Christian response to the challenge and effects of religious Pluralism on Christian Missions in Nigeria

Abstract

Pluralism is a contemporary challenge that describes the inescapable realities of the 21st Century. Gradually but increasingly, Christian belief that Christ is the way, the truth, the life, and the only authentic way to God, is challenged by many religious scholars, philosophers, and individuals. Consequently, Christianity is seen by some as one of many legitimate paths to God. The trend has caused some negative effects on Contemporary Christian missions and this must be tackled. The study was motivated by the researchers' observation as a Missiologist that most Christians in the local Churches and theological institutions seem to have lost interest in viewing Christ as the absolute reality. The paper argues that despite the commitments of Nigerian Christians towards Missions, the effects of religious Pluralism, if left unaddressed, can destroy the goal of Christian Missions. Four research questions are pertinent to this paper. First, what is religious Pluralism? Second, what are the forms or manifestations of Religious Pluralism in Nigeria? Third, how does religious Pluralism affect Christian Missions in Nigeria, and lastly, in which ways can the Church confront the challenges and effects of religious Pluralism on Christian Missions in the Nigerian context? For the paper's objective to be achieved, descriptive and historical research methods were used while findings were reported qualitatively. The historical process gathered data from books, Journal articles, and internet sources that give information on the subject under review while three respondents were interviewed using purposive random sampling. Findings revealed that religious Pluralism is not a hypothetical phenomenon but an empirical reality threatening the Christian faith and its missional activities in Nigerian. Intentional discipleship and use of strategic mission strategies are recommended as tools to combat the trend.