Reformation was a great movement that began in Europe in the fourteenth century with far reaching implications on the religious, historical and social development of Christianity globally. It opened a new door of opportunity for missionary efforts around the world and culminated in the massive missionary expeditions of the eighteen and nineteen centuries. The main thrust of this study was to investigate the impact of Reformation on the historical and social development of Christianity in South-South Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, five hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literature review was carried out according to the variables of the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of one thousand (1000) respondents was randomly selected for the study. The selection was done through the stratified and simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire was the main instruments used for data collection. The instruments were faced validated by the supervisor who vetted the items developed. The reliability estimate of the instruments was established through the test-retest reliability method. Pearson product moment correlation analysis was employed to test the hypotheses under study. Each hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that, cultural development of Christianity, slave trade, educational development, development of health institutions and historical development in Nigeria significantly relate with Reformation. Based on the findings of the study, it was among others, recommended that those cultural nationalists who denigrate the missionary enterprise in Nigeria and Christianity in general should start appreciating their efforts as having contributed in no small measure to the development of the country.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Purpose of the Study
- 1.4 Research Questions
- 1.5 Research Hypotheses
- 1.6 Significance of the Study
- 1.7 Scope of the Study
- 1.8 Limitations of the Study
- CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Conceptual Framework of Reformation
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework of Reformation
- 2.3 Martin Luther and the Historical Movement of Reformation
- 2.4 Religious Implications of Reformation
- 2.5 Sociological Impact of Reformation
- CHAPTER THREE: THE IMPACT OF REFORMATION: THE NIGERIA EXPERIENCE
- 3.1 Historical Development of Reformation in Nigeria
- 3.2 Reformation and the Fight against Slavery in Nigeria
- 3.3 Reformation and the Christianization of Nigeria: Missionary Endeavors
- 3.4 Reformation and the Education of Nigeria
- 3.5 Reformation and the Health Institutions in Nigeria
- 3.6 Reformation and the Purging of Nigeria from Heinous Cultural Practices
- 3.7 Reformation and the Proliferation of Churches in Nigeria
- CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 4.1 Research Design
- 4.2 Area of the Study
- 4.3 Population of the Study
- 4.4 Sampling Techniques
- 4.5 Sample
- 4.6 Research Instrument
- 4.7 Validity of the Instrument
- 4.8 Reliability of the Instrument
- 4.9 Administration of Instrument
- 4.10 Scoring of Instrument
- 4.11 Method of Data Analysis
- CHAPTER FIVE: RESULT AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
- 5.1 General Description of Variables
- 5.2 Hypothesis by Hypothesis Presentation of Result
- 5.3 Discussion and Findings
Objectives and Key Themes
This study investigates the impact of the Reformation on the historical and social development of Christianity in South-South Nigeria. The research aims to understand the multifaceted influence of this significant religious movement on various aspects of Nigerian society.
- The historical development of the Reformation in Nigeria.
- The role of the Reformation in combating slavery in Nigeria.
- The influence of the Reformation on the spread of Christianity and missionary activities in Nigeria.
- The impact of the Reformation on education and healthcare systems in Nigeria.
- The Reformation's role in societal transformation, specifically the purging of certain cultural practices.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION: This chapter sets the stage for the entire study. It provides the background of the research, clearly stating the problem being investigated – the impact of the Reformation on the historical and social development of Christianity in South-South Nigeria. The chapter defines the purpose of the study, outlines the research questions and hypotheses, details the significance and scope of the research, and acknowledges its limitations. It establishes a clear framework for the investigation that will follow in subsequent chapters.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter delves into existing scholarly work related to the Reformation, providing a comprehensive overview of the conceptual and theoretical frameworks surrounding the movement. It explores the historical context of the Reformation through the lens of Martin Luther's contributions. Furthermore, it analyzes both the religious and sociological implications of the Reformation, laying a crucial foundation for understanding its global impact and its subsequent influence on Nigeria, which will be explored in later chapters. The chapter synthesizes various perspectives on the reformation to establish a solid base for the original research.
CHAPTER THREE: THE IMPACT OF REFORMATION: THE NIGERIA EXPERIENCE: This chapter forms the core of the study, focusing specifically on the Nigerian context. It explores the historical development of the Reformation within Nigeria, examining its influence on the fight against slavery, the spread of Christianity through missionary endeavors, educational development, the establishment of healthcare institutions, the transformation of certain cultural practices, and ultimately, the proliferation of churches in Nigeria. The chapter provides a detailed analysis of how the Reformation manifested in Nigeria, detailing its specific consequences.
CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter meticulously describes the research design and methods employed in the study. It outlines the study area, target population, and sampling techniques used to select a representative sample of 1000 respondents. The chapter details the research instruments (questionnaires), outlining their validation and reliability. The data analysis methods, including the statistical techniques employed, are thoroughly explained. The rigor of the methodological approach is key to the study’s credibility.
CHAPTER FIVE: RESULT AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS: This chapter presents the findings of the research. It begins with a general description of the variables involved in the study, proceeds to a detailed hypothesis-by-hypothesis presentation of the results, and concludes with a comprehensive discussion of the findings. This chapter provides a thorough interpretation of the statistical data gathered and analyzed according to the research methodology, linking findings to the overall research questions.
Keywords
Reformation, Christianity, South-South Nigeria, historical development, social development, missionary activity, slavery, education, healthcare, cultural transformation, religious impact, sociological impact, Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this academic study?
This study investigates the multifaceted impact of the Reformation on the historical and social development of Christianity in South-South Nigeria. It examines the Reformation's influence across various aspects of Nigerian society, from its role in combating slavery to its effects on education, healthcare, and cultural transformation.
What are the main chapters covered in the study?
The study comprises five chapters: Chapter One (General Introduction) establishes the research background, problem, and objectives. Chapter Two (Literature Review) explores existing scholarship on the Reformation. Chapter Three (The Impact of Reformation: The Nigeria Experience) focuses on the Reformation's specific impact on Nigeria. Chapter Four (Research Methodology) details the research design and methods. Finally, Chapter Five (Result and Discussion of Findings) presents and analyzes the research results.
What are the key objectives and themes explored in this research?
The study aims to understand the historical development of the Reformation in Nigeria, its role in combating slavery, its influence on the spread of Christianity, its impact on education and healthcare systems, and its contribution to societal transformation by purging certain cultural practices. The key themes revolve around the multifaceted influence of the Reformation on various dimensions of Nigerian society.
What is the scope of the study's geographical focus?
The study specifically focuses on South-South Nigeria. It analyzes the impact of the Reformation within this particular region of the country, offering a regionally specific examination of its influence.
What research methods were employed in this study?
The study employed a research design involving a sample of 1000 respondents from the South-South region of Nigeria. Questionnaires were used as the primary research instrument, with their validity and reliability established. The data analysis involved statistical techniques, fully explained within Chapter Four.
What are the key findings presented in the study (in general terms)?
Chapter Five presents the detailed findings, analyzed hypothesis by hypothesis. The results are discussed in relation to the research questions and offer an interpretation of the data collected, revealing the extent and nature of the Reformation's impact in South-South Nigeria.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Reformation, Christianity, South-South Nigeria, historical development, social development, missionary activity, slavery, education, healthcare, cultural transformation, religious impact, sociological impact, and Nigeria.
What is included in the "General Introduction" chapter?
Chapter One provides the background, statement of the problem, purpose, research questions and hypotheses, significance, scope, and limitations of the study, setting the framework for the entire research project.
What does the "Literature Review" chapter cover?
Chapter Two provides a thorough review of existing literature on the Reformation, covering its conceptual and theoretical frameworks, Martin Luther's role, and the religious and sociological implications of the movement, building a foundation for the Nigerian-specific analysis in subsequent chapters.
What is the focus of "The Impact of Reformation: The Nigeria Experience" chapter?
Chapter Three delves into the specific impact of the Reformation on Nigeria, exploring its historical development, influence on the fight against slavery, role in Christianization through missionary work, effects on education and healthcare, its involvement in transforming cultural practices, and the resulting proliferation of churches.
What is explained in the "Research Methodology" chapter?
Chapter Four provides a detailed description of the research design, including the study area, population, sampling techniques (a sample size of 1000), research instrument (questionnaires), validation and reliability measures, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
What does the "Result and Discussion of Findings" chapter entail?
Chapter Five presents the findings of the research, starting with a description of variables, followed by a hypothesis-by-hypothesis presentation of results, and concluding with a comprehensive discussion interpreting the data and linking the findings to the research questions.
- Quote paper
- Emeka Ekeke (Author), 2013, The Impact of Reformation on the Historical and Social Development of Christianity in South-South Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/288556
