Religious Freedom and Jesus’ Use of “Turn the other Cheek”: The Implication of the Language of Violence for Nonviolent Peace-Building in Northern Nigeria
Cosmos B. Wule, Priscilla Queen Kparevzua
Department of Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos, Jos
Department of English, University of Jos, Jos
ABSTRACT
Sharing God’s world within the structures of cultures, beliefs, values, language expression and traditions of men is an interesting area of study despite the complexities involved in the diverse nature of human perceptions and operations. The enigma of life is that there is a world all around us that is visible to the eyes, but which the human senses cannot completely comprehend, as it is only with the heart that one can truly see. Yet we live and we learn from the experiences we share with humans and nature. The harsh tension of growing intolerance and hostility among peoples of living faiths, especially Christians and Muslims, on the global level is part of the worrisome experiences which we all share today, aggravated by the use of despicable and uncouth language and incitement. The situation has built a tragic and difficult phenomenon within the religious world to fully comprehend and resolve. It is not uncommon therefore that the quest for religious freedom and tolerance is basically necessitated by these ruthless conditions of life. However, at the very foundation of a truly secured life is religious freedom characterized by the principle of tolerance, forbearance, encouraging language, justice and peace. It is therefore contradictory that against all kinds of arbitrariness, the tide of sporadic violence has arisen from the human desire to discriminate against or compel others to accept other persons’ faith hence marring religious freedom. It is many such complex dynamics of religious hostilities prevalent in Northern Nigeria that calls for urgent attention and intervention. Thus we have carefully selected a biblical passage “Turn the other cheek” as reflection of the Christian imperative for encouraging religious nonviolent tolerance and freedom in a hostile society. The research is therefore undertaken to fast track attitudinal change and encouraging benign language as a necessity for cultivating fresh fields of peace. The goals of the research are strengthened by the strong conviction that the atmosphere for the promotion of peace and stability in Nigeria could be further enhanced if individuals or communities are allowed to exercise their conscience and express their faith freely without undue interference or coercion. When this is achieved the social, political and spiritual environment would be equipped with the right scheme and orthopraxis for national innovation, development, prosperity, security and progress.
Keywords: Religious Freedom, “Other Cheek”, Language, Violence, Nonviolence, Nigeria
