controlled and used by individuals who have the knowledge and the ability to do so, whether for their benefit or to harm others. Further, it is believed that some possess this knowledge and ability more than others while some possess the ability but do not know it. They only find out later that by uttering a word or performing rituals, they can release these forces. These mystical and invisible forces are called magic. In Africa, they are not believed to be good or bad in themselves, but they can be used by human beings to serve any of the two purposes. When they are used for good purposes, it is called “good magic” or magical medicine. This is used for the benefit of individuals and society. On the other hand, if they are used to harm or cause havoc, it is called bad magic” or “black magic” which is otherwise called sorcery. Those who use the power this way are dreaded and hated by the community and branded as anti-society agents. The focus of this chapter is to present these two aspects of magic in their different dimensions. To do this, I intend to start with the concept of magic, by briefly presenting its meaning, its relationship with religion and medicine and its operational techniques. Then, the concept of sorcery will be examined: its meaning; its relationship with witchcraft, and its techniques. The chapter concludes with the examination of whether or not the belief in magic and sorcery in Africa presents certain benefits or dangers.
Global warming is rise in Earth's average temperature. Its impact remains a major challenge to th... more Global warming is rise in Earth's average temperature. Its impact remains a major challenge to the development and continuous existence of the world and Africa in particular. Many intervention strategies have been employed the world over to stern its tide. One of these strategies is reducing human activities that aggravate the phenomenon. While scholars from various disciplines, nations and organizations continue to deliberate on the ways to control the phenomenon, there is the need to investigate areas where the church can he involved in the fight against global warming. Using the descriptive method, the paper aims to find out what the church especially in Nigeria has been doing in relation to global warming and call the attention of the church to the areas where she can join the fight against the phenomenon. It is discovered that many churches have not responded to the effort to control global warming. It is therefore concluded that the church should rise to her responsibility. The paper recommends that among other things, there is the need for the church to create awareness most especially in theological seminaries and Bible colleges where Christian cultic functionaries are trained for their sacerdotal duties.
Agitation for resource control is a common occurrence in Nigeria. Coming mainly from the Niger De... more Agitation for resource control is a common occurrence in Nigeria. Coming mainly from the Niger Delta states, it is partly caused by the long-time neglect of the region in terms of development despite the fact that over eighty percent of the Nigeria's income is generated from the natural sources that nature has blessed the region with. The aim of this paper is read the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21 and examine its implications on the agitation for resource control in Nigeria using the lenses of eco-theology as well as greed theory. The position of the paper is that if there had been justice, fairness, equity and consideration for other members of the oikotheou in the distribution of the nation's positions and wealth, there would not have been the need for agitation. Therefore, if the lesson of the parable is embraced by the managers of the nation's commonwealth and positions, issues leading to the agitation will be solved. It is recommended that there is the need to have consideration for her members of the oikotheou in amassing wealth and in managing national resources.
Kingsley I. Owete (Ed) An Introduction to African Culture and Technological Development, 2013
The belief in witchcraft and sorcery is an aspect of African science. African science in this sen... more The belief in witchcraft and sorcery is an aspect of African science. African science in this sense means an African account of the nature and how it works (Ezeabasih in Akhilomen, 2010:468). It is grounded in African worldview; the worldview that is a marriage of both the physical and the spiritual. Realities in African cosmology cannot be understood through physical lens alone; they need spiritual explanations. Witchcraft and sorcery belief fall into this category. It may sound absurd to the 21st century scientific man, but to the African who has witnessed case attributed to witchcraft and sorcery operations and confessions, it is not a result of psychological problems. According to Mbiti (1969:202) the belief in witchcraft is there in every African village and it is part of the religious corpus of beliefs. Our attempt in this chapter is to discuss the belief in sorcery and witchcraft as an aspect of African science
Introduction to Religious and Cultural Studies, 2012
The phenomenon of change is constant and pervasive in all aspects of life and society. Except a s... more The phenomenon of change is constant and pervasive in all aspects of life and society. Except a society in isolation, (if any) every society undergoes social and cultural change per time. Such a change which normally begins in a sub-culture or with few individuals, does not just settle down and merry-go-round within the sub-culture but spread to other sub-cultures (or
cultures) as contacts are made and thereby cause change in the new culture. This accounts for the similarity in cultural traits among many nations. In the face of such similarities, scholars have suggested two possibilities: evolution and cultural diffusions. While it cannot be denied that there could be independent inventions of a particular cultural trait, there are proofs that certain traits that evolve in a particular culture spread to another. An example in focus, is the planting of maize which is said to have started in Mexico, but has spread to other parts of the world. This is what cultural diffusion is all about. It is the spread of cultural traits from one sub-culture (or culture) to another. Cultural diffusion is so real in cultural change that the North American anthropologist, late Ralph, argued that it accounted for as much as 90% of any culture contents (Haviland, 1997:701). This chapter thus attempts to examine the concept of cultural diffusion
AKSU DIAKONIA: Journal of Religion and Culture, 2020
There exist numerous trees in their varieties in the land of Israel. Of the one hundred and twent... more There exist numerous trees in their varieties in the land of Israel. Of the one hundred and twentyeight d5'erent plants mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament, the fig tree was singled out in Jesus' eschatological discourse in the Synoptic Gospels (Matt 24:32-35//Mark 13:28-31//Luke 21:29-33). This paper examines why the fig tree is singled out to convey the message of the end-time. Drawing insights from the biblical text and works of Scripture scholars, the paper employs metaphor as analytical tool to show that the fig tree possesses some mythical features that bespeaks of eschatology.
