An Appraisal of Attitudes of Nigerian Christian Leaders to Environmental Crisis

Abstract

The role of religion in the global environmental crisis is to change people's attitudes. This is needed because humans are the primary cause of environmental problems. Christianity in Nigeria is not exempted from this role; rather, more is expected from it, as Christians in Africa, including Nigeria, are increasing more than many other continents. Moreover, according to a 2005 BBC survey, Christian leaders, like other religious leaders, are more trusted and respected than any other form of leadership. However, despite their influence, many Christian leaders are silent on the issue of the environment. Rather, they contribute to environmental pollution through, among others, noise pollution, indiscriminate pasting of posters and the treatment of hills, mountains, river banks and groves when praying there. The major cause of their silence is ignorance of facts and the impacts of environmental problems. The methods adopted are a blend of ethnography and grounded theory. The authors immerse themselves in the ecclesiastical setting in Nigeria to observe and document the beliefs, practices and social dynamics of the major churches in Nigeria. However, the authors went further to develop explanations based on systematically analysing data collected from their observations. The paper suggests that it is very important for Christian scholars, the government and those who are concerned about ecological degradation to combat this ignorance by enlightening the clergy about the facts and impacts of environmental destruction. Due to their powerful influence, Christian leaders will then help change lay people's attitudes as well as political leaders.