Engaging the theme of social justice in Amos 5: 21-24: a challenge to prophetic ministry in the Apostolic Church (LAWNA), Nigeria

Abstract

The main question that this thesis seeks to answer is, “If re-read through a justice-seeking lens, and informed by a justice-denying Nigerian context, could the theme of social justice, as reflected in the text of Amos 5:21-24, inspire the prophets of The Apostolic Church LAWNA to proclaim a liberating and empowering message to the powers that be (political establishment), in solidarity with the poor and marginalised people of Nigeria?” The study identifies social justice issues in Amos through a careful exegetical analysis of the text and its context. Using the historical method of documentary analysis, it also identifies prevalent social justice concerns in present day Nigeria. The study shows that Nigeria today is characterised by socio-political, economic and religious corruption and injustices, which are similar to those that the eighth century BCE Israelite prophet, Amos, addressed. Consequently, an exegetical study of Amos 5:21-24 was done for the insights it could provide about the prophetic voice then, which may still be relevant today. The study revealed that the prophetic ministry of The Apostolic Church LAWNA has not been effective in addressing social injustices that are prevalent in the Nigerian society. Following a careful reflection on the call for social justice in Amos 5:21-24, this study urges the prophets of The Apostolic Church LAWNA, Nigeria to employ their prophetic ministry to proclaim a liberating and empowering message to the political institutions of the day, in solidarity with the poor and marginalised people of Nigeria.