LEGITIMISING VIOLENCE OR EMBRACING TOLERANCE: PENTECOSTALTEACHINGS AND PERSPECTIVES OF PEACE IN PLATEAU STATE ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

Abstract

Nigeria has an established Pentecostal landscape; arguably the most dynamic in Africa, often with a significant missionary impulse and theological influence on other African Christians (Hackett1998; Ukah 2005). Plateau State is one of its typical examples as Pentecostal presence has heavily influenced mainline churches and is presently taking new forms. In the past decade, the Pentecostal landscape in Plateau has come under threat through frequent attacks on members by religious extremists. Amidst this challenge is the religious rhetoric of tolerance by Pentecostals and other denominations alike, drawing inferences from Jesus’ life example and scriptures such as Luke 6:29, and cautioning that those who live by the sword will die by the sword (Mathew 26: 52 & 53). Similarly, Revelation 2: 10 & Acts 13: 50 remind the church that believers have to endure persecution. Juxtaposing these texts and verses, suggest the legitimisation of suffering and the acceptance of violence as part of the Christian faith. Some of the questions that guided this inquiry include: Can tolerance be used as an alternative means to promoting and building peaceful coexistence in a conflict environment? How has the Pentecostal approach to tolerance impacted the approach to conflict in Plateau State? How can such an approach be utilised as a resource for conflict resolution? These and other questions were answered through interaction with Pentecostal leaders in front-line churches and some followers, bearing in mind Dali Lama’s view that “If religious symbols and values can be (and are) manipulated for great effects as weapons of war, then they can-and-must be used likewise for peace and reconciliation.”