- Prince Emma Peters is a Nigerian born Biblical scholar. His major interest is in Synoptic studies with special intere... morePrince Emma Peters is a Nigerian born Biblical scholar. His major interest is in Synoptic studies with special interest in Q hypothesis. He is also interested in inculturation and post-colonial African studies.edit
The social institution of marriage, deeply established in the Nsukka cultural area long before the advent of Christianity, has undergone profound transformations due to the influence of Westernisation and Christianity. This seismic shift... more
The social institution of marriage, deeply established in the Nsukka cultural area long before the advent of Christianity, has undergone profound transformations due to the influence of Westernisation and Christianity. This seismic shift extends beyond marriage to impact all facets of the people's cultural life. It has permeated nearly all African societies, leaving Africans with what appears to be a solitary choice of religious and cultural syncretism. The use of syncretism to manage the conflicting interests in Christianity and traditional religions is most evident in the Nsukka cultural area, where Christian marriage rituals have become significantly intertwined with traditional marriage rites and concepts, resulting in an uneasy hybridisation. This study, employing ethnographic observation and interview methods, delves into this complex and multifaceted situation to accurately gauge Christianity's influence on marriage practice and its rituals in the Nsukka cultural area. The research findings reveal that despite the people's adoption of syncretism in their religious practices, the cultural conflict, particularly in the context of marriage, has strongly fostered inculturation within the Christian church in the area. Nevertheless, the church must aim to transition from inculturation to inter-culturation, which could serve as a new model that might pave the way for a harmonious synthesis of Western and cultural marriage practices in Nsukka Igbo.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Individual guardian angel belief is one aspect of Second-Temple Jewish angelology that infiltrated early Christianity. In Mtt. 18:10, these angels were referred to as guards to people, especially those whom Jesus referred to as 'the... more
Individual guardian angel belief is one aspect of Second-Temple Jewish angelology that infiltrated early Christianity. In Mtt. 18:10, these angels were referred to as guards to people, especially those whom Jesus referred to as 'the little ones.' Jesus' mention of this second temple angelology explains the popularity of this angelic belief within Jesus' time. Meanwhile, in Africa-Igbo mythology there is a belief in individual destiny spirit (chi) who is also a guardian spirit. This destiny or guardian spirit is possessed individually by each Igbo person. The chi-spirit personality is seen to display certain characteristics which make it possible that the Igbo philosophy on individual chi and the individual angel of Mtt. 18:10 refer to the same spirit beings. The study aims to verify the nexus between these two spirit phenomena..
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This paper argues that adultery mentioned in Matthew 5:27–30, contrary
to its understanding in Pentecostal circles, is a sexual disorder and not the result of demonic spirits that feed the mind with sexual thoughts.
to its understanding in Pentecostal circles, is a sexual disorder and not the result of demonic spirits that feed the mind with sexual thoughts.
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One possible meaning of the Greek word τολμηρήηγεσία (bold leadership) among the ancient Greeks was bravery and astuteness in managing human and natural resources. In this study, it is used in the context of fearlessness and willingness... more
One possible meaning of the Greek word τολμηρήηγεσία (bold leadership) among the ancient
Greeks was bravery and astuteness in managing human and natural resources. In this study, it
is used in the context of fearlessness and willingness of the Nigerian youth to take up
governmental responsibilities in leadership positions, which is achievable either through
demanding governmental appointments or contesting elections for political positions through
a free and fair political election. With the use of exegesis and hermeneutics, this study on
τολμηρήηγεσία refers to Paul’s instruction to Timothy regarding bold leadership in I Timothy
4:11–12. 1 Timothy 4:11–12 is contextually seen as a call on Nigerian youth to adopt as a
prototype; young Timothy who the elderly Paul encouraged in his words, not to allow anyone,
despise his youth. This is to the intent of challenging Nigerian youth to become more proactive
in national politics and governance in order to help Nigeria register its presence in the
competitive global technological and scientific arena.
Greeks was bravery and astuteness in managing human and natural resources. In this study, it
is used in the context of fearlessness and willingness of the Nigerian youth to take up
governmental responsibilities in leadership positions, which is achievable either through
demanding governmental appointments or contesting elections for political positions through
a free and fair political election. With the use of exegesis and hermeneutics, this study on
τολμηρήηγεσία refers to Paul’s instruction to Timothy regarding bold leadership in I Timothy
4:11–12. 1 Timothy 4:11–12 is contextually seen as a call on Nigerian youth to adopt as a
prototype; young Timothy who the elderly Paul encouraged in his words, not to allow anyone,
despise his youth. This is to the intent of challenging Nigerian youth to become more proactive
in national politics and governance in order to help Nigeria register its presence in the
competitive global technological and scientific arena.
