“Green Gospel” As A Panacea For Environmental Challenge In Nigeria.

Abstract

Environmental challenge is a global phenomenon which has generated discussions at different levels. The discussions focus on how humans can stop mistreating the ecosystem and create a sustainable environment. This discussion will continue as long as the attitude of people to the environment is still atrocious. The present state of the environment in Nigeria is of utmost concern. This gruesome attitude could be as a result of erroneous belief that human beings are to exercise dominion over the earth. Changing this erroneous belief requires continuous intentional enlightenment on environmental sustainability. A Yoruba adage says, bi ina o ba tan laso, eje kin tan ni eekanna (As long as there are lice on one’s clothe, there will be blood on the hands). Hence, Christians, by their God-given roles in Genesis 1:26, 28; 2:15, which is to “till the land, keep it, rule over it and fill it” are to champion this enlightenment by preaching “Green Gospel.” “Green gospel” is Gods’ act of benevolence to human beings with regards to the environment and human beings’ responsibilities as leader and manager of environment. “Green gospel” is aimed at raising environmental-friendly people. These are people who will preserve, conserve and care for the environment. Descriptive method is used in this paper. The paper looks at the views of different schools of thought and Christians on environment and concludes that a continuous preaching of “Green Gospel” by Christians will help in solving environmental challenge in Nigeria and the global world. “Green Gospel” should first be preached in the Church and Church members should in turn spread the Gospel to the “market place.”