Oyeronke Olademo. Religion and ICT in Nigeria. A Comparative Study of Two Syncretic Religious Movements on Facebook and Instagram, 181–185

Abstract

Religion and information communication technology (ICT) are pervading phenomena in contemporary society, including Nigeria. ICT has served as a venue for the display and interactions of diverse religious practices (George 2006). The history of religion confirms that every religion is in “essence” syncretic and as such remains a complex phenomenon. Syncretism is a controversial subject marked by negotiation and interaction of new elements from different groups or domain. Syncretic tendencies may be identified in Christianity and Islam in Nigeria. Recently, certain syncretic religious movements have surfaced (with followership consisting mainly of youths below forty years) on Facebook and Instagram that are worthy of academic examination. Consequently, this article aims to examine the Ijo Olohu ose ko oju ija si (“the church of God that cannot be attacked”) and the “Jehovah Allah Movement,” both offering syncretic spiritualities by combining Christian and Islamic tenets. This research has followed a qualitative approach using ten purposively sampled key informant interviews (KIIs) as well as books and materials from the internet. The study will be guided by Maslow’s basic human needs theory (1943). Data will be analyzed descriptively.

[Nigeria, syncretism, Chrislam, religious Internet platforms, Maslow’s basic human needs theory]