ETHICAL MONOTHEISM AS THE FOUNDATION FOR NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA

Authors

  • Rt. Rev. Alozie Chukwnyere Iroanya PhD Hugh Goldie Lay/Theological Institution, Arochukwu, Abia State

Keywords:

Ethics, Ethical Monotheism, Panacea, Secularism, Transformation

Abstract

Historical and contemporary events seem to indicate that humanity is dealing with the confusion of marriage, sex, standards and values. Other such obstacles include but not limited to; disregard for the sanctity of human life, abuse of human rights and social injustice, religious extremism, ecological crisis, corruption and social inequality. In view of the myriad problems confronting humanity today occasioned by her deplorable moral standard, this paper highlights a credible alternative in the search for the solution. This is anchored on God, the moral Sovereign Creator of the universe who demands ethical behavior. Ethical monotheism is the belief in only one God with consequent ethical implications for human conduct and practical life. Ethical monotheism espouses that people act towards another with justice, peace, mercy, and love as the foundation for national transformation. Accordingly, this paper using descriptive research method reveals that ethical monotheism is the safeguard to mankind's inclination towards evil, subjecting them to temptation, and lustful desires that would pollute their minds, corrupt their spirit, and eventually destroy their bodies. Without mincing words, this paper reveals that God's moral and ethical guidelines creates strong communities free of crime, emotionally strong families, and emphasis on spiritual commitment to God. Therefore, without hesitation, it recommends the adoption of ethical monotheism as a panacea for ills in the contemporary society and for national transformation.This is because man cannot understand himself, his dignity, and vocation without God.

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Published

2026-01-17 — Updated on 2026-01-18