Parental Responsibility and Moral Failure in 1 Samuel 2:12 – 26: A Theological Appraisal in the Context of Anglican Children and Contemporary Challenges.

Abstract

The world is full of several challenges which are peculiar to the end-time. Several practices such as bribery and corruption, stealing, sexual sin, child trafficking, hooliganism, cultism, kidnapping, fraudulent acts, sorcery, ritual killing, etc happen in Nigeria every day, and sad enough, the children and youths of our generation are either involved or are the most targeted group. The Anglican Children are not also exempted; they live in the age of moral decadence but they are expected to live exceptionally for God. Using historical and theological interpretative approach, this manuscript explores the biblical narrative of Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 2:12–26) and attempts to relate it to contemporary challenges faced by children within the Anglican Church, especially in the context of “end-time” moral crises. The study is devotional, theological, and partly socio-ethical in orientation, aiming to draw lessons for parenting, child upbringing, and church responsibility. The topic is relevant, particularly within African Christianity, where issues of youth moral decline, parenting, and religious formation are pressing.