Christianity and Political Participation: A Theological Reflection on Nigerian Experience

Abstract

Christian participation in politics and governance has always been a contentious issue. Each view on the involvement of Christians in politics has based its argument on its interpretation of certain New Testament passages that are found to be related to the relationship between Church (sacred) and State (secular). In a pluralistic society as Nigeria, what is the relevance of Christianity as a transformative institution to governance? Toward this end, this paper will investigate the relationship between Church and State from history and endeavor to suggest certain factors that must be put into consideration in the approach of the Church in her relationship with the State. With the understanding that things are out of balance, this paper advocates a return to a more biblical model of church in her relationship with the state. The titles used to describe the church in I Peter 2:9 are very significant in this research in order to understand the nature and functions of an ideal Church in its environment. To achieve this, historical and exegetical methods will be employed in carrying out this research. There is nothing in the intrinsic nature of the Church as defined in the scripture that suggests her restraint from contributing to the governance of the State. Christians in Nigeria should understand that the Church and State are inextricable.