Between Faith, Fear, and Survival: Syncretistic Protective Practices among Nigerian Christians under Violent Persecution
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18533/8yc1y898Keywords:
Syncretism, Christian persecution, African theology, Nigeria, insecurity, survival theology, contextual ChristianityAbstract
The escalation of violent attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria has generated profound theological, pastoral, and ethical dilemmas. The intensification of these violent attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria especially in the Middle Belt, North West and North Eastern regions has generated serious concern among the citizens who sees the government as helpless or deliberately complicit in the attacks, which already has a profound religious, social, and theological challenges in recent times.
In response to persistent insecurity, displacement, kidnapping for ransom and targeted killings, some church leaders and members have increasingly resorted to traditional protective practices—often believed to confer immunity against gunshots or physical harm and also encouraged Christians to fortify themselves traditionally. This phenomenon raises critical questions about syncretism, Christian identity, and survival theology within African Christianity. This paper examines the turn to indigenous protective rituals among Nigerian Christians as a contextual response to incessant insecurity, persecution and fear. Drawing on African theological frameworks, the study employs qualitative theological analysis to explore the tension between Christian doctrine and indigenous cosmologies of protection. The paper argues that syncretism in this context is not merely theological deviation but a survival strategy shaped by existential insecurity and perceived pastoral failure. The study concludes by proposing contextual theological responses that integrate biblical faith, African worldview, and pastoral responsibility without collapsing into doctrinal compromise.
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