{"id":1662,"date":"2023-07-10T02:26:34","date_gmt":"2023-07-10T01:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/?page_id=1662"},"modified":"2023-11-08T10:01:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T10:01:17","slug":"prophetic-message-of-amos-and-its-relevance-to-the-african-society-vol1issue-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/edu-mania\/edumania-vol-1issue-2\/prophetic-message-of-amos-and-its-relevance-to-the-african-society-vol1issue-2\/","title":{"rendered":"PROPHETIC MESSAGE OF AMOS AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE AFRICAN SOCIETY-vol1,issue-2"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Prophetic Message Of Amos And Its Relevance To The African Society<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Opade, Ochenia Faith\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>

Department of Biblical Studies, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Abstract\n<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

This paper examines Amos’s prophetic witness and its relevant for today\u2019s church in African countries for promoting social justice. There are three basic concerns that motivate this paper: First, there is growing corruption in African societies; second, there are glaring weaknesses of the church’s prophetic witness in African societies today; and third, there is a great need for the church in Africa to speak out against social injustices. Thus, the writer seeks an appropriate biblical response that could serves as viable response for the church in curtailing social injustices in African society. To achieve this, the writer investigated scholarly opinions on the prophetic roles of the church in promoting social justice while considering the argument for and against. Furthermore, the prophetic witness of Amos was examined and its relevance to the African church. It is therefore recommended based on the prophetic message of Amos, that the church should: (a) support those believers who speak out against the evils in our time: crimes and injustices within the socio-economic and political climate of our time; (b) address issues, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual misconduct and AIDS from a Biblical stance; (c) make people aware of the needs of our time; (d) motivate people to get involved in the sustainable development of their environment, and in addressing issues such as unemployment and poor education; and (e) support those people who are still oppressed, maltreated, abused and belittled.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Keywords:<\/b> African Society, Prophetic, Social Justice, Corruption<\/span><\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Impact statement<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The prophetic message of Amos holds immense relevance and significance for African society, resonating deeply with its social, economic, and political realities. Amos, an ancient Prophet whose words continue to echo through the ages, spoke out against injustice, corruption, and the mistreatment of the marginalized. His message serves as a powerful call to action, urging African societies to address systemic inequities and strive for a more just and compassionate world.<\/span><\/p>

One of the central themes in Amos’s message is the condemnation of economic exploitation and the abuse of power. In many African countries, wealth disparities, corruption, and the mismanagement of resources remain persistent challenges. Amos\u2019s message challenges African societies to confront these issues head-on, advocating for equitable distribution of wealth, transparency in governance, and accountability in leadership. By heeding Amos\u2019s prophetic voice, African societies can work towards eradicating poverty, fostering economic empowerment, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all members of society.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
About The Author<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