Research Interests:
Luke 12:49–59 contains two pericopes whose only bond of unity is conflict. The first pericope (49–53) deals with the kind of conflict best described as persecution because of Jesus, whereas, the first part of the second pericope (54–57)... more
Luke 12:49–59 contains two pericopes whose only bond of unity is conflict. The first pericope (49–53) deals with the kind of conflict best described as persecution because of Jesus, whereas, the first part of the second pericope (54–57) is a call for the Lukan community to understand various signs which mark a transition from the first to the second pericope. The second half of the second pericope (58–59) deals with inter-personal conflict among community members as it is seen and documented by the evangelist. In it, Jesus gives advice on how to avoid falling victim to legal justice. This research examines Jesus’ stance in handling conflict, and to observe if the contemporary Christianity in Nigeria understands conflict management as Jesus did in
Lk 12:49–59, and how far the church has applied Jesus’ conflict management styles. The tools of exegesis and hermeneutics were employed to reconstruct the two pericopes and their various life situations.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The study’s implication is an approach with New Testament using Form Criticism to challenge the docility often seen in the (Nigerian) church each time there is a conflict situation. Peace and conflict study is analysed from the perspective of New Testament studies in order to cancel this stereotypical docility that is misunderstood as ‘Christian pacifism’. It then argues that the life situation of the conflict (whether it is intra-mural or extra-mural) should guide Christians to make the right choice towards conflict management.
Lk 12:49–59, and how far the church has applied Jesus’ conflict management styles. The tools of exegesis and hermeneutics were employed to reconstruct the two pericopes and their various life situations.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The study’s implication is an approach with New Testament using Form Criticism to challenge the docility often seen in the (Nigerian) church each time there is a conflict situation. Peace and conflict study is analysed from the perspective of New Testament studies in order to cancel this stereotypical docility that is misunderstood as ‘Christian pacifism’. It then argues that the life situation of the conflict (whether it is intra-mural or extra-mural) should guide Christians to make the right choice towards conflict management.
Research Interests:
This study makes firm the belief that Christianity is formed on divergent traditions that produced various strands of practices, which in turn produce different Christian sects and denominations, and a reverse is not possible. It then... more
This study makes firm the belief that Christianity is formed on divergent traditions that produced various strands of practices, which in turn produce different Christian sects and denominations, and a reverse is not possible. It then suggests a bonding in faith through the invisibility of henotic unity, which the pericope suggests. This will help the church to amass a stronger defence politically and structurally against rival religions and social
organisations even in the midst of doctrinal differences.
organisations even in the midst of doctrinal differences.
Research Interests:
With the sudden heightened controversy surrounding tithing lately around the world, the subject of tithing deserves a critical analysis and a re-examination especially with regard to its ethical implications both in the New Testament text... more
With the sudden heightened controversy surrounding tithing lately around the world, the subject of tithing deserves a critical analysis and a re-examination especially with regard to its ethical implications both in the New Testament text and the New Testament era. With the Rationality Theory applicable in the framework of Deontology and Form Criticism as its methodology, this study analysed New Testament texts that speak about tithe in line with their moral obligation as a duty both to the organised church and the poor congregants.
Research Interests:
Didache 1:4b – ἐὰν λάβῃ τίς ἀπὸ σοῦ τὸ σόν, μὴ ἀπαἱτει, οὐδὲ γὰρ δύνασαι [if anyone takes something from you that is yours, do not ask it back, because you should not or would not be able to] – is discussed in this article as problematic... more
Didache 1:4b – ἐὰν λάβῃ τίς ἀπὸ σοῦ τὸ σόν, μὴ ἀπαἱτει, οὐδὲ γὰρ δύνασαι [if anyone takes something from you that is yours, do not ask it back, because you should not or would not be able to] – is discussed in this article as problematic to the present mindset of the Nigerian church, especially as frontal attacks and premeditated persecutions from rival religions daily threaten to exterminate the Christian faith in Nigeria. This article argues that the Christians in Nigeria unwittingly interpreted this first-century document and wrongly so because this interpretation has metamorphosed into an ideology. The article suggests a sharp measure
against this ideology.
against this ideology.
Research Interests:
1 Timothy 3:2 in its traditional reading is one of those Bible texts that have negatively challenged the Igbo style of marriage and family life. This is because the church’s ‘generalisation policy’ on the sacrament of matrimony, which has... more
1 Timothy 3:2 in its traditional reading is one of those Bible texts that have negatively challenged the Igbo style of marriage and family life. This is because the church’s ‘generalisation policy’ on the sacrament of matrimony, which has presented such passages as all inclusive, has left it an out-of-context hermeneutical text both in sermons and catechetical interpretations. Since the church is assumed to be an impartial umpire in cultural matters, then, understanding such passages for an average Igbo Christian would mean to interpret them in their contexts or to interpret them through Igbo lexicology, which is technically called adaptation. But if the biblical writers used the languages and the literary forms of the ancient Mediterranean world, then a re-view of such passages through the Igbo cultural lens is imperative considering that African scholars have become aware that neither the methodology used by the European scholars nor their theological conclusions reached reflected the reality of the African experience and its selfunderstanding. This paper, with an African contextual hermeneutical view drawn from deconstructionist criticism including textual and form critical methodology, critically examined this situation, and narrowed the study to the sacrament of marriage.
