CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

This study explores the challenges confronting Christian parenting in 21st century Nigeria, drawing insights from Early Church history and New Testament ethics. The study begins by contextualizing the sociocultural, economic, and technological pressures that modern Nigerian Christian parents face in nurturing children within a biblical framework. The core problem identified is the growing disconnect between Christian ethical teachings and the prevailing value systems influencing contemporary Nigerian youth, often exacerbated by secularism, moral relativism, and inadequate parental discipleship. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study integrates a comprehensive review of relevant literature with oral interviews conducted among Christian parents, clergy, and child development experts across various denominations. Findings reveal that many Christian parents struggle with transmitting faith-based values due to inconsistent biblical literacy, peer influence, media exposure, and diminished family cohesion. Lessons drawn from Early Church parenting practices and New Testament ethical teachings such as community accountability, intentional discipleship, and scriptural formation offer valuable models for today’s context. The study concludes that effective Christian parenting in Nigeria requires a return to spiritually grounded, community-supported, and ethically consistent models of child-rearing. It recommends increased church-based parental education, the establishment of support systems for families, and renewed emphasis on scriptural ethics in both home and church life. These measures aim to empower parents to raise children who can live out Christian values amidst a rapidly changing society.

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