Benin Journal of Religions and Society, 2020
It is an undeniable fact that HIV/AIDS is one of the global health challenges. Its affects cut ac... more It is an undeniable fact that HIV/AIDS is one of the global health challenges. Its affects cut across all strata of society. Though the 2019 report shows that the prevalence of the pandemic in Nigeria has declined compared to the reports of the previous years, there are still so much to do to totally curb its spread. The importance of religion in curbing the spread of the pandemic has been attested to by many. This paper is a contribution to ongoing discussions on the response of religion to the pandemic. As a descriptive study, the paper describes the bases for and areas of church response to HIV/AIDS. The paper posits that the church needs to be part of the fight against the spread of HIV because among others, her assignment is to the whole world and she is not sent to preach alone, but to also involve in mission's works and social work as an important aspect of it. The areas where she can be involved include theology, ethics, pastoral care, healing, justice and human Rights. Based on this, the paper concludes that the role of the church cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore recommended that the church should rise both individually and through its various Faith Based Organizations and collaborate with government and other sectors in the effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
An Introductory Survey of the History of New Christian Religious Movements in Nigeria, 2013
This chapter explores the activities of Christian missionaries in Northern Nigeria in the 19th an... more This chapter explores the activities of Christian missionaries in Northern Nigeria in the 19th and 20th centuries. It examines their failures and achievement as well as the reasons for such failures and successes.
AKSUJA: Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts, 2020
This paper examines the connection between global warming and eschatology (study of the end time)... more This paper examines the connection between global warming and eschatology (study of the end time). A descriptive study, the researcher used questionnaire! administration and interview to sample the opinions of the Christians in Port Harcourt on the connection between the two concepts. It was discovered that while all the respondents believe in eschatology, some do not see any connection between it and global warming. Hence, they believe that global warming could be controlled. However, some believe that global warming is a sign of the end time and imply that time, efforts and resources should not be wasted in trying to control global warming. The paper concludes that global warming is human-induced and if human activities leading to it is reduced, it can be controlled. It is therefore recommended that awareness should be created in churches to inform Christians and Church leaders on the cause and control of global warming
AKSUJA: Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts Arts, 2014
This article examines Paul's view on gender equality in his authentic epistles, giving specific a... more This article examines Paul's view on gender equality in his authentic epistles, giving specific attention to the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14: 33-36 where women are purportedly commanded to be silent in the church. Besides, we examine the implication of this passage on the participation of Christ Apostolic Church women in Port Harcourt in church activities. It is discovered that there is no consensus among scholars on the exact meaning of the passage. However, we agree with the interpretation that in the passage Paul shows his disagreement with the idea that women should be silent in the church. This is confirmed by verse 36 where Paul asks 'Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?' Also, it is discovered that in Christ Apostolic Church Port Harcourt, women participate in church activities but with certain restrictions. The paper ends with recommendations on how to encourage women participation in Christ Apostolic Church generally and Port Harcourt in particular to enable the church to enjoy their full potentials.
Journal of Religion and Culture, 2014
Global warming remains a major problem in the world today. Some attribute it to climate change wh... more Global warming remains a major problem in the world today. Some attribute it to climate change while others interpret it eschatologically. Scholars from various disciplines continue to investigate the cause as well as proffer solutions to global warming. Most works on eco-theology however have not addressed eschatological dimension in attitude toward the control of global warming. This research fills that gap. It contextualizes the study in Port Harcourt area. The research investigates the reality of global warming in Port Harcourt and also examines the causes and effects of the phenomenon in the city. Port Harcourt Christians' attitude to global warming is read in light of Luke 21:5-11. Not a few believe that the text represents the signs of end time. While some perceive global warming as a sign of the end time, the research shows that the event is human made and therefore can be controlled.
Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts, 2024
The covenant of Yahweh with Israel is central in understanding her religion and it dominates the ... more The covenant of Yahweh with Israel is central in understanding her religion and it dominates the entire Old Testament corpus. Indeed, Israel's origin, nationhood, survival, blessings, and victories, all swivel around covenant. Unfortunately, Israel's tendency of recurrent breaching of her covenant with Yahweh despite its values, seems to be a reality among Christians today. As a contribution to scholarly efforts on the relevance of the Old Testament to contemporary Christianity, this paper sets out to examine covenant motif in the book of Prophet Hosea, find out its resonance in the New Testament and explore its relevance for modern Nigerian Christianity. Adopting historical and theological approaches, the writers discovered in Hosea, covenant motif such as election and parental relationship, apostasy and harlotry, lack of knowledge, faithfulness and love, and curses and blessings of the covenant. These also resonate in the New Testament. It is also discovered that Christians in contemporary Nigeria do not take these motifs seriously as they relate with fellow humans and nature. The paper concludes that lack of commitment to covenant motif as exemplified in Hosea is at the root of corruption, violence and insecurity, underdevelopment, ecological crisis and others, being experienced in the world and in modern Africa. It is therefore recommended that Christians should tenaciously adhere to covenantal virtues such as faithfulness, obedience, committed sense of service to God among others, in order to enjoy the blessings of obedience to covenant and for the global society to be a better place to inhabit.
Ifiok: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2024
Concerns about the fate of humans after death have generated a lot of reactions among different p... more Concerns about the fate of humans after death have generated a lot of reactions among different peoples and traditions from time immemorial. While some believe that there is no life after death, some others (as found in most popular religions) hold that the human soul is immortal and that there is life after death. Religions generally provide answers to the question of the fate of humans after death. However, beliefs in life after does not seem to influence the public morality of many Nigerians. It is in this regard that this paper examines the Christian belief and teachings on life after death in relation to the Yoruba belief with its implications for the public morality of Nigerians. As a descriptive study, the aim of this paper is to describe major concepts in life after death among Christians and Yoruba, bring out their similarities and differences and show the implications of the belief for public morality in Nigerian society. Findings revealed that the two belief systems conceptualize death as a reality, and as an event marking the end of an existence as well as the beginning of another existence for humans. On the other hand, while the Yoruba do not believe in a specific day of judgment for all the dead, Christians believe in a final judgment day. It is also discovered that this belief has not positively impacted the public moral life of many Nigerians. The paper concludes that every religion is sui generis and should be treated accordingly. Also, Christians and African traditional practitioners are expected to allow their beliefs in life after death to positively influence their relationships and interactions in public life, in order to make the Nigerian society a peaceful, progressive and better place to inhabit.
The problem of global warming and its implications on the continuous existence of the world are a... more The problem of global warming and its implications on the continuous existence of the world are alarming. Hence, the phenomenon has attracted a lot of responses from different people including scholars, journalists and religious leaders. While researches on possible solutions to the menace of global warming continue, the contribution of this paper is that a combination of traditional African attitude to nature and Christian theology of environment can be used as a model for the control of global warming. Important elements in the two traditions include the idea of relationship between God, human and nature and the eschatological views of the two traditions. The paper concludes that the combination of these views will help to check human attitude to nature and unbridled craze for material wealth which are the major causes of global
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Papers by Dr. Vincent A . Olusakin
cultures) as contacts are made and thereby cause change in the new culture. This accounts for the similarity in cultural traits among many nations. In the face of such similarities, scholars have suggested two possibilities: evolution and cultural diffusions. While it cannot be denied that there could be independent inventions of a particular cultural trait, there are proofs that certain traits that evolve in a particular culture spread to another. An example in focus, is the planting of maize which is said to have started in Mexico, but has spread to other parts of the world. This is what cultural diffusion is all about. It is the spread of cultural traits from one sub-culture (or culture) to another. Cultural diffusion is so real in cultural change that the North American anthropologist, late Ralph, argued that it accounted for as much as 90% of any culture contents (Haviland, 1997:701). This chapter thus attempts to examine the concept of cultural diffusion
cultures) as contacts are made and thereby cause change in the new culture. This accounts for the similarity in cultural traits among many nations. In the face of such similarities, scholars have suggested two possibilities: evolution and cultural diffusions. While it cannot be denied that there could be independent inventions of a particular cultural trait, there are proofs that certain traits that evolve in a particular culture spread to another. An example in focus, is the planting of maize which is said to have started in Mexico, but has spread to other parts of the world. This is what cultural diffusion is all about. It is the spread of cultural traits from one sub-culture (or culture) to another. Cultural diffusion is so real in cultural change that the North American anthropologist, late Ralph, argued that it accounted for as much as 90% of any culture contents (Haviland, 1997:701). This chapter thus attempts to examine the concept of cultural diffusion