RELIGIOUS FORMATION TECHNIQUES AND ITS EFFECT ON CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN IPETU-IJESA, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the religious formation techniques by Christians and Muslims in Ipetu-Ijesa and the roles of religious leaders in forming religious beliefs and practices among their adherents. Scholars have researched the dynamics of religious formation among Christians and Muslims, but not much attention was drawn to religious formation techniques and their effects in Ipetu-Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria. The study employed historical and sociological research methods in addition to mixed methods using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The agents of socialization are directly involved, especially families and religious leaders; and these form the respondents for this study (50 Christians and Muslims, 25 from each religion). The study findings revealed that the most effective technique employed by Christians and Muslims in Ipetu-Ijesa in forming religious beliefs and practices were giving their children religious names and participating in religious activities. 90% of respondents agreed that the evening religious tutorial (known as Ile Keu (Quranic Class) for the Muslims, and Eko Irole (Evening Class) for the Christians were other effective religious formation techniques used. The roles of the religious leaders were preaching the truth and teaching the members to abide by the core teachings of their religions. The overall effect of religious formation techniques for Christians-Muslims co-existence in Ipetu-Ijesa includes cordial relationship with one another, and learning from others’ religions. Using the above findings, it implied that the roles of religious leaders are valuable and effective in religious formation; hence, religious leaders and parents should not relent in their efforts in promoting interfaith religious formation and harmony in all Nigerian communities.