CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH: THE CAUSES, EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS TO THE INTERNAL CONFLICT
ABSTRACT
The problem that C.A.C as a religious organization faces today is Division, schisms and dissensions. A Greek philosopher once said, let no one when young delay to study philosophy nor when he is old grow weary of this study for no one can come too early or too late to secure the health of his soul. This statement was made during the social and political upheaval in Greece. The situation is true of C.A.C today when social change is equally rapid and life is no more bearable for most C.A.C families. It is important to think for oneself, examine ones beliefs, tradition and habit to deal with new problems and draw new solutions. Today, if one fails to think for oneself, someone else will think for one. This write-up is out to aid the thinking of C.A.C as touching the issue of the causes and effects of the conflicts within the organization. More so, this write-up is divided into five chapters which recognize an orderly, regular research. To start with first chapter that is based on introduction, statement of problems, objective of the study, clarification of terms, scope and limitation and methodology. The second chapter examines the advent of Christianity in Nigeria, founding of Christ Apostolic Church and the organization of the church. The third chapter deals with the causes of the conflicts within C.A.C: explained and unexplained reasons. Research method, this chapter deals with the method and procedure used in carrying out this study. The fourth chapter involved the effects of the conflict; positive and negative effects, result presentation and analysis. The last chapter suggests the solution and conclusion. Analysis, the researched intend to use simple percentage to analyze the data. This will be used to test the hypotheses. Primarily this research is carried out for the change and betterment of C.A.C. and as a reference point to the coming generations. Conclusively, it is hoped that it will be of great gesture for members and workers and leaders of C.A.C who have the patriotism for Christ Apostolic Church.
CHAPTER ONE
- INTRODUCTION
Divisions, schisms and dissensions have been a characteristic feature of the church right from its infancy. But the fact still remains that Christianity divided is an abnormality. This division contradicts the will Jesus Christ who prayed as follows; “I do not pray for these only, but for those who believe in me through their words, that they might all be one” (Jn. 17:20 RSV.).
The earliest indication of divisive tendency in Christianity dates back to the Apostolic Age. The contention between Paul and Barnabas over acceptance of John Mark for the second missionary journey was the first. This was sequel to the John Mark’s abandonment of the Apostles during the first journey though the parted ways, it was short lived.
The second sign of division took place in the Corinth, Paul was not happy with the divisive tendency in the Corinthians church, hence he wrote to Condemn the stance of some who claimed that they belong to Paul, Apollos and Cephas or Christ’s party. He ended by declaring “surely Christ had not been divided among you” .
Thereafter no more was heard of the quarrel. The above illustration show unmistakably that the apostles did not encourage division among the Christians.
