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PAUL’S ADVOCACY FOR TRANSFORMATION IN ROMANS 12:1-3 AS PANACEA FOR CORRUPTION AND SYSTEMATIC CHANGE IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

The issue of corruption in Nigeria has been a long-standing concern, with successive governments making efforts to tackle the problem without much success. Corruption pervades various sectors of Nigerian society, including politics, education, healthcare, and law enforcement, impeding the country’s growth and development (Ekechukwu and Okolie 101; Uzochukwu and Okpara 32). Despite the establishment of several anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), corruption remains a major challenge in Nigeria (Abubakar and Ojo 12; Adeniji et al. 35). As a result, there has been a growing call for new approaches to be employed in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The issue of corruption in Nigeria is a pervasive and systemic problem that has been a concern for many years. The country has been plagued by corruption at all levels, from petty bribery to large-scale embezzlement of public funds. Corruption in Nigeria has been identified as a major impediment to the country’s growth and development. It hinders economic progress, discourages foreign investment, undermines public trust in government, and erodes the rule of law.

Despite several efforts by successive governments to tackle the problem of corruption, progress has been slow and limited. Corruption in Nigeria has been perpetuated by a culture of impunity, weak institutional frameworks, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. Furthermore, the lack of political will and commitment to reform has often hindered the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures (Adejare 245).

In recent years, there has been a growing call for new approaches to be employed in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Civil society groups, religious organizations, and other stakeholders have been advocating for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to tackling corruption. There is a recognition that the fight against corruption in Nigeria requires more than just legal and institutional reforms. It requires a cultural shift and a transformation of the mindset of individuals and society as a whole.

This is where the study of Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 becomes relevant. The passage presents a call to believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The transformation that Paul speaks of is not just an individualistic, spiritual experience, but has broader implications for the way we live and interact with others (Uzochukwu and Chijioke 12). The passage highlights the importance of a renewed mindset as a basis for ethical living and social transformation.

By exploring the implications of Paul’s teachings for the fight against corruption in Nigeria, the study seeks to contribute to the development of new approaches to tackling corruption in Nigeria. It recognizes that a comprehensive approach to the fight against corruption requires more than just legal and institutional reforms. It requires a cultural shift that promotes ethical behavior, integrity, and a commitment to the common good (Adeniji, Adeyeye, and Salami 39). Ultimately, it is hoped that the study will contribute to the development of a society that is more just, equitable, and conducive to growth and development.

The passage in Romans 12:1-3 has been a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians throughout the ages. It presents a call to believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God, which is seen as a symbolic act of surrendering one’s whole being to God. The passage then goes on to exhort believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, which is understood to involve a process of spiritual and moral transformation (Alemika and Chidi 710). This transformation is seen as essential for discerning the will of God and living a life that is pleasing to Him.

In the context of Nigeria, the relevance of Paul’s advocacy for transformation lies in its potential to serve as a panacea for corruption and systematic change. According to Osakwe corruption in Nigeria is not just a legal and institutional problem; it is a cultural and moral problem. (15) It is driven by a range of factors, including greed, lack of transparency, and a culture of impunity. These factors have contributed to a situation where corruption has become endemic and entrenched in Nigerian society.

The study seeks to explore how Paul’s teachings can be applied to the Nigerian context to promote ethical behavior, integrity, and accountability. It recognizes that a fundamental change in mindset is necessary to address the root causes of corruption in Nigeria. By focusing on the renewal of the mind, Paul’s teachings offer a framework for promoting ethical behavior and a commitment to the common good. The study will explore the practical implications of Paul’s teachings for promoting individual and societal change in Nigeria. It will examine the challenges that may arise in the application of these teachings in a Nigerian context and propose strategies for addressing these challenges. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to the development of a more just and equitable society in Nigeria by promoting a culture of integrity and accountability.

