TRANSCENDENTAL PATRIOTISM: BIBLICAL ETHICAL TOOL FOR THE REVERSION OF MATERIALISM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

A critical driver to the growth and development of nations has been patriotism because it touches the fundamental interests of all citizens. When ethically applied, patriotism arouses the citizen's concerns to love and to conduct themselves in ways as to uphold the political sanctity, economic development, social fulfilment and appropriate expressions of attachment to a country refusing to commit acts that are capable of truncating any democratic process. Using the historical and ethical analyses, the paper discovers that, in Nigeria, the citizens have lost their appetite and love to protect the nascent democracy and have chosen the part of materialism. A cursory ethical look at the country reveals that there is no form of modest human patriotism from the leaders to the led. This paper therefore examines and upholds a transcendental patriotism. Citizens would, therefore, be required to live by a code that guides social and political conduct with God as the Sovereign Leader thereby disallowing self-love to overshadow responsibility and duty. A conclusion was drawn having in mind a reversal of the culture of materialism based on transcendental patriotism. The paper recommends that other religions develop and apply such transcendental patriotism to run the moral message complet.