My name is Ochenia Faith Opade, I am married, and the marriage is blessed with a son named Melech. I hold H.N.D in Marketing from Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos; a Master of Divinity in Theology; a Master of Theology as well as Doctor of Philosophy in Old Testament Language and Literature from the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso where I am serving as the first and only female Lecturer in the Department of Biblical Studies, and currently serving as the Head of the Department. I am a member of Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies (NABIS), a member of National Association for the Studies of Religion and Education (NASRED), a member of Sacred Earth Ministry, a member of Pragmatics Association of Nideria, a member of European Centre for Research Training and Development UK and a member of International Council for Education, Research and Training. Before my call into full-time ministry, I served as anti-abortion Coordinator and HIV AIDS Counselor with Chargmane Foundation, an NGO based in Lagos. I also served as Prison Ministry Director for the Lord\u2019s Royal Servants, a Church-Based Non-Profit Organization. Ochenia Faith has a special interest in Biblical languages, and my passion for bridging the gap between Egalitarian and Complementarian perspectives to gender issues spurred my interest in women studies. She has articles in Journals, chapter in books, and my book publication is titled; Sexism Discourse in Judges 4 and Its Implications for Women in Leadership.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
References<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n
  • Barton, B. B., Life Application Bible, NIV. Eastbourne: Kingsway, 1995<\/li>\n
  • Bedford-Strohm, H. Prophetic Witness and Public Discourse in European Societies\u2014a German Perspective. HTS Teologiese Studies 2010, 66(1):784\u2013793.<\/li>\n
  • DeYoung, K, and Gilbert G, what is the Mission of the Church? Wheaton: Crossway, 2011.<\/li>\n
  • Dominik, M. S. J. Social Justice in the Bible. Thinking Faith Oct 14 2011. Online article. Accessed from www.thinkingfaith.org\/articles\/20111014_1.htm, 13\/03\/2012.<\/li>\n
  • Finley, T. J. An Evangelical Response to the Preaching of Amos. The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 28(4): 1985,411\u2013420.<\/li>\n
  • George, J. The Bare Bones Bible handbook. Eugene: Harvest House, 2006.<\/li>\n
  • Grenz, S. J. & Smith, J.T. Pocket dictionary of ethics. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003.<\/li>\n
  • Gunda, M. R., Reconsidering the relevance of the prophet Amos in the quest for a just society in contemporary Zimbabwe. BOTSA Electronic Forum 3(2): 2010, 2. Online article. Accessed from www.mhs.no\/article_1109.shtml, 11\/12\/2012.<\/li>\n
  • Guthrie, D. The New Testament Approach to Social Responsibility. Online article. Accessed
    From www.biblicalstudies.org.uk\/pdf\/vox\/vol08\/social-responsibility_guthrie.pdf, 08\/03\/2013.<\/li>\n
  • Hyden, G. African Politics in comparative perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006.<\/li>\n
  • Keller, T. The Gospel and the Poor. Themelios 33(3): 2008, 8\u201322.<\/li>\n
  • Knight, G.W. The Layman\u2019s Bible Handbook. Uhrichsville: Barbour Publishing, 2003.<\/li>\n
  • Malina, B. J. The Social Gospel of Jesus: The Kingdom of God in a Mediterranean Perspective. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2001.<\/li>\n
  • Micah Declaration 2008. Online document. Accessed from http:\/\/micahnetwork.org\/en\/integralmission\/Micah declaration, 07\/03\/2013.<\/li>\n
  • New World Encyclopedia. Amos (prophet). Online article. Accessed from www.newworldencyclopedia.org\/entry\/Amos_(prophet), 17\/12\/2012<\/li>\n
  • Nyiawung, M. D. \u201cThe Prophetic Witness of the Church as an Appropriate Mode of Public Discourse in African societies.\u201d HTS Teologiese Studies 66(1): 2010, 791\u2013799.<\/li>\n
  • Padilla, R. A New Vision, a New Heart, a Renewed Call. Online paper. Accessed from www.lausanne.org\/documents\/2004forum\/LOP33_IG4.pdf, 07\/03\/2013.<\/li>\n
  • Parsons, J. J. Israel and the Church\u2014Understanding some Theological Options. Online article. Accessed from www.hebrew4christians.com\/Articles\/Israel\/israel.html, 11\/03\/2013.<\/li>\n
  • Sterling, P. R. Is there a Hole in our Gospel? Does the Church have a Social Commission too?Grace Evangelical Society. Online journal. Accessed from www.faithalone.org\/journal\/2011i\/Sterling.pdf, 07\/03\/2013. <\/li>\n
  • Stuart, Douglas. Hosea-Jonah. Word Biblical Commentary (vol. 31). Dallas: Word, 2002.<\/li>\n
  • Theron, M. and Lotter, G. A. Corruption: how should Christians Respond? Acta Theologica 32(1): 2012, 96\u2013117.<\/li>\n
  • Von Broembsen, M. and Davis, D. South Africa must address social justice. The South African Civil Society Information Service. Online article. Accessed from http:\/\/sacsis.org.za\/site\/article\/186.1, 14\/12\/2012.<\/li>\n
  • Wiersbe, Warren. Nelson\u2019s pocket reference Bible Commentary: Old Testament. Nashville:
    Thomas Nelson, 1991.______ The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament. Colorado Springs: David C Cook, 2007.<\/li>\n
  • Williams, M. J. The Prophet and his Message: Reading Old Testament Prophecy today. Phillipsburg: P & R, 2003.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Prophetic Message Of Amos And Its Relevance To The African Society Opade, Ochenia Faith\u00a0 Department of Biblical Studies, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso \u00a0 Abstract This paper examines Amos’s prophetic witness and its relevant for today\u2019s church in African countries for promoting social justice. There are three basic concerns that motivate this paper: First, there […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1656,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1662","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1662"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5053,"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1662\/revisions\/5053"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/icertpublication.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}