1.2 Statement of problem

Despite the efforts of successive governments to combat corruption in Nigeria, the problem persists and poses a significant obstacle to the country’s growth and development. Various scholars have proposed different strategies to tackle corruption, but the challenge persists. The study aims to explore the relevance of Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a potential solution to corruption and systematic change in Nigeria.

Romans 12:1-3 is a passage in the New Testament of the Bible, written by the Apostle Paul. In this passage, Paul urges his readers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God, which he calls a “reasonable” or “spiritual” act of worship. He then goes on to encourage them not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The transformation that Paul speaks of is not simply a change in behavior or actions, but a fundamental shift in perspective and worldview. It is a transformation that comes from an intimate relationship with God and a deep understanding of His will for our lives. This transformation allows individuals to discern and live out God’s will, which includes living righteously and justly. Paul suggests that this transformation can have a positive impact on society as a whole. As individuals are transformed, they will live in a way that is in line with God’s will, which will lead to a more just and righteous society. This can be seen as a call to Christians to be agents of change in the world, working towards a society that reflects God’s values of love, justice, and compassion. Overall, Romans 12:1-3 advocates for a holistic transformation of the individual, which will lead to a positive impact on society. It encourages individuals to align their thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God’s will, which will ultimately lead to a more just and righteous world.

The study aims to examine how Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 can be applied to address the issue of corruption in Nigeria. Corruption in Nigeria is a pervasive problem that has persisted despite numerous efforts to combat it. This study seeks to explore an alternative approach to combating corruption by looking at the potential impact of a transformation of the mind, as advocated by Paul in Romans 12:1-3. The study will examine the potential impact of such a transformation on individuals and the wider society in Nigeria. It will seek to understand how a renewed perspective on life, grounded in biblical principles, can lead to a more just and righteous way of living, both individually and collectively. The study will also explore the challenges and limitations of implementing this approach, considering factors such as cultural and societal norms, economic conditions, and political structures.

• Purpose of study

The purpose of this study is to explore the relevance of Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a panacea for corruption and systematic change in Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, the following objectives will be pursued:

1. To examine the principles outlined in Romans 12:1-3 and their applicability to the Nigerian context.
2. To assess the extent to which these principles can promote systematic change and combat corruption in Nigeria.
3. To identify the implications of applying these principles for Nigerian society and governance.

1.4 Significance of study

The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to the ongoing discourse on combating corruption in Nigeria. Corruption in Nigeria is a pervasive problem that has hampered the country’s growth and development for many years. Despite numerous efforts by successive governments to tackle the issue, it persists, and new approaches are needed to address it effectively.

The study’s focus on Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a potential solution to corruption and systematic change in Nigeria represents a novel approach to addressing the issue. This approach is based on biblical principles and seeks to transform individuals from the inside out, leading to a more just and righteous society.

By exploring the relevance of this approach to the context of Nigeria, the study can provide valuable insights into the potential impact of a transformation of the mind on combating corruption and promoting systematic change. The study can also highlight the challenges and limitations of implementing this approach, providing a more nuanced understanding of its feasibility in the Nigerian context.

The study’s significance lies in its potential to contribute to the development of new and innovative approaches to tackling corruption in Nigeria. By exploring an alternative approach based on biblical principles, the study can provide insights that can inform policy and practice in Nigeria, potentially leading to a more just and prosperous society.

Finally, the study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on combating corruption in Nigeria by exploring an alternative perspective based on biblical principles. It aims to provide insights into how a transformation of the mind can lead to systematic change in Nigeria and potentially serve as a panacea for the issue of corruption.

1.5 Research questions

            The following research questions were raised to guide the study:

1. What are the principles outlined in Romans 12:1-3 and their applicability to the Nigerian context?
2. To what extent have these principles can promote systematic change and combat corruption in Nigeria?
3. What are the implications of applying these principles for Nigerian society and governance?

