Proceedings of the 2nd (Hybrid) International Conference, Faculty of Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Held on March 13, 2024
March, 2024
Pages 66-77
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/ConfP.2024.005
AN ANALYSIS OF GOD’S INJUNCTION “BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY” AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: AN ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Lawrence Udisi and Woyengitari Imbazi
Abstract
God gave the first man and wife instructions to procreate and populate the globe once He had finished creating everything else (Genesis 1:28). In certain Christian churches, this heavenly instruction is known as the “cultural mandate” and it assigned humans the responsibility of populating, subduing, and ruling the planet. It includes both the mandate to multiply and the need to advance cultural growth in order to improve living circumstances. This requirement is inherently based on the human capacity for productive interaction with the environment. The notion of cultural mandate, as expounded in Neo-Calvinism in the Western world, explores the ramifications for contemporary culture and highlights the need of progress within a pluralistic framework. This discourse argues that while Nigeria has effectively executed the procreation component of the mission, it has often overlooked the developmental portion. In addition to reproduction for continuity, development involves knowing natural laws (science), using this knowledge to make instruments for improved living circumstances, and making sure that resources are distributed fairly. This paper’s main goal is to use an ecological viewpoint to analyze the complex link that exists between the natural environment and humanity’s ability to use its resources.
Keywords: God’s Injunction “Be Fruitful and Multiply”, Development, Ecological Perspective.