JUDEO-CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE OF COVENANT: IMPLICATIONS FOR PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Judaism was established on the Abrahamic faith, which is rooted in the relational character of Yahweh (God) and ratified by a covenant. Christianity is a religion that originated through Jesus Christ. A covenant is a binding agreement between two persons or parties, which in some cases involves oath-taking and swearing as a symbol of faithfulness to the terms of the agreement. The biblical teachings on covenant practices, as seen in the Torah and New Testament, offer a viable framework for holistic, peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions. By enshrining covenant codes, we can foster social change, humanitarian development, political stability, and a thriving economy across cultures, particularly in Nigeria. This, in turn, will lead to good governance, national unity, and interfaith dialogue, echoing the refrain of 'brotherhood' in the national anthem. The far reaching implication of this thought is emphasized in the necessity to uphold the principles and values encoded in Judaism and Christianity by civil society organizations, government officials, policymakers, religious leaders, and devotees. Thus, by embracing these principles, the culture of respect, unity, shared responsibility, and cooperation will be cultivated and ultimately strengthen its ethnic fabric. This research underscores the importance of the Judeo-Christian perspective on covenant in advancing mutuality and solidarity in the multicultural identity of Nigeria, a historical overview of Judeo-Christian evolution in 19th century, definition of covenant, the genesis of covenant, types of covenants, the significance of Judeo Christian covenant, the Judeo-Christian perspective of covenant, Judeo-Christian perspective of covenant and its implication for peaceful co-existence in Nigerian nation. This research made use of historical analysis with the utilization of books, journals, internet sources, etc, and recommends, amongst others, that humans should be faithful to God’s covenant as it will attract blessings and favour.