Christian Theological Education in Nigeria and the Imperative of National Rebirth

Abstract

Today, Nigeria is facing serious challenges such as rising insecurity, poverty, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, abduction, oppression, disregard for laws and order, bribery and corruption in diverse ways and other unethical activities. These realities underscore the fact that national rebirth is imperative. The various news media are replete with the news of the evil and vices being unleashed on Nigerians by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits. The Theological institutions in Nigeria are to train those who are called by God, such as pastors, evangelists, teachers, prophets, apostles and those in other forms of Christian Ministries to be spiritually, morally and intellectually unified for national rebirth. The focus of this paper is to discuss the essence of theological education and national rebirth through the Christian Church. Lack of theological education, loss of vision and lustful pleasures, as well as disunity among Christian clerics is part of the factors negating national rebirth. Diligent study of biblical hermeneutics and exegesis, religious interactive discussions that leads to peaceful co-existence and proper upbringing of children from homes are panacea to national rebirth. Historical method was used to achieve this purpose. The paper concluded and recommended that the clerics should teach sound biblical doctrine without looking for any personal financial gain and the light of Jesus Christ should shine through Christians to the darkness of the world.