Prof. Igbakua Iorjaah

This paper provides a theological examination of the biblical imagery of Christ as the Redeemer Lamb of God and evaluates how the Christian church should respond to structural and violent persecution. Set against the background of lingering religious hostility and communal insecurity in Northern Nigeria, the article analyzes biblical motifs of sacrificial endurance, non-violent resistance, and ultimate divine justice. It formulates an ecclesiological model guiding Christian communities in preserving faith, fostering peace, and protecting human dignity during persistent social crises.

The parable of the unfaithful servant in Luke 16:1-12 has been a subject of scholarly debate. There is no consensus among scholars regarding its meaning and socio- economic context. Some scholars argue that the parable reflects a critique of the wealthy exploiting the poor, while others see it teaching shrewdness in financial matters. This paper examined the socio-economic implications of the parable so as to establish its economic and social realities. It analysed the parable's historical, social, and economic background. Data was collected from existing literature on the parable and related topics. Content analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in the data. The study found that the parable reflects the economic realities of the first-century Greco-Roman world, where the wealthy landowners exploited their tenants and servants. The parable criticises this system and emphasises the importance of wise financial management. The findings also indicated that the Parable remains relevant today because it challenges individuals and institutions to act in ways that promote the common good and contribute to sustainable development due to its call for justice and equity and the importance of debt forgiveness, responsible stewardship, ethical decision-making, accountability, and a shift in values towards relationships and justice. The study has contributed to knowledge by shedding light on the historical and social contexts of the parable and provides a 'nuanced understanding of its message. It recommends that scholars of Christian ethics should pay closer attention to the socio-economic context of biblical texts to better understand their message.

In the last two decades there has been a serious dethronement of peace in Nigeria due to sharp increase in religious-based terrorist activities. This scenario excited the rise of many peacebuilding organisations to restore peace, but their efforts have so far failed. This study set out to establish the basis for the present situation and the way forward. Employing historical and ideological analyses for the crisis situation and exegetical analysis for a biblical theological solution to it, the study discovered that:the organisations have erroneously ignored or misunderstood the ideological basis of the crisis, hence the needfor a theological solution. They have all along emphasised this-worldly transient public relational peace instead of the sustainable internal (emotional and mental) personal "peace of God", thereby missing the mark in solutions so far being proffered.