Authors
Samuel M. Onwuka PhD
Department of Religious Studies/Philosophy, Abia
State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Grace I M Onwuka PhD
Department of Christian Education,
Crown Theological Seminary, Enugu
Abstract
Nigeria’s prolonged experience of insecurity has altered
the social, economic and religious life of many
communities. Terrorism, kidnapping, banditry,
communal violence, cult-related violence and other
forms of armed insecurity have produced deaths,
displacement, fear, disrupted livelihoods and deep
psychological wounds. Churches are not outside this
crisis. Congregations have lost members, clergy have
been abducted or killed, worship centers have been
attacked, and communities in which churches serve have
been displaced. This article examines theological
responses available to the Nigerian Church in an age of
insecurity. It adopts a qualitative documentary approach,
drawing on biblical texts, theological literature and
recent studies of insecurity and Christian responses in
Nigeria. The article argues that the Church’s response
must be broader than prayer alone and must avoid the
opposite error of reducing the Christian response to political activism. A faithful response requires a theology
of lament that takes victims seriously, a theology of hope
that refuses despair, pastoral accompaniment of
traumatized communities, prophetic witness against
injustice and corruption, peace building and interfaith
engagement, responsible civic advocacy, humanitarian
assistance, and practical safeguarding of congregations.
Biblical resources from the Psalms, the ministry of Jesus,
Romans 12, Matthew 5, Matthew 18, Acts 6 and Acts 15
provide a foundation for truth, reconciliation, and justice
and community responsibility. The article also addresses
difficult questions concerning forgiveness, retaliation,
security, justice and the reintegration of former
perpetrators. It concludes that the Nigerian Church can
contribute significantly to national resilience when it
combines spiritual care with public responsibility, rejects
revenge and scapegoating, protects vulnerable people,
works with legitimate institutions and becomes a
credible voice for justice, peace and human dignity.
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