A Case for Grassroots Theological Education (GTE) in Moral Development from Daniel 1 for the Nigerian Context

This paper discusses the critical need for Grassroots Theological Education (GTE) to promote moral development in Nigeria, focusing on the biblical narrative of Daniel 1. In Nigeria, where moral degradation and ethical challenges such as corruption, violence, and social injustice are pervasive, traditional theological education fails to address these issues effectively at the grassroots level. The problem lies in the gap between formal theological institutions and the moral realities societies face, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This study fills that gap by arguing for implementing GTE, which is community-based, accessible, and contextually relevant for moral formation in Nigerian society. The paper examines the current state of theological education in Nigeria and its shortcomings in addressing moral development. It analyses the narrative of Daniel 1 to draw insights into moral integrity and propose a grassroots model of theological education that can better address Nigeria’s moral challenges. Through an analytical approach, the study employs textual analysis of Daniel 1 and a review of secondary sources on theological education and moral development in Nigeria. The findings reveal that Daniel’s moral courage in the face of cultural and political pressures offers valuable lessons for Nigerian youths and parents struggling with similar ethical dilemmas. Inspired by the narrative, GTE provides practical lessons for moral formation by engaging societies at their level of understanding and need. The paper recommends the establishment of locally-driven theological education that integrates biblical teaching with real-life moral challenges, focusing on practical ethics, leadership, and the promotion of integrity from a young age.