[Poverty, Prosperity, and Piety: Challenges for the Nigerian Christian]

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

In this study we try to explore the concept of Christianity and Morality in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on Christianity and its relation with the teachings that Christianity gives upon the context of living in the state of poverty. The research also analyzes many aspects of the teachings of Christianity and tries to gauge its effect on how human beings deal with the changes prevalent in the world and that how people should make way for the development and understanding of living in poverty conditions in the light of Christianity. This paper had been developed in order to create an understanding, an insight regarding how far and wide can a person make way to live under poor conditions and that how does religion tend to influence and change the course of understanding of individuals, who should help us make way for surviving in the world today.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Background of the Study1

1.2 Statement of Problem1

1.3 Aim of Study2

1.4 Scope of Study2

1.5 Significance of Study2

1.6 Research Method3

1.7 Definition of the key concepts3

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW4

2.1 Origin of Christianity4

2.2 Christianity and Poverty6

2.3 Advent of Christianity in Nigeria8

2.4 Religious Influences9

2.5 Challenges of Poverty, Prosperity and Piety to the Nigerian Christian11

2.6 Prosperity and Poverty13

2.7 View of the Researcher16

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY18

3.1 Research Design18

3.2 Research Ethics18

3.3 Literature selection criteria18

3.4 Search technique19

3.5 Keywords used19

3.6 Theoretical framework19

3.7 Research instruments20

CHAPTER 04: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS21

4.1 Theme 1: The Materialities22

4.2 Theme 2: Perception of one's own condition23

4.3 Theme 3: How the others view the poor25

4.4 Theme 4: SPIMES (socio-cultural space-times) affecting various perceptions of poverty26

4.5 Account of religion and poverty27

REFERENCES30

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Christianity is amongst the largest and the most important religion to currently exist around the Earth today. Followers and believers of Christianity and other monolithic religions are strong and firm believers in the previous existence and belief in Jesus Christ.

It must be understood and comprehended that Bible, as believed today and followed, although has changed the course of all verses and quotes, that were otherwise mentioned in the Bible, however, a still major portion of the belief lies strongly upon the development and understanding of believers and followers taking oath upon the existence, presence of Jesus Christ, even in the modern world today.

Unfortunately, due to lack of different means and modes of basic necessities, following religious norms and fulfilling the standards of religion becomes a much debatable concept and consideration of the research paving underway.

To fulfill the religious requirements and ...