ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/582 These are articles published in journals by academics staff Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:07:27 GMT 2026-04-02T14:07:27Z ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2575 Title: The discourse on the Emmaus way (Luke 24: 13-49) and decolonising African Biblical hermeneutics Authors: Oyekan, Funke Elizabeth; Oyekan, O. M. Abstract: Much attention has been given to mission, evangelism, and the 'Table Fellowship' in Luke 24:13-49. However, little attention has been given to how Jesus used his language and cultural background to reveal to the depressed, the sad, and the doubters around him that he is the Messiah. Some Christians find it difficult to use elements from their African local language to convey the Gospel message. Hence, it seems that the needs of some elderly people who appreciate the local languages are not met during worship. The younger generation thinks that the local languages are 'demonic' and should not be used especially while praying. These younger ones prefer 'speaking in tongues' (glossolalia)and the use of the English language while praying. Such elderly prefer, most times to stay at home especially when they are on visitation to their children. Anchored on Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study attempts a narratological analysis of Luke 24:13-49 to understand the dynamics actively. Findings reveal that Jesus used elements from his language, sacred book and culture to proclaim his message. African Christians can use elements from their language, and probably, ATRs to preach the Gospel. This article recommends that Christians should emphasise, and imbibe the use of the local vernacular for the progressive propagation of the Gospel message. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2575 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2563 Title: Jesus' teaching in Mathew 5:38-42 and its implications for the contemporary Christians in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State Authors: Oyekan, Funke Elizabeth Abstract: Conflicts between Jesus' teachings on retaliation and some church traditions have resulted in misinterpretation of some Bible passages and wrongly premised church doctrines. Some denominations believe in unlimited retaliation, some limited retaliation, others replaced retaliation, while some do not believe in replaced retaliation. This study, therefore, examined Jesus' teaching on retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42 to determine the extent to which it aligns with church traditions and the effects of these on the Christians. Two hundred copies of the questionnaire were administered to Christians resident in Ibadan North Local Government area in Oyo State, Nigeria. Matthew 5:38-42 was exegetically analysed. Quantitative data was subjected to percentages. Jesus prescribed no retaliation, but forgiveness. A total of 150 (84%) of the respondents claimed that Jesus teaches no retaliation and that the Old Testament teaching on retaliation is not contradictory to Jesus' teaching. Paradoxically, in practice, only 46 (25.6%) respondents would not retaliate. To keep within Bible-based prescriptions, Christians should align completely with the teachings of Jesus in theory and in practice. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2563 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2562 Title: Jesus' teaching in Mathew 5:38-42 and its implications for the contemporary Christians in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State Authors: Oyekan, Funke Elizabeth Abstract: Conflicts between Jesus' teachings on retaliation and some church traditions have resulted in misinterpretation of some Bible passages and wrongly premised church doctrines. Some denominations believe in unlimited retaliation, some limited retaliation, others replaced retaliation, while some do not believe in replaced retaliation. This study, therefore, examined Jesus' teaching on retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42 to determine the extent to which it aligns with church traditions and the effects of these on the Christians. Two hundred copies of the questionnaire were administered to Christians resident in Ibadan North Local Government area in Oyo State, Nigeria. Matthew 5:38-42 was exegetically analysed. Quantitative data was subjected to percentages. Jesus prescribed no retaliation, but forgiveness. A total of 150 (84%) of the respondents claimed that Jesus teaches no retaliation and that the Old Testament teaching on retaliation is not contradictory to Jesus' teaching. Paradoxically, in practice, only 46 (25.6%) respondents would not retaliate. To keep within Bible-based prescriptions, Christians should align completely with the teachings of Jesus in theory and in practice. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2562 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2561 Title: A rhetorical analysis of Acts 17:16-34 in light of handling religious plurality in Nigerian society Authors: Oyekan, Funke Elizabeth Abstract: Nigeria is blessed with diverse religious groups and beliefs. This feature gives room for a competitive propagation of religious beliefs. However, there are serious cases of intra and interreligious conflicts where the methods of propagation are not handled carefully. More so, some Christians believe that there is a need to interact with people of other faiths to win them; others do not. Yet there must be evangelism. Lives are lost, properties are destroyed, and the church is brought to a state of disrepute. The Christian Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, among others, are put in place to intervene in cases of religious tensions. Little successes are recorded. This study, therefore, attempts a rhetorical analysis of Paul’s method of evangelism in Acts 17:16-34, critically observing the speaker, the context, the audience, the purpose of the speech and the message. Findings reveal that Paul mastered the environment he found himself. He started the proclamation of the gospel where his audience was because he understood their faith, language and culture. Christians must follow the example of Paul, who appealed to the situation within the environment of his audience, commended his audience, started from where his audience was, had a good, sound knowledge of his religion and presented the gospel boldly in an orderly manner. This study will debrief the contemporary Christians of dogmatism. It encourages applying interdisciplinary approaches and critical engagement to matters of faith. It will impact theological education and inspire interfaith dialogues. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2561 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z