The Effect of Morality on the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC)

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Morality for a Christian is the application of God’s laws regarding a person’s private and public behavior. In his or her seeking to live a moral life, a Christian tries to obey the rules for his or her personal behavior that have been decreed by God and recorded in the Bible. Throughout centuries of history these rules have been proclaimed by God’s prophets, like Moses and Isaiah and Jeremiah, taught by Jesus, interpreted by the apostles, like Peter and Paul, established by Emperor Constantine, and proclaimed by various popes, theologians, and preachers, like St. Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jacob Arminus, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Dwight L. Moody, Billy Graham, Samuel Oshoffa and other contemporary preacher/teachers within the Jewish-Christian traditional understandings of what is right and what is wrong.

Morality is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, influencing both individual conduct and the collective values of religious communities. In Nigeria, the church has long been seen as a moral authority, guiding societal norms through its teachings and practices. However, in recent times, there has been growing concern about a perceived decline in moral standards within the church, sparking significant discussions among scholars, religious leaders, and the general public. This has led to important questions regarding the church’s ongoing role and effectiveness in upholding moral values in modern Nigerian society.

The relationship between morality and the church is intricate, particularly in Nigeria, where religious institutions hold significant sway. The Nigerian church, encompassing various denominations, has played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s moral fabric. Yet, the rise of moral relativism, materialism, and the prosperity gospel has brought about changes in how morality is understood and practiced within these religious contexts. The growing influence of megachurches, which often emphasize wealth and success, has also been criticized for contributing to a perceived weakening of traditional moral values (Asonzeh & Ilogu, 2020).

Additionally, scandals involving church leaders have further complicated the church’s moral standing. Incidents of financial impropriety, sexual misconduct, and other unethical behaviors among certain clergy have undermined the church’s credibility and raised concerns about its ability to serve as a moral guide (Falola, 2021). These issues have led to calls for a thorough reassessment of the church’s role in promoting and maintaining moral standards in Nigeria.

The Celestial Church of Christ, established in Nigeria in 1947, represents a significant movement within African Christianity, merging Christian doctrines with elements of traditional African spirituality. This synthesis has created a unique religious identity that places a strong emphasis on moral conduct as a vital expression of faith. Morality within the Celestial Church of Christ is not merely a personal matter but a communal obligation that influences every aspect of church life, from individual behavior to corporate worship and leadership structures.

Central to the church’s moral framework is the Bible, which is regarded as the ultimate source of ethical guidance. The church’s teachings draw heavily on biblical principles, emphasizing the need for believers to live in accordance with divine commandments. This adherence to biblical morality is seen as essential for maintaining a righteous relationship with God and ensuring the spiritual health of the church community. The church’s doctrine outlines specific moral codes that its members are expected to follow, covering areas such as honesty, sexual purity, humility, and respect for authority (Adeboye, 2022). These moral expectations are not only taught but are also reinforced through various church practices, including regular worship services, prayer sessions, and spiritual cleansing rituals. These practices serve to remind members of their moral obligations and help them align their lives with the teachings of the Bible (Okonkwo, 2021).

As society continues to evolve, the moral teachings of the Celestial Church of Christ face new challenges. The rapid pace of social change, fueled by globalization, technological advancements, and shifting cultural norms, has introduced new moral dilemmas that were not as prevalent in the past. Issues such as premarital sex, corruption, and materialism, which are increasingly common in broader society, have begun to infiltrate the church. This shift has led to a growing concern among church leaders about the erosion of traditional moral values within the congregation (Ojo, 2023). The church finds itself in a difficult position, as it seeks to uphold its moral teachings in a world that often promotes values that are in direct opposition to its doctrines.

The impact of these societal changes on the Celestial Church of Christ is significant. As members of the church become more exposed to secular influences, there is a risk that the church’s moral teachings will be diluted or even abandoned. This erosion of moral standards can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individual members who may stray from the path of righteousness but also for the church as a whole. A decline in moral integrity can lead to a loss of spiritual authority, making it more difficult for the church to fulfill its mission of guiding believers toward a closer relationship with God. Furthermore, when church leaders or prominent members are seen to violate the moral standards they preach, it can lead to disillusionment and a loss of trust among the congregation (Eze, 2023).

The Effect of Morality on the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC)

In response to these challenges, the leadership of the Celestial Church of Christ has made concerted efforts to reaffirm the importance of morality within the church. This includes emphasizing the link between moral behavior and spiritual well-being, as well as the consequences of moral failure. Sermons, teachings, and church programs often focus on the need for members to resist the temptations of modern life and remain steadfast in their commitment to biblical values. The church also engages in various community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting moral values, not just within the church but also in the broader society. These initiatives include educational programs, charity work, and public campaigns that highlight the dangers of immorality and the benefits of living a morally upright life (Ogundipe, 2023).

Despite these efforts, the persistence of immoral behavior within the church raises important questions about the effectiveness of traditional moral teachings in a contemporary context. As the church navigates the complexities of modern life, it must also grapple with the challenge of remaining relevant to its members, particularly the younger generation, who are often the most susceptible to secular influences. This challenge is not unique to the Celestial Church of Christ but is one faced by many religious institutions worldwide as they seek to maintain their moral authority in an increasingly pluralistic and secular society.

