Double Denominational Belonging among Youths in Nigeria: Implications on Christianity

Abstract

Christendom is fragmented in many denominations with different religious beliefs and histories that make them distinct and different from one another. In Nigeria the mainline denominations are Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Assemblies of God churches with the many multi-faceted Pentecostal churches gradually making serious in road into the religious arena. This is a qualitative research. Oral interviews were conducted by the researcher and research assistants to generate data. The data so collected was then analyzed through the phenomenological method to arrive at results. The population of the study is Christian Nigerian Youths who belong to double denominations. Furthermore, using the snowball sampling technique, youths who belong to double denominations were located (34 males and 34 females from each establishment representing the various states). 340 respondents were interviewed in all. Pentecostal churches are not so distinct in their faith beliefs as the other main churches. Because of their rich spirited liturgical celebrations, scripturally and prosperity appealing messages, penchant for healing, miracles and casting out of demons and lose hierarchical structures, young people are easily drawn to them. Young Christians while not denouncing their membership of mainline Christian churches have joined the different Pentecostal groups that dot every nook and crony of the society. The paper addresses this phenomenon and its impact on Christianity by using library findings and oral interviews.