A RELIGIO-SOCIO-ECONOMIC RELOOK ON RAIN-MAKING REBRANDS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY ITUNGWA NIGERIA

Abstract

Globally, most mystical religious-traditions were declared idolatrous at the inception of missionary religions or particularly in Church History till date. In tracing continuity and change this paper engaged with a religio-socio-economic relook on rain-making enterprise in the twenty-first century. Especially in Africa and by Christianity’s evangelism propaganda, rain-making was suppressed into hiding amongst such religio-cultural phenomena. Rain-making went down but not out as many of the Christian-cloaked rain-makers patiently waited for a time considered expedient. Most surprisingly, with the everyday upsurge in the growing number of Churches, no one would imagine rain-making practitioner population’s consistent increase, even as majority bear baptismal names given to them during missionary sacramental rite. This reflected a striking form of syncretism. Interestingly, it was found that, rain-making does attract fame and income even from the government. This qualitative research with phenomenological approach same time multi-dimensional, allowing historio-comparative analysis, more so advocated enculturation or africanisation of all religions as to give more cognisance to African religious arts and peace. Thus believed that enthroning the right information and understanding was for more united progressive society. To people in same-faith such would heal wounds of denominationalism. This research guided by functionalism theoretical framework emphasised that, religion remained a source of social solidarity and cohesion if it provided succour and functional unity. Recommended that arts serving humanity some good, be religiously tolerated as personal for good society services. The research concluded by entreating all to delete their detrimental traits and inadvertently good-services be guided to piously boost healthy long-life.