ANWSER
Question 1:
(a) Factors that necessitated the emergence of Sociology of Religion:
1. Secularization: The Enlightenment era emphasized rational inquiry over dogma, prompting the study of religion as a social phenomenon.
2. Industrialization: Rapid societal changes required understanding religion’s role in modernizing societies.
3. Diversity and Pluralism: Increased interaction between cultures highlighted the need to analyze varying religious practices.
4. Scientific Approach: Scholars like Durkheim and Weber sought to study religion objectively, focusing on its social functions (e.g., cohesion, meaning-making).
5. Critique of Traditional Authority: Questioning of religious institutions’ influence in politics and society drove sociological analysis.
(b) Ways the family teaches religious beliefs to children in Nigeria:
1. Daily Rituals: Family prayers, grace before meals, and bedtime stories with moral/religious themes.
2. Participation in Worship: Attending church/mosque together and involving children in ceremonies (e.g., baptism, naming rites).
3. Role Modeling: Parents exemplifying religious values like honesty, charity, and respect.
4. Oral Traditions: Sharing folktales, proverbs, and scriptural parables to instill faith.
5. Religious Education: Teaching children to read holy texts (e.g., Bible, Quran) and enrolling them in Sunday/Sabbath schools.
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Question 2:
(a) Society and Religion’s Role in Change:
– Society: A structured community sharing territory, culture, and institutions (e.g., family, economy).
– Religion as a Catalyst for Change:
1. Moral Advocacy: Promoting social justice (e.g., Christianity’s role in abolishing slavery).
2. Education: Religious organizations establish schools, increasing literacy and critical thinking.
3. Healthcare: Missionary hospitals and clinics improve public health.
4. Cultural Shifts: Challenging harmful traditions (e.g., opposition to gender-based violence).
(b) Ways Religion Brings Societal Development:
1. Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes through religious ethics of forgiveness.
2. Economic Empowerment: Faith-based NGOs providing microloans or vocational training.
3. Environmental Stewardship: Encouraging sustainable practices via teachings on creation care.
4. Political Engagement: Religious leaders advocating for good governance and human rights.
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Question 3:
Role of Religion in African Society’s Development:
1. Social Cohesion: Uniting diverse ethnic groups through shared rituals (e.g., festivals, rites of passage).
2. Preservation of Culture: Oral traditions, art, and music rooted in spirituality.
3. Education: Missionary schools laid foundations for formal education systems.
4. Healthcare: Herbal medicine and faith healing complement modern practices.
5. Moral Framework: Guiding ethical behavior (e.g., Ubuntu philosophy emphasizing community).
6. Political Influence: Religious leaders shaping policies (e.g., South Africa’s anti-apartheid clergy).
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Question 4:
(a) Major Institutions as Agencies of Religion:
1. Family: Transmits beliefs through upbringing; e.g., Hindu joint families preserving rituals.
2. Education: Madrasas, seminaries, and faith-based universities shaping worldviews.
3. Government: Theocracies (e.g., Iran) or secular states influenced by religious lobbying.
4. Economy: Religious tithes funding community projects; ethical business practices (e.g., Islamic finance).
(b) Religion and Violence in Nigeria:
1. Interfaith Conflicts: Clashes between Muslim and Christian communities (e.g., Jos Plateau crises).
2. Extremism: Boko Haram’s Islamist insurgency targeting schools and churches.
3. Political Manipulation: Elites exploiting religious identity for electoral gains.
4. Resource Competition: Framing economic disputes (e.g., land rights) as religious issues.
5. Peacebuilding Efforts: Interfaith dialogues (e.g., CAN and NSCIA collaborations) mitigating tensions.
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