olugbenga S olagunju | Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (original) (raw)

Papers by olugbenga S olagunju

Mary Ann Beavis holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge. She is a Professor of Religion and ... more Mary Ann Beavis holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge. She is a Professor of Religion and Culture at St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan. From the onset, Beavis employs literal-redaction strategy as her critical methodology to the study of Mark. This approach involves narrative, rhetorical and reader's response strategies to the study of the biblical text. Mary Beavis, while working on the fundamental presuppositions of narrative criticism and post structuralism, shows how the Markan text shapes theological convictions and moral habits of the community of believers and comments on the final canonical form of the text. In order to work within the framework of rhetorical and narratological methodology, the author divides each section into 1. Introductory matters; 2. Tracing the narrative flow and; 3. Theological issues. For want of space and since the book is a commentary, this review will concentrate on the major theological issues of each section.

Asia-Africa journal of mission and ministry, Feb 28, 2017

The use of oil and saliva was a common therapeutic technique in the ancient world. The ancient pe... more The use of oil and saliva was a common therapeutic technique in the ancient world. The ancient people believed that the anointing oil and the saliva of a holy man of God was therapeutic and had a healing effect on whomever the oil was placed upon or to whom the saliva was spit upon. African scholars have been passionately advocating for the use of mystical powers as an alternative therapy to improve the standard of living of the African people. These scholars have concluded that, mystical powers were made to assist human beings, and tapping its resources for the benefit of mankind is useful. Mystical practices that utilize materials in the form of oil, herbs, roots, animal parts and body wastes are around us. They are affordable and accessible; what do we do with them? The African Christian worldview attaches demonism to every mystical technique because it is incongruous to Christian faith and practice. They believe that mystical practices are occultic and can jeopardize the Christian faith. So, Christians should have nothing to do with them. But is this true? Thus, this paper discusses the use of anointing oil by Jesus` disciples in Mark 6:13 from an African world view. Applying exegetical tools in an intercultural hermeneutics, this study demonstrates that the use of anointing oil as one of the healing techniques of Jesus` disciples in Mark is mystical and is similar to mystical techniques of healing among traditional healers in Africa. The paper thus submits that the use of anointing oil for healing can be adopted as one of the methods for achieving wholeness in Africa.

International journal of culture and religious studies, Mar 19, 2022

There was a considerable debate among the early church fathers about which books ought to be incl... more There was a considerable debate among the early church fathers about which books ought to be included in the New Testament Canon and which ought to be omitted. Those which were omitted from the New Testament Canon were known as Apocrypha. This paper is eclectic in nature as the researchers use both descriptive and analytical methods. The findings reveal that the reasons for their not being canonized were that they were not inspired and lacked apostolic authorship. Their writings claimed to add missing details of the canonical books, and some wrote just to satisfy curiosity. The findings also reveal the importance of providing extracanonical traditions about the life and teaching of Jesus not found in the canonized books. They provide some information about Jesus and the apostles lacking in the New Testament. They contain traditions that can be etched back to the very beginning of Christianity. They are indispensable to understanding the theological environment of the first century. The study is essential as it educates on the general understanding of which books comprise the New Testament Apocrypha and how they can help one understand some missing information about key New Testament actors not discussed in the New Testament. The researchers recommend that though these writings cannot stand on a par with the canonized books of the New Testament, they should be studied for their rich historicity. Their knowledge contributes immensely to the understanding of the New Testament.

E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 2022

This article discusses mystery religions and how they influenced the New Testament and early Chri... more This article discusses mystery religions and how they influenced the New Testament and early Christianity. It is library research and is descriptive. Data was gathered from books, journal articles, and internet sources. The research findings reveal that mystery religions influenced the New Testament to the extent that the knowledge derived from it sheds more light on the background of some New Testament texts, such as John 12:24 and Matthew 17:1-13. Also, some practices in the New Testament times, such as baptism, meal fellowship, the veiling of women, and other early Christian practices, were influenced by mystery religions. Both the mystery religions and New Testament contain the same linguistic form. Therefore, this article recommends that mystery religions be studied to gain background knowledge of particular texts in the New Testament. Also, the language in mystery religious texts can be examined since it can aid the understanding of New Testament writings at times. Keywords: M...