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The modern use of the word ‘persecution’ in both speeches and books shows a phenomenon that is almost wholly associated with religion. However, persecution is a threat to the peace of religious institutions as well as various societies... more
The modern use of the word ‘persecution’ in both speeches and books shows a phenomenon that is almost wholly associated with religion. However, persecution is a threat to the peace of religious institutions as well as various societies all over the world; thus, this makes it a phenomenon beyond the scope of religion. However, this research focuses on religious persecution. It studies an aspect of persecution which is called intra muros persecution. This means ‘internal’ persecution. ‘Internal’ in this context describes the kind that existed in the Jewish religious settings, amongst professing Jews, strictly between Rabbinic Jews and Messianic Jews as predicted in Matthew 10:16–23 and is reflected in today’s Christianity in the form of various intra-denominational attacks in Nigeria. The study delves into the history of events which took place between Rabbinic Jews and Messianic Jews and how it relates to the Christian faith, coming out with the discovery that division which it called sectarianism was the brain behind this brand of persecution. The application of the study to the Nigerian situation necessitates the call for tolerance amongst various denominational sects in Nigeria.
Research Interests:
The nascent church in Jerusalem represented in Acts 6 verses 1–3 was promptly challenged by the problem of inequity and lack of fair play among the various stakeholders and such disaffection reached a situation of murmur and open... more
The nascent church in Jerusalem represented in Acts 6 verses 1–3 was promptly challenged by
the problem of inequity and lack of fair play among the various stakeholders and such disaffection
reached a situation of murmur and open agitation. This challenge to the apostles was a threat to
the consolidation of the already established Christian community in Jerusalem and its spread to
the whole world. Something must be done to arrest the situation or the Church runs the risk of
disintegration. Having some moral lessons drawn from the pericope at the back of the mind, one
notices that recently there has been a clamour by the different geopolitical groups in Nigeria to
restructure the Nigerian political system. The clamour is based on the failed position of post-war
federalism to give all parts of Nigeria’s pluralistic society a fair and equal representation which
hitherto was meant to stop Nigeria from another civil war or the cry for cessation by one region
or another. The church, as an impartial umpire in the art of politics, should, in the midst of the
turmoil, serve as the conscience of the masses, pressing hard to the actualisation of the demands
of the masses. The study, through historical-critical method of biblical scholarship with Form
criticism, analysed that situation of agitation to inequality and gross misrepresentation in the
book of Acts 6:1–3, pressing to offer vital lessons to Nigeria in her quest for political restructuring.
It concluded by finding out that Nigeria’s pluralistic nature, when restructured, should be a
catalyst for global vision attainment and sustainable development.
the problem of inequity and lack of fair play among the various stakeholders and such disaffection
reached a situation of murmur and open agitation. This challenge to the apostles was a threat to
the consolidation of the already established Christian community in Jerusalem and its spread to
the whole world. Something must be done to arrest the situation or the Church runs the risk of
disintegration. Having some moral lessons drawn from the pericope at the back of the mind, one
notices that recently there has been a clamour by the different geopolitical groups in Nigeria to
restructure the Nigerian political system. The clamour is based on the failed position of post-war
federalism to give all parts of Nigeria’s pluralistic society a fair and equal representation which
hitherto was meant to stop Nigeria from another civil war or the cry for cessation by one region
or another. The church, as an impartial umpire in the art of politics, should, in the midst of the
turmoil, serve as the conscience of the masses, pressing hard to the actualisation of the demands
of the masses. The study, through historical-critical method of biblical scholarship with Form
criticism, analysed that situation of agitation to inequality and gross misrepresentation in the
book of Acts 6:1–3, pressing to offer vital lessons to Nigeria in her quest for political restructuring.
It concluded by finding out that Nigeria’s pluralistic nature, when restructured, should be a
catalyst for global vision attainment and sustainable development.
Research Interests:
Effective governance could be described as one in which the government of the day is both sensitive and responsive to the overall development of the state. Based on this definition, it is evident that the successive governments of post... more
Effective governance could be described as one in which the government of the day is both sensitive and responsive to the overall development of the state. Based on this definition, it is evident that the successive governments of post colonial Nigeria is very far from being conceived as 'effective' since there is a massive erosion of basic and structural amenities which have direct impact on the education of the country. Using secondary method of data collection, the research is focused on unravelling the failed educational structure in Nigeria as a direct consequence on failed government which has not granted the educational institutions the necessary instruments to compete with their peers abroad and which have also discouraged both students and teachers in the country, who consequently have watered down the standards of global education as it applies to Nigeria. The paper suggested that the present 'value system' of embezzlement and nonchalance to development which are basically functional in Nigeria's government, should be arrested and eliminated with a new value system put in place by the current leadership of the government in order to reinvent the wheels for the stakeholders in the educational sector.
Research Interests:
The first volume on Traditional Theology discussed as Christian Dogmatics in the African context, features Predestination, Election, and Eternal Security. It establishes God's choice in election as that which is to create a permanent... more
The first volume on Traditional Theology discussed as Christian Dogmatics in the African context, features Predestination, Election, and Eternal Security. It establishes God's choice in election as that which is to create a permanent distinction between his seeds and the seeds of the enemy, injected into the world to corrupt it. The work is a sine qua non for African theologians because for once, Traditional and Dogmatic Theologies have been interwoven to form one strand, and written in an African context both for experts and non-experts.