ISSN 2979-8582 · Article No. 078
Olumuyiwa Ogunbanjo: Department of Religious Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
Kehinde Obasola: Department of Religious Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
Oluwaseyi Shogunle: Department of Religious Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
Conflict is a normal occurrence in any relationship. It could be an opportunity for growth when positively handled and resolved. It could be personal, domestic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, intergroup, intra-group or communal life. Nigeria's modern-day conflicts are multi-facetted leading to unprecedented loss of lives and properties. It emanated from several personal, socio-cultural, natural and climatic conditions. The contemporary Nigerian nation is experiencing increased violence due to the spread of small arms despite efforts to find long-term solutions and promote peaceful coexistence. This study, therefore, provides a Biblical panacea to stem this tide and secure peaceful environment. This is hoped to secure peace throughout the nation as an avenue to meaningful development. It adopts a literary and historical research method as well as a textual analysis using African Biblical Hermeneutics (ABH) to probe the content, structure and implications of Genesis 16:7–14. It uses various characteristics from the African cultural perspectives: Afro-centric biblical interpretation method against the common Euro-centric hermeneutical approach. Findings reveal that God has empathy for the downtrodden and suffering and willing to rescue them. God wants His people to trust Him for their peace. Biblical principles, when employed can encourage collaboration and trust between parties in conflict. Communication, respect for one another, and understanding are important in settling conflict amicably. Biblical principles like injustice, inequality, and resource management can help to address and resolve conflict. Long-term, viable solutions can be found by addressing these fundamental problems. The study concluded that people must accept responsibility for their actions, and properly account for them. This reduces the possibility of future disputes and fosters environment of peace. Biblical lessons instill optimism and fortitude, inspiring people and societies to be considerate and strive for amicable solutions. This optimistic perspective is essential for conquering obstacles and creating a peaceful community.
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British Journal of Contemporary Research
Open Access · Peer Reviewed · Published by Bexford Publishing Ltd
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