A rhetorical analysis of Acts 17:16-34 in light of handling religious plurality in Nigerian society

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.