CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

This study offers a theological and ethical appraisal of mental health care in Nigeria, exploring how Christian ethics—anchored in virtues such as compassion, justice, and human dignity, alongside African communitarian philosophy—can inform and transform mental health policy and practice within Nigeria’s diverse socio-religious environment. Utilizing a theoretical framework that integrates Christian moral theology (including Thomistic and Liberation theology) with public health ethics, the research critically examines existing literature, policy documents, and pastoral practices to reveal a significant gap: the absence of an explicit Christian ethical lens in mental health policymaking. While prior studies recognize the role of faith in mental health, this study uniquely bridges theological insights and health policy to propose a normative ethical critique tailored to Nigeria’s cultural realities. The findings highlight the transformative potential of collaborative partnerships between faith leaders, policymakers, and healthcare providers to reduce stigma, foster inclusive care, and promote holistic wellbeing. Recommendations include actively involving religious leaders in policy development, embedding ethical sensitivity into mental health training, and encouraging sustained cooperation between secular institutions and faith-based organizations. By enriching discourse on culturally and theologically grounded mental health care, this research provides practical and ethical insights to guide policy reform and pastoral engagement. Future empirical research is needed to assess the real-world impact of Christian ethical principles on mental health outcomes across Nigeria.

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