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN HUMANITIES, 2017

The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2019

How do we approach the letters of Paul? Should we approach them historically, as Raisanen propose... more How do we approach the letters of Paul? Should we approach them historically, as Raisanen proposed, or should we approach them theologically? What method is appropriate for the study of Paul's letters and/or his theology? Reading through this book the method adopted by these four scholars to write their piece on Paul is not the same. The first contributor approaches Paul theologically, thus bringing out some theological issues from Paul's letters - issues like the centrality of Christ in Paul's theology; Paul's view of salvation, sin and judgment; God's saving work in Christ and Paul's vision for the church. These theological issues are discussed extensively by Schreiner from a Reformed Baptist perspective.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2023

The uses of the imperatives in the Greek New Testament cannot be overemphasized. Imperatives in t... more The uses of the imperatives in the Greek New Testament cannot be overemphasized. Imperatives in the New Testament text function in diverse ways, and the exegetes need to understand each grammatical imperative's applicability in a given context. The imperative mood, as it is commonly defined, is a mood that expresses various kinds of commands. It is being said that it is a mood that expresses an action or state of being which is volitionally possible. That is an action or state which may come about as a result of the exercise of the will. This paper analyses the grammatical and syntactical uses of the imperative mood in New Testament Greek with specific application to Ephesians 4:26, where Paul used this statement when he was writing to the Ephesian Christians, ὀργίζεσθε καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε. This paper seeks to find out the meaning of this statement in Ephesians 4:26? What are the syntactical and grammatical nuances of this text to other imperatives used in the Greek New Testament and what functions or roles do καὶ play in this context? The writer uses an exegetical method to arrive at the meaning of the passage in focus and resolve the debate on the importance of the text by ascertaining the correct forms of the imperative used in it to bring about the theology of the text for Christian life and ministry. Thus, the paper recommended that, although Christians may be angry, they must not sin. They must not let their anger linger to the level where it degenerates into malice, bitterness, and hatred which are sinful in the eyes of the Lord. This paper attempt to look at the overview of the Imperative Mood in the Greek New Testament, identify the Uses of the Imperative Mood in the Greek New Testament and then discuss the Meaning of the Imperatives in Ephesians 4:26 (ὀργίζεσθε καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε with particular reference to Christian life and ministry

International Journal of Contemporary Research and Review, Jun 19, 2017

The concept of “ruach” in the Old Testament is a unique one. It appears almost 387 times in the O... more The concept of “ruach” in the Old Testament is a unique one. It appears almost 387 times in the Old Testament usually in feminine gender. The Greek equivalent of the word is “pneuma” whose fundamental meaning is “air in motion.”(Barton Payne 2131) However, the word “ruach” as the wind or the breath of God or as an invading force is evident throughout the Scriptures of the Old Testament. These manifestations of the Spirit of God are conspicuously seen at creation and in the life and ministry of individuals who were specially anointed to accomplish given tasks for God in the Biblical world. This boils down to the fact that no one can do God’s work without the enabling presence of God’s Spirit. The Church today must realize this fact and as such allow the Spirit of God to lead and guide in all the church activities and program so that the people can be blessed. The paper discusses the meaning of ruach in the Old Testament and its implications for the church in Nigeria. It examines the functions of ruach in the Old Testament and also attempts its relationship with other related terms like nesama and nephesh. Thus ruach becomes an indispensable tool in the life of the prophets as it is associated with God the Lord and master of the universe.

This paper discusses Jesus’ healing miracles in Mark 6:13; and 7:31-37 from an African perspectiv... more This paper discusses Jesus’ healing miracles in Mark 6:13; and 7:31-37 from an African perspective and makes it relevant for African Christians. Applying historical-critical and exegetical tools in an intercultural hermeneutics, this study demonstrates that the healing miracles of Jesus in Mark 6:13 and 7:31-37 though similar to mystical practices among traditional healers in Africa, the paper questions whether mystical practices as they are being advocated among African Christians today are congruous to Christian faith and practices.

