MISSIO DEI AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IN NIGERIA:HISTORICAL LESSONS FOR CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MISSION

Abstract

Missio Dei is a concept in the theology of mission that was formalized in
th the 20 century by the International Missionary Council in 1952. It was
used to reorganize mission understanding from human or church-centred
mission to God-centred mission. As a result, the focus of Christian
mission was redirected to the Trinitarian nature of the sending God. This
paper seeks to explore the concept of Missio Dei as basis for religious
tolerance in the Nigerian context. It argues that proper understanding and
application of the Missio Dei can enhance religious tolerance in the face
of chains of religious conflicts in Nigeria. It employs historicaltheological approach in which historical data combines with theological
interpretations to determine results. It uses library studies and internet
sources to gather data. The paper shows how Missio Dei can reduce
religious tension and enhance peaceful coexistence in a pluralist society
like Nigeria.