HARNESSING THE ORACLE OF SIMEON (LUKE 2: 25-35): AS A NEXUS FOR PEACFUL CO-EXISTENCE AMONG RELIGIOUS ADHERENTS IN NIGERIA.
Abstract
Religion at different times has served both as unifying and divisive medium. One of its potent instruments is persecution which is both inter and intra in nature and outlook. No religious leader at the initial inception however enjoyed any form of immunity from persecution; none also, experienced extinction but instead continued to witness wide followership. This paper examines the potential of harnessing the Oracle of Simeon in the Gospel of Luke as a nexus for promoting peaceful co-existence among adherents of different religions in Kwara State, Nigeria. The prophecy given by Simeon, in which he recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and praises God for allowing him to see the savior before he dies, is analyzed as a message of hope and unity, highlighting the common humanity of all people and the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse beliefs and practices. The writer adopts historical, analytical and exegetical methods. Finding reveals that for the ministry of Jesus to succeed, persecution was a necessity but for an expected end. Hence Jesus’ admonition to his disciples, not only to expect persecution but to abstain from any form of violence and retaliation. The paper suggests that this message can be promoted through interfaith dialogue, education and community building initiatives, and through emphasizing the importance of understanding and valuing perspectives and experiences of those who may hold different beliefs.
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