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of the study on Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a panacea for corruption and systematic change in Nigeria will focus on the application of this approach to address the issue of corruption in Nigeria. The study will involve a detailed exploration of the relevance of Paul’s teachings in Romans 12:1-3 to the Nigerian context, particularly in relation to the challenges of corruption and systematic change. The study will also seek to identify the potential impact of this approach on individuals and the wider society in Nigeria, as well as the challenges and limitations of implementing this approach.

The study will have a specific focus on corruption in Nigeria, but it will also explore the broader issue of systematic change in the country. The scope of the study will, therefore, extend beyond corruption to include other related issues, such as governance, politics, and economics, that are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the Nigerian context. Overall, the scope of the study is to explore the potential of Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a panacea for corruption and systematic change in Nigeria, by examining its relevance, potential impact, and challenges in the Nigerian context.

1.7 Theoretical framework

The theoretical framework for the study on Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a panacea for corruption and systematic change in Nigeria will draw from several related theories and concepts.

Firstly, the study will draw from the theory of transformational leadership, which emphasizes the importance of personal transformation in leadership effectiveness. This theory suggests that leaders who transform themselves and inspire followers to do the same can have a significant impact on society. In the case of Nigeria, the study will explore how Paul’s teachings in Romans 12:1-3 can be applied to inspire personal transformation among key stakeholders, such as government officials and religious leaders, towards combating corruption and promoting systematic change.

Secondly, the study will draw from the concept of corruption as a social problem. Corruption is not just an individual issue but a systemic problem that affects society as a whole. The study will explore the root causes of corruption in Nigeria, such as weak institutions, lack of transparency and accountability, and cultural norms that tolerate corruption. The study will also examine how corruption affects different segments of society and the negative impact it has on economic growth and development.

Thirdly, the study will draw from the concept of social change, which emphasizes the importance of collective action towards achieving positive social outcomes. The study will explore how Paul’s teachings in Romans 12:1-3 can inspire individuals to transform themselves and work together towards combating corruption and promoting systematic change. The study will also examine the potential impact of such collective action on wider society, such as the role of civil society organizations in holding government officials accountable and promoting transparency.

Overall, the theoretical framework for the study will draw from theories and concepts related to personal transformation, corruption as a social problem, and social change. The framework will help to guide the study’s analysis of the potential of Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a panacea for corruption and

1.8 Definition of Terms

To ensure clarity and consistency in the study on Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a panacea for corruption and systematic change in Nigeria, the following key terms will be defined:

Transformation: A significant change in an individual’s thinking, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, resulting in a new way of life.

Corruption: The abuse of public office for private gain or the misuse of entrusted power for personal benefit, which often leads to the distortion of public policy and undermining of the rule of law.

Systematic Change: Fundamental and widespread transformation in the structures, processes, and institutions of a society, which aims to address the root causes of social problems and promote long-term sustainable development.

Panacea: A solution or remedy that is believed to be a cure-all for a particular problem or challenge. In this study, Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 is proposed as a panacea for corruption and systematic change in Nigeria.

Mind renewal: The process of transforming an individual’s thinking and worldview to align with God’s will, leading to a more righteous and just way of living, as advocated in Romans 12:1-3.

1.9. Methodology

The study on Paul’s advocacy for transformation in Romans 12:1-3 as a panacea for corruption and systematic change in Nigeria will employ a mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis. The study will utilize both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research methods will be employed to obtain rich, in-depth data on scholar’s perceptions, and attitudes towards corruption and the potential impact of a transformation of the mind. Qualitative data will be collected through in-depth literature works relating to the topic. Focus group discussions will also be conducted to provide insights into how participants perceive corruption and the potential impact of a transformation of the mind. The study will also conduct a critical analysis of existing literature on the topic, including academic journals, books, and reports. This will enable the study to contextualize its findings within the broader scholarly discourse on corruption and systematic change in Nigeria. The data collected from qualitative method will be analyzed using appropriate methods, such as thematic analysis and content analysis. The data analysis will help to identify key themes and patterns, which will be used to draw conclusions and recommendations from the study.