The role of morality in the Celestial Church of Christ is thus both foundational and dynamic. It serves as the bedrock of the church’s identity and mission, guiding the behavior of its members and shaping the church’s relationship with the broader society. However, the church’s ability to maintain its moral standards in the face of modern challenges will likely determine its future influence and effectiveness as a religious institution. Hence, religion continues to hold significant influence in today’s world, impacting individuals’ values, actions, choices, and worldviews across all continents (Adesina, 2023). It is on this premise that the researchers carried out this study to ascertain the effect of morality on the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Churches have historically been seen as key institutions responsible for guiding moral and spiritual behavior, deeply rooted in religious principles designed to influence the ethical conduct of their followers. Over time, these institutions have maintained a vital role in upholding societal values, acting as guardians of community morality. However, in recent years, the ability of churches to maintain these standards has come under increasing pressure due to the rapid evolution of societal norms. The forces of globalization, technological progress, and the widespread adoption of secular viewpoints have created new challenges that complicate the maintenance of traditional moral frameworks.

This shift has led to a worrisome trend, with an increase in behaviors that contradict the moral teachings of the church, such as sexual misconduct, corruption, materialism, and a broader decline in ethical standards. These challenges are not limited to the general congregation but have also appeared within church leadership, resulting in moral lapses and scandals that have shaken the faith of many followers. Such incidents have led to growing concerns among congregants, who perceive a widening gap between the moral values the church advocates and the actions displayed by its members and leaders. This decline in moral authority threatens the church’s ability to serve as a moral guide and safeguard spiritual health within the community.

The traditional methods that churches have relied on to impart moral values and enforce discipline are increasingly proving inadequate in the face of modern challenges. Younger generations, in particular, are exposed to and often influenced by secular ideologies that conflict with the teachings of their faith. This generational shift presents a significant challenge to the church’s ability to sustain its moral teachings and pass them on to future congregants.

The ongoing moral challenges within church communities raise important questions about the capability of religious institutions to manage the complexities of contemporary life while staying true to their doctrinal beliefs. There is an urgent need for churches to reconsider their approaches to teaching and enforcing moral values. If these challenges are not effectively addressed, churches risk further deterioration of their moral integrity, leading to a loss of trust and influence within their communities.

These issues are particularly relevant to the Celestial Church of Christ, a major religious institution that has faced similar moral challenges. The Celestial Church of Christ struggle to uphold its moral standards amid the pressures of modern life highlights the critical need for a renewed focus on reinforcing ethical teachings. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of morality on the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Lagos State

1.3 Objectives ofthe Study

The main objective of the study aimed to examine the effect of morality on the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Lagos State. Specifically, the study aimed:

To analyze the importance of morality within the Celestial Church of Christ.
To identify the effects of moral and immoral behaviors on the church.
To explore biblical principles guiding moral conduct in the Celestial Church of Christ.
To propose strategies for promoting morality within the church.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guided the study:

What is the significance of morality in shaping the doctrines and practices of the Celestial Church of Christ?
How do moral and immoral behaviors influence the Celestial Church of Christ’s community and its overall functioning?
Which biblical principles underpin the moral guidelines in the Celestial Church of Christ, and how are these principles implemented within the church?
What effective strategies can be developed to enhance and sustain moral behavior within the Celestial Church of Christ?

1.5 Research Hypothesis�

This research hypothesis was formulated to guide the study:

There is no significant mean difference between the opinions of male and female church members on the effect of morality on the Celestial Church of Christ.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be of importance in the following ways:-

To the Church: The study will offer valuable insights into reinforcing moral values within the Celestial Church of Christ, ensuring it continues to serve as a strong moral guide for its congregation.

Church Leadership: By understanding the effects of moral and immoral behaviors, church leaders will be better equipped to manage and resolve ethical issues, thereby strengthening their leadership and maintaining the church’s integrity.

Church Members: The study will highlight the importance of biblical teachings in shaping the moral behavior of church members, promoting a community that lives by the church’s core ethical principles.

The Youth: The strategies proposed in the study will help engage the youth, guiding them to adopt moral values that align with their faith and preparing them to carry these values into the future.

The Society: By promoting higher moral standards within the church, the study will contribute to a more ethical and harmonious society, reflecting the positive influence of the church on the broader community.

Future researchers: This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7 Scope/Delimitation of the Study

This study is delimited in scope to the Celestial Church of Christ Calvary Parish 1 Ikeja, Lagos state.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Some of the challenges encountered while conducting the research include lack of sufficient funds, inadequate related research materials and short duration assigned for the study.

1.9 Operation Definitions of Terms

The following concepts are defined as they are applied in the study.

Morality: Morality is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the principles, values, and standards of behavior that individuals and societies consider to be right or wrong.

Church:A church is a religious institution where believers gather to worship, engage in communal practices, and seek spiritual guidance based on shared faith and doctrines. It also serves as a moral and ethical center, guiding its members in aligning their lives with religious teachings.

Celestial church of Christ: The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) is a Christian denomination that originated in Nigeria in the early 20th century. Founded by Prophet Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa in 1947, the church emphasizes spiritual healing, prophecy, and the importance of living a holy life.