Intercultural Perspectives and the Rise of Religious Fundamentalism