The Role of Religion in Promoting Fundamental Human Rights in Nigeria: Christian Perspective

Abstract

The role of religion in the human rights arena is sometimes perceived as challenging, since some religious actors and some secular human rights actors may not see eye-to-eye in some areas. In this important topic, Religion and human rights: understanding the role of Christianity in the promotion of fundamental human rights in Nigeria. This study gave a historical account of the contributions of Christianity human right formation and struggle. it examines the relationship between Christianity and human rights, with emphasis on whether there is some integral connection between Christian thought and the idea of natural human rights. The paper clarified some important concept like religion, human right and go further to looked at the Origin of Religion (with Special Reference to Christian Religion) and it’s Role in Bringing Peace and Order in Society. The paper explores the argument that Christian thought have a significant link with the idea of natural human rights, and that a deep understanding of the idea of natural rights is inimical to Christianity. The history of modern human rights discourse shows its indebtedness to religious thought. The paper conclude that Human rights advocates should also consider how religious thought helps to support the universalizing impulse that has existed in human rights discourse from the beginning. The research recommends among others that There is need for government to strengthen independence of the judiciary, press freedom, democratic rules/principles, human rights education and public vigilance to curtail human rights abuses and promote good governance in Nigeria