Digital Evangelism: The Place of Religion in the Emerging Social Order in Nigeria

The relationship that exists between technology and religion has become a phenomenon that is culturally interactive, however, the degree and scope of synergy are often complex and progressive in a globalized society where technology has evolved into a sophisticated institution that is sustained or locked in a grid of digital infrastructure negotiating both time and space. On the other hand, the popular Marxist perception that termed religion as “the opium of the people” has gradually metamorphosed into a multi-faceted institution, wherein it seeks to address not only man’s spiritual but also man’s extensive communal, partisan, cultural, economic, and other needs. We have also seen the proliferation of religious movements that have grown out of these societal needs who advocate for a new social order through administrative transparency, accountability in service, religious and cultural harmony in our societies. The interests of these movements though conflicting sometimes manage to address our common and practical societal needs always. This suggests that religion in continuum of its social responsibilities has taken a dive into new territories by adopting and deploying new technologies, it has negotiated for a space in the mediation of Nigeria’s emerging social order. Apparently, this study examines the two leading religions in Nigeria, Christianity, and Islam and how these religions are using technology to reach its expanding audiences. This paper suggests that religion is only able to perform its task effectively today by depending among other things upon the mastery of practical components of technology as evangelical tools in mediating the new social order (administrative transparency, accountability in service, religious and cultural harmony in our societies)