Religious Compromise and Cultural Assimilation: A Comparative Study of Judah under Manasseh and the Contemporary Nigerian Church

Religious compromise and cultural assimilation, where external influences merge with core beliefs, challenge faith communities, as seen in ancient Judah and Nigeria’s vibrant Christian landscape amid traditional religions and globalization. This study compares religious compromise in Judah under King Manasseh and the modern Nigerian Church to uncover syncretic patterns and propose pathways for doctrinal integrity, justified by bridging biblical precedents with African contextual theology for pluralistic societies. Studies on African syncretism highlight blends of Christianity with indigenous practices but overlook biblical parallels like Judah’s idolatry, a gap this research fills by addressing doctrinal erosions in Nigeria through historical comparison. Syncretism theory by Charles Stewart and Rosalind Shaw examines how power dynamics drive religious synthesis, relating to Assyrian influences in Judah and colonial legacies in Nigeria. A qualitative comparative historical method integrates biblical exegesis, theological analysis, and ethnographic insights from Nigerian Church practices to draw parallels. Focusing on Judah during Manasseh’s reign (687–642 BCE) and the Nigerian Church since the 20th century, this scope is justified by shared themes of external domination and internal apostasy for focused analysis. The study informs church leaders and scholars on preserving faith in diverse settings, offering lessons for global religious communities. Both contexts show syncretism driven by political subjugation and social adaptations, causing spiritual fragmentation, with redemption possible through repentance and reformation. Strengthen theological education, promote accountable leadership, foster interdenominational dialogues, and encourage research on global parallels.