Christians as Salt of the Earth in Matthew 5:13 among the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria
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Date
2020
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Nigerian Journal of Church History and Missiological Studies
Abstract
One of the most difficult challenges Christians face in the home, in the church, on the job, at the school or in the society is living as the salt of the earth. In this paper, attention is drawn to the church in the pluralistic Nigerian society: Challenges and the way forward focusing on Matthew 5:13 where Jesus speaks metaphorically to his audience, reminding them of their identity in the world. Nigeria is a pluralistic society with many religions, tribes, ethnics, languages and cultures. Jesus reminds Christians that as salt of the earth, they are expected to demonstrate the qualities of salt. This study shows that Christians in Nigeria have fundamental roles to play in order to save the society from the present rots. Using Bible to source primary data and published works and internets to gather secondary data on Christians as salt of the earth, the need for Christians in Nigeria to live as salt of the earth in the society that is battling with the challenges of corruption, immorality, religious fundamentalism, political instability and ethnic differences is hereby examined in the context of Matthew 5:13. The findings of the paper show that although Nigeria may be having so many challenges, it is believed, the trends leading to this situation are not without solutions, if the sermon of Jesus could be adopted by Christians. The implication of this is that Christians in Nigeria have the obligation to live out the qualities of suit as they live in this plurality.