THE POSITIVE IMPACTS OF CHRISTIANITY AS AN AGENT OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN EZINIFITE TOWN, 1970-2006

Abstract

The European Christian missionaries came to Africa with a misconception that African traditional religion is fetish and primitive. The penetration of these Christian missionaries into the interior territories through the east of the Niger, beginning from 1857, saw the disruption and relegation of African traditional religion thereof. Christianity came as foreign religion in Ezinifite town. It brought Western ideas with it which conflicted with the rich cultural and traditional practices of the people. Thus, the socio-cultural life of the people witnessed great changes and transformation, and has continued to do so. The study focuses on the positive impact of this influence. The study adopts the historical research method which employs the qualitative and thematic approach, to document the activities of Christian missionary enterprise in Ezinifite from 1970 to 2006. It highlights the original culture, tradition, and belief system of the people and also examines the positive impacts brought by Christianity and modernity in Ezinifite. However, this study shows that Western Culture clothed in Christianity to bring disruption, in Ezinifite traditional norms and values. The difference between Christianity and traditional religion is more of cultural difference.