Journal of Studies in Social Sciences, Jan 4, 2013

Globalization is a complex concept that cannot be defined within a set time frame, nor is it a pr... more Globalization is a complex concept that cannot be defined within a set time frame, nor is it a process that can be defined clearly without any biases or ambiguity. Globalization cannot be expounded upon with certainty and be applicable to all people and in all situations. Globalization involves economic integration, the transfer of policies across borders, the transmission of knowledge, cultural stability, the reproduction, relations, and discourses of power. It is a global process, a concept, a revolution, and an establishment of the global market free from socio-political control. Globalization encompasses everything. It is a concept that has been defined variously over the years, with some connotations referring to progress, development and stability, integration and cooperation, and others referring to regression, colonialism, and destabilization. Despite these challenges, this term brings with it a multitude of hidden agendas. An individual"s political ideology, geographic location, social status, cultural background, and ethnic and religious affiliation provide the background that determines how globalization is interpreted. The African continent is large with diverse culture and traditions. Their social and cultural values tend toward relationships, hospitality and toler ance of all religious ideas and worldviews. This attitude of the African people accounts for the reasons why religions such as Christianity and Islam had thrived on the continent as they encounter the culture and religions of the traditional people of Africa. The traditional people are either inclusive or pluralistic in their orientations and worldviews. They recognize the fact that the God which Islam and Christianity proclaimed is the same God which the traditional people are worshipping and so when they encountered Islam and Christianity, to dialogue with and tolerate these new religions is not difficult. This paper is purely a literary work. The thesis of this essay is that accommodation, solidarity and sharing peculiar to the African culture makes the e nvironment conducive for inter-religious encounters and that inter-religious dialogue is a tool for religious peace and harmony in Africa. The task of this paper therefore, is threefold: One, to discuss the characteristics of the African cultural environme nt and advance some of the factors that are responsible for the possibility of inter-religious dialogue in African cultural environment. Two, to highlight the necessity of and hindrances to interreligious dialogue in a pluralistic environment such as African cultural environment and finally discuss the forms of inter-religious dialogue in a globalized African community. The writer uses material from the library and internet sources. He consulted articles in Journal, Dictionaries and textbooks. DEFINITION OF TERMS GLOBALIZATION An individual"s political ideology, geographic location, social status, cultural background, and ethnic and religious affiliation provide the background that determines how globalization is interpreted. For example, Andrew Igenoza describes globalization as a situation which affects or engulfs the whole world. It is like the entire world at one"s doorstep: the foreign religions and ideologies, the good and the bad. 1 Kenichi Ohmae defines it as the onset of the borderless world." 2 These two definitions do not have positive or negative connotations but is vague and inclusive. These definitions could be used as a basis for a working paper on a number of subjects, including technology, trade agreements, and just about any other issue that deals with overcoming traditional boundaries. Gold Anie defines globalization as a new form of intellectual colonialism. By this definition he tied globalization to western intellectual and theological production

Journal of Studies in Social Sciences, Feb 16, 2013

This paper is titled "Pauline Concept of Agape: It"s Implication for Religious Peace and Harmony ... more This paper is titled "Pauline Concept of Agape: It"s Implication for Religious Peace and Harmony in Africa." There is an unhealthy tension among different religious groups in Africa today. This tension is much more pronounced between the Christians and Muslims. Religion is being used as an instrument for destabilizing the unity, peace and progress of some nations in Africa especially Nigeria. Recently, there were incidences of religio-political conflicts in Nigeria and other nations in Africa. These conflicts have led to destruction of lives and properties. Fear, anxiety and suspicion have been created through it. The African Union at different times have set up panel of enquiry to unravel the remote causes of these conflicts and suggest lasting solution that would bring sustainable peace to the polity. But unfortunately, nothing tangible has been achieved from the panel of inquiries set up to find lasting solution to these problems. The results of religious intolerance are the breaking down of law and order, killing of innocent citizens and destruction of properties. Religious intolerance has led to hatred, social deprivation and injustices among various religious groups. One of the reasons why religious conflicts have not been controlled in Africa is because the government is not sincere in its approach to solving the problem and people are not ready to practice love for their neighbor. The practice of love is what Paul called agaph. Agaph is a common term in the Greco-Roman world which Paul borrowed and used as technis termini in his writings to the Corinthian church. A study of agaph and its application from the letters of Paul is timely for such a pluralistic and diverse society as ours in Africa. The ultimate aim of agaph is to create an

