AN ASSESSMENT OF MAX WEBER’S CONCEPT OF SOTORIOLOGY (SALVATION) VIS-ÀVIS SIN AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIAN TODAY

Abstract

This paper assesses Max Weber’s concept of soteriology and its implication for Christianity in Nigerian society today. Soteriology according to Marx Weber has a vague understanding in respect to sin and the feeling of trouble, pain and other ill treatment of the poor, laborers who are also vulnerable as a result of the actions and inactions of some individuals and groups known as capitalists in the 19th century. Looking deeply at the lingering situation, Weber thought, the only solution could be found in the hope of salvation through, faith, charity and trust by relating human beings to a supreme God in the understanding of religious view of “Verstehen”. Nigerian society is therefore not free of this idea as evidenced via various ugly events such as killings, deprivation of rights, illegal occupying of positions, electoral malpractices; bribery, political set ups, unjust judgment, oppression and suppression of the poor, academic fraud, prostitution, human trafficking, commercialization of Christianity, spiritual attacks, hatred and lots more. The aim of this paper is therefore to assess the concept of Soteriology as hope to the Christians in Nigerian society as sin persists leaving Nigerians without hope of becoming better. The applied methodologies in this study are historical, sociological and analytical approaches. The research findings portray that Nigerian society is enveloped with sinful activities that has contributed to the set back of the nation. The study conclude that the perfect way of eradicating the activities of sin in Nigerians is to have hope and faith in God