Decoloniality and Inter-religious Transformation among Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria: A Practical Theological Approach

Abstract

Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria experience dysfunctional relationship responsible for the recurrent inter-religious crises that creates a deep-rooted trauma with the adherents co-existing with anger, fear and suspicion. As a result of the volatile relationship, the two religious groups live with encapsulated mind-set that spurs the practices of exclusion, discrimination and marginalization. In addressing the volatile relationship, the study was guided by a practical theological methodology through the hermeneutical process of EDNA model proposed by Noel Woodbridge. The ‘Exploratory’ task reflected the era of the British colonial administration in Northern Nigeria in relation to religious policy. The ‘Descriptive’ task describes the continuity of the colonially established inter-religious discriminations among Christians and Muslims today. The ‘Normative’ considered the inter-religious consciousness with the examples of Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed. Having identified the challenge of Christian/Muslim co-existence in Northern Nigeria, the ‘Action’ task contributed through decoloniality and inter-religious transformation. 

Key words: Northern Nigeria, Christians and Muslims, decoloniality, transformation.