PROLIFERATION OF CHURCHES IN NIGERIA AND THE INCREASE IN MORAL DECADENCE IN SOCIETY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Moral decline in Nigerian society demands serious attention. Many things have gone wrong because people no longer see why they should act with integrity at all times, in every place and under every circumstance. The steady erosion of personal virtue across the world's societies now looks like one of the most pressing problems of our age. In recent decades, churches have largely stepped back from their traditional role as moral guides. Meanwhile, voices outside the church have kept pressing it to move either toward or away from a values-centred position. This raises fresh questions about how morality should be taught in society today.

Morality can be described as the socially approved way of conducting oneself, covering proper behaviour at work, at home and in the wider community. It is also understood as the standard by which right and wrong are judged. Earlier generations of Nigerians upheld these standards faithfully, held them in high esteem and passed them on with care. They paid close attention to how a person sat, walked, spoke, greeted others and ate. They also valued discipline, commitment and the distinction between right and wrong in all that they did. They were conscientious about their responsibilities and obeyed the rules attached to them, because they saw this as a way of safeguarding their own dignity and showing respect for others. They took care that every child was properly raised.

That sense of respect, resolve and diligence is now fading. It shows in the careless way many people go about their work. Society is clearly short of moral values, and many people act as though decency and diligence no longer matter. Moral, social and cultural decline is on the rise. Children appear to be losing their innocence, and many young people have become captives of fashion and trends that harm them. They carry themselves with arrogance and drift into cultism, vandalism and general indiscipline. Like sheep without a shepherd, they struggle to stay focused.

The church has not been exempt from this trend. Scholars have observed that the rapid multiplication of denominations in Nigeria has gone hand in hand with persistent moral decline (Etete, 2019; "Church proliferation and immorality in Nigeria," 2021). Studies of immorality among Nigerian youth also point to parental neglect, disregard for sound Christian moral teaching, unemployment and greed as contributing factors (Olorundare, 2011).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Everyone wants success, good health, happiness and wealth, yet most people are unwilling to pay the full price. Some will pay part of it, but they stop short and fall back on excuses instead of disciplining themselves to do all that is required.

The central problem is the high level of moral decay in Nigerian society, which suggests that churches, parents and teachers have not fulfilled their duty of moral instruction. This study therefore investigates the proliferation of churches in Nigeria and the rise in moral decadence.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The study aims to determine how deeply moral decadence has taken root in Nigerian society and to suggest ways of reducing it.

1.4 Research Questions

1. Is the absence of moral education a cause of moral decadence?
2. Is the lack of parental care a cause of moral decadence?
3. Can discipline within churches help eradicate moral decadence?
4. Is the high divorce rate in Nigeria a cause of moral decadence?
5. Is truancy in schools a cause of moral decadence?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: Lack of parental care has no significant effect on moral decadence in Nigeria.
H₁: Lack of parental care has a significant effect on moral decadence in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study clarifies the relationship between the church and morality. It can serve as a reference document for settling doubts about moral decadence. It should also help church leaders recognise why they need to teach morality in their congregations. Finally, it will inform the public about the causes of moral decline and how to find lasting solutions.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study examines the proliferation of churches in Nigeria and the rise in moral decadence in society. It is limited to Nigerian society.

REFERENCES

Etete, C. A. (2019). Proliferation of churches and the phenomenal moral decadence in Nigeria: The socio-economic implications. Zaria Journal of Educational Studies (ZAJES), 20(1), 9–15. https://zarjes.com/ZAJES/article/view/410

"Church proliferation and immorality in Nigeria: Interrogating the paradox." (2021). HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 77(1), Article 6387. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v77i1.6387

Olorundare, J. O. (2011). The role of Christian women in curbing moral decadence among the youths in Kaduna State. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/3759