CHRISTIANITY AND UMANITARIANISM: ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHURCHES TO SOCIAL WELFARE IN NIGERIA

Résumé

Christianity does not come to a people without affecting their way of life in a significant way. The introduction of Christianity in any place brings the transformation of the society. Christianity influences a people's world-view, their social relationship, education, customs, language and daily habits. The transforming effects of Christianity on the Nigeria society is not in doubt, it is visible everywhere. Christianity has affected the whole of Nigerian community in ways too numerous to mention. Non-Christians of various categories have benefited from Christian programmes such as education, healthcare, transportation and communication, agriculture and social services which are provided by the church. Researchers have concentrated more on the contribution of Christianity to the provision of Western education and healthcare. However, this study identified other areas through which Christianity has affected the Nigerian society to include defense of human right, poverty alleviation and response to emergency situations. The paper recommends synergy among Churches and Church organizations in rendering humanitarian assistance to the needy; as well as the need for Churches to cooperate with international donor agencies in the provision of humanitarian assistance to the needy, among others. It is believed that these will boost the humanitarian efforts of the churches in Nigeria.