RELIGION AND CULTURE IN THE DIGITAL ERA: EMERGING ISSUES IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

The nature of today's society has become so complicated that it raises the question of the Tessence of religion and culture and their relevance in our society. Some of the culturaloutlooks of the present time constitute a mockery to our society and the religiousboisterousness of the present time seems not to have much impact. The prevalent situation tends topresent religion and culture as being in opposition to each other. Using the historical criticalmethod, as well as the socio-cultural method, this paper investigates the nature of religion andculture, their relationship and what impact they can make in a society. The research findings revealthat religion and culture can be seen as human beings' greatest assets as they co-exist together withhuman beings right from creation. Hence, culture and religion are essential instruments thatcontribute much to the shaping and building up of any society. Both help to regulate society and helppeople to be ordered; thus, culture and religion have inherent values that serve as tools for peacefulcoexistence among the indigenes of every community. Culture can neither be separated from religionnor religion be separated from culture, they go side by side. Every religion incorporates someelements of culture and culture on the other hand incorporates some elements of religion. Wherethere is no culture, there is no religion. This paper, as a panacea to the present situation, suggests areorientation of the youth starting from primary school, through secondary school and universityeducation till old age, creation of employment opportunities and active involvement of the youth inpolitics.