AN EXAMINATION OF THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION AND DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP IN OSUN STATE'S FOURTH REPUBLIC
This study explores the influence of the Church on civic education and democratic development in Osun State, Nigeria, from 1999 to 2020. Recognizing political leadership as a foundational component at all governance levels, the paper focuses on the limited engagement of Christians in Osun State’s civic and political landscape. A primary cause of this disengagement is identified as misunderstandings regarding Biblical teachings. Through qualitative analysis, the study assesses the educational responsibilities of Christians in enhancing democratic participation, examined through doctrinal, moral, and educational lenses. The study outlines three core areas of responsibility for Christians: duty to God, duty to the State, and duty to society. The findings highlight critical educational implications for moral issues facing the Church, including clergy limitations, political corruption, godfatherism, and security deficiencies. The study concludes that the current disengagement of Christians from political participation hampers democratic and civic education in Nigeria, emphasizing that active engagement aligned with scriptural values could foster social justice and educational reform. It recommends the Church’s deeper involvement in civic education to inspire Christian engagement in governance, thereby promoting informed citizenship and policy advocacy.
Keywords: Church, Civic Education, Osun State, Governance, Democracy, Social Contract
Theory
Dr. Janet Olanike FOLORUNSO
AN EXAMINATION OF THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION AND DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP IN OSUN STATE'S FOURTH REPUBLIC
This study explores the influence of the Church on civic education and democratic development in Osun State, Nigeria, from 1999 to 2020. Recognizing political leadership as a foundational component at all governance levels, the paper focuses on the limited engagement of Christians in Osun State’s civic and political landscape. A primary cause of this disengagement is identified as misunderstandings regarding Biblical teachings. Through qualitative analysis, the study assesses the educational responsibilities of Christians in enhancing democratic participation, examined through doctrinal, moral, and educational lenses. The study outlines three core areas of responsibility for Christians: duty to God, duty to the State, and duty to society. The findings highlight critical educational implications for moral issues facing the Church, including clergy limitations, political corruption, godfatherism, and security deficiencies. The study concludes that the current disengagement of Christians from political participation hampers democratic and civic education in Nigeria, emphasizing that active engagement aligned with scriptural values could foster social justice and educational reform. It recommends the Church’s deeper involvement in civic education to inspire Christian engagement in governance, thereby promoting informed citizenship and policy advocacy. Keywords: Church, Civic Education, Osun State, Governance, Democracy, Social Contract Theory