CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Division of Churches connotes the fragmentation of Christian denominations and hatred that exists among Christians. This characterizes the feature of most Nigerian churches/Christianity. Therefore, the cumulative effects of the division of Churches in the last few decades outweighed the positive effects.

On a positive view, some respectable spiritual leaders have added effort in bringing together Christians of different denominations to dialogue and discuss the salient issues about the truth in the bible and those Christian virtues that enhance national peace and development.

Historically, in Nigeria towards the end of the 19th century, only six foreign missionary establishments were fully functional.” IG.R Ikeazota, (2013) Following the position of Ikeazota, the six churches established are as below with their year of establishment via the founders.

Among all other churches founded by Paul, the Corinthian church is known globally because it has a strong leading position in Achaia, but now is experiencing a serious disrepute based on the division problem that arose in their midst.

The first book of Paul to the Corinthians is loaded with moral a lesson that addresses the attitude of Christians, the church leaders in contemporary Nigerian churches. Paul identifies the problem of Corinthian church and addresses it in line with the demand of the kingdom of God. “Paul develop this idea in several different ways to deal on their root problem of pride.

They had their eyes on external things like eloquence, social status, ascetic practices, etc. And Paul explains that those things mean nothing in God's kingdom.” IP. G Apple (2009) Paul's attempt to reply the congregation complaints in Corinth is purposely to address the issue of church division which some groups claim they are no longer for Paul, but Apollos.

Some claim they are of Peter while some groups insist on remaining followers of Paul. And the remaining group believed they are of Christ with whom all the divided groups professes. Division in Nigerian churches are caused by so many factors like a wrong application of biblical doctrine, intolerance, pride, tribalism, god-fathers, leadership position, loss of spiritual insight, inferiority complex, superiority complex and lots more.

If the churches could just deal with ego and pride of her leaders, most they would never divide. It is obvious that churches are most often pride induced, sometimes it is the truth that divides and that is excusable, but the solution is in understanding each other in all humility.

“In many ways arrogance, pride, dogmatism, and personal preference describe the modern church’s denominational confusion.” B. Utley, Paul’s Letters to a Troubled Church (2011). The church is to be more of an organism than an organization. Church to be more organism than organization means that elements of positive living should be seen in the lives of Christians in churches than an ordinary assembly.

Apostle Paul uses the body to explain what the church means. The church is the body which does the will of the head. Problem of Church division set-in the moment a person or group tries to use other people to meet a particular selfish goal. Church division may occur as a result of pride in keeping stipulated rules and regulation of the church in which those that disobey the rules are maltreated.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

One of the most discussed topics amongst brethren and other researchers has been church division. The issue of church division has become a clog on the wheel of unity among churches.

For instance, Paul apostle wrote letters primarily to address questions and problems within the congregation which has come to his notice. He had three sources of information; one was a servant of certain chloe who informed Him of serious division within the congregation.

Religious practices and beliefs are meant to unite the followers and educate them about religious tolerance and non-discrimination. However, divisionism has led to social and religious disunity among its adherents. Finally, several research has been carried out on the problems of division in the Corinthian church but not even a single research has been carried out on the division in the Corinthian church and its implication to COCIN RCC Amper.

1. AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim and objectives of the study is to examine the division in the Corinthian church and its implication. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the causative factors of division in the Corinthian church.
2. to determine the effect of division on the Corinthian church and its implication to CoNN RCC Amper.
3. to determine the relationship between church unity and theological teachings in the Corinthian church.
4. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.
   1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1      What are the causative factors of division in the Corinthian church?

2      What is the effect of division on the Corinthian church and its implication to CoCIN RCC Amper?

3      What is the relationship between church unity and theological teachings in the Corinthian church?

4      What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Ho:  There is no significant relationship between church unity and theological teachings in the Corinthian church.

Hi:   There is a significant relationship between church unity and theological teachings in the Corinthian church.

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the division in the Corinthian church and its implication will be of immense benefit to the entire CoCIN Rcc in the sense that it will educate them on the factors that triggers church division, its effect on families and individual as well as the church. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and also it will provide basis for further research.

1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study on the division in the Corinthian church and its implication is limited to COCIN Rcc Amper.

1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

TIME CONSTRAINTS: One the challenges experienced by the researcher is the issue of time; the research will simultaneously engage in departmental activities like seminars and attendance to lectures. But the researcher was able to meet up with the deadline for the submission of the project.

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS: Every research work needs funding; however lack of adequate funds might affect the speed of the researcher in getting materials for completion of the project.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Division:         The action of separating something into parts or the process of being separated.

Church:   A building used for public Christian worship.

Implication:    The action or state of being involved in something.