not yet, 2022

Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Human... more Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Humankind does not take sicknesses for granted. They sought healing anywhere they can get it, when people are sick, they pursue healing by all means and at all cost to get relief from sickness, not minding whether the source of healing is biblical or not; all they want is healing. The methods of achieving wholeness does not matter to them once they get healing they are satisfied. Some Christians condemn other sources of healing aside from prayer and faith in God’s word. They engage those that sought healing from other sources as unscriptural and fake, unspiritual, carnal and faithless individuals. This becomes a challenge.
This paper tackles the challenge posed by Yoruba Trado-medical practices to the church in Africa. It discusses various implications of these and then look at the challenge of integrating orthodox and traditional medicine in the concluding part.
The methodology adopted is eclectic. Whereby the writer combines participation and observation techniques with interview and literary methods. He uses the tools of intercultural hermeneutics to investigate various healing methods and their implications to the church in Africa. This study recommends that since the use of material objects is paramount in these practices and the Bible did not condemn the use of means to achieving wholeness, it is wrong for any Christian to cast aspersion or stigmatize any user of means as carnal and unspiritual. This paper encourages the church in Africa to make use of natural herbs and products around them for therapeutic purposes, for they are cheap and available at all times.

AJBT, 2022

The church today needs thorough revitalization. By revitalization I mean total rejuvenation, comp... more The church today needs thorough revitalization. By revitalization I mean total rejuvenation, complete revival and discipline in all ramification of church life. The only tools for revitalizing the church is the word of God and when God’s word is no more a sole authority for faith and practice then the church will lose her authority and position in the world and this is what we are witnessing today.
The contemporary church seems to have lost her vigor and vitality. It needs urgent attention because worldliness and materialism has already taken over the church.
Nihinlola rightly said in his address at the 2020 virtual Baptist Ministers’ Conference that took place in Ogbomoso that “the church in Africa is in distress for it has been plagued with various kind of diseases ranging from shortage of blood leading to fainting,, drowsiness, yawning, sneezing and coughing and it is about to fall asleep”
This is true from observation; the contemporary church requires urgent surgical operation to free it from COVID-19 of bigotry, unhealthy rivalry, and immorality of all sorts, worldliness and materialism, the pandemic that has taken over the church in recent times. This a true saying from the observation and participation in church activities of different denominations one sees that the word of God is no more given a primal place in the church. Therefore, this writer would like to revisit 2 Tim. 3:16-17 in light of scriptural authority for faith and practice and point our attention to some crucial and critical issues the scripture is passing across to us at this period in time.
This paper is exegetical in nature. It utilizes exegetical and grammatical method to investigate the sole role the word of God is playing to revitalize the church in contemporary times. The paper is divided into three sections. Section one discusses critical issue to Paul’s letter to Timothy, section two explains some grammatical nuances of 2 Timothy 3:16-18 and the last section concludes with various instruction to the churches as per the word of God for faith and practice.

Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Human... more Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Humankind does not take sicknesses for granted. They sought healing anywhere they can get it, when people are sick, they pursue healing by all means and at all cost to get relief from sickness, not minding whether the source of healing is biblical or not; all they want is healing. The methods of achieving wholeness does not matter to them once they get healing they are satisfied. Some Christians condemn other sources of healing aside from prayer and faith in God's word. They engage those that sought healing from other sources as unscriptural and fake, unspiritual, carnal and faithless individuals. This becomes a challenge. This paper tackles the challenge posed by Yoruba trado-medical practices to the church in Africa. It discusses various implications of these and then look at the challenge of integrating orthodox and traditional medicine in the concluding part. The methodology adopted is eclectic. Whereby the writer combines participation and observation techniques with interview and literary methods. He uses the tools of intercultural hermeneutics to investigate various healing methods and their implications to the church in Africa. This study recommends that since the use of material objects is paramount in these practices and the Bible did not condemn the use of means to achieving wholeness, it is wrong for any Christian to cast aspersion or stigmatize any user of means as carnal and unspiritual. This paper encourages the church in Africa to make use of natural herbs and products around them for therapeutic purposes, for they are cheap and available at all times.

Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Human... more Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Humankind does not take sicknesses for granted. They sought healing anywhere they can get it, when people are sick, they pursue healing by all means and at all cost to get relief from sickness, not minding whether the source of healing is biblical or not; all they want is healing. The methods of achieving wholeness does not matter to them once they get healing they are satisfied. Some Christians condemn other sources of healing aside from prayer and faith in God's word. They engage those that sought healing from other sources as unscriptural and fake, unspiritual, carnal and faithless individuals. This becomes a challenge. This paper tackles the challenge posed by Yoruba Trado-medical practices to the church in Africa. It discusses various implications of these and then look at the challenge of integrating orthodox and traditional medicine in the concluding part. The methodology adopted is eclectic. Whereby the writer combines participation and observation techniques with interview and literary methods. He uses the tools of intercultural hermeneutics to investigate various healing methods and their implications to the church in Africa. This study recommends that since the use of material objects is paramount in these practices and the Bible did not condemn the use of means to achieving wholeness, it is wrong for any Christian to cast aspersion or stigmatize any user of means as carnal and unspiritual. This paper encourages the church in Africa to make use of natural herbs and products around them for therapeutic purposes, for they are cheap and available at all times.

Journal of Studies in Social Sciences, Dec 10, 2012

Asia-Africa journal of mission and ministry, Feb 28, 2017

International journal of culture and religious studies, Mar 19, 2022

E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 2022

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN HUMANITIES, 2017

The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2019

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2023

International Journal of Contemporary Research and Review, Jun 19, 2017

Journal of Studies in Social Sciences, Jan 4, 2013

Journal of Studies in Social Sciences, Feb 16, 2013

not yet, 2022

AJBT, 2022

Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Human... more Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Humankind does not take sicknesses for granted. They sought healing anywhere they can get it, when people are sick, they pursue healing by all means and at all cost to get relief from sickness, not minding whether the source of healing is biblical or not; all they want is healing. The methods of achieving wholeness does not matter to them once they get healing they are satisfied. Some Christians condemn other sources of healing aside from prayer and faith in God's word. They engage those that sought healing from other sources as unscriptural and fake, unspiritual, carnal and faithless individuals. This becomes a challenge. This paper tackles the challenge posed by Yoruba trado-medical practices to the church in Africa. It discusses various implications of these and then look at the challenge of integrating orthodox and traditional medicine in the concluding part. The methodology adopted is eclectic. Whereby the writer combines participation and observation techniques with interview and literary methods. He uses the tools of intercultural hermeneutics to investigate various healing methods and their implications to the church in Africa. This study recommends that since the use of material objects is paramount in these practices and the Bible did not condemn the use of means to achieving wholeness, it is wrong for any Christian to cast aspersion or stigmatize any user of means as carnal and unspiritual. This paper encourages the church in Africa to make use of natural herbs and products around them for therapeutic purposes, for they are cheap and available at all times.

Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Human... more Illnesses are perennial challenges that have confronted human society from time immemorial. Humankind does not take sicknesses for granted. They sought healing anywhere they can get it, when people are sick, they pursue healing by all means and at all cost to get relief from sickness, not minding whether the source of healing is biblical or not; all they want is healing. The methods of achieving wholeness does not matter to them once they get healing they are satisfied. Some Christians condemn other sources of healing aside from prayer and faith in God's word. They engage those that sought healing from other sources as unscriptural and fake, unspiritual, carnal and faithless individuals. This becomes a challenge. This paper tackles the challenge posed by Yoruba Trado-medical practices to the church in Africa. It discusses various implications of these and then look at the challenge of integrating orthodox and traditional medicine in the concluding part. The methodology adopted is eclectic. Whereby the writer combines participation and observation techniques with interview and literary methods. He uses the tools of intercultural hermeneutics to investigate various healing methods and their implications to the church in Africa. This study recommends that since the use of material objects is paramount in these practices and the Bible did not condemn the use of means to achieving wholeness, it is wrong for any Christian to cast aspersion or stigmatize any user of means as carnal and unspiritual. This paper encourages the church in Africa to make use of natural herbs and products around them for therapeutic purposes, for they are cheap and available at all times.

Journal of Studies in Social Sciences, Dec 10, 2012