ISSN 2360-7998
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of religion on the social life of members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in selected chapters across Lagos State. A descriptive survey design was adopted, utilising a structured questionnaire comprising three sections, each with five Likert-scale items addressing key research questions. The sample comprised 382 respondents, including 36 clergy and 346 congregants, drawn from various CAN-affiliated denominations. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyse the central tendencies of responses, while inferential statistics (ANOVA) tested for significant differences in responses across denominations at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that religion strongly impacts social life (M = 4.00) and moderately influences societal life (M = 3.79). However, t-test results showed no statistically significant differences in responses across different denominations within CAN, suggesting a consistent religious influence irrespective of doctrinal variation. The study concluded that religion remains a powerful force guiding social life among Christians in Lagos State, though its influence on social behaviour is more effective. Recommendations include that Christian youth should be encouraged to avoid indoctrination that breeds intolerance or blind loyalty but promotes critical thinking to help them engage positively in a pluralistic society, and Christian teachings should be contextualised to address contemporary issues such as corruption, drug abuse, unemployment, and digital or social media influence, among others.
Keywords: Religious Teachings, Social Life, Drug Abuse, Social Media, Christian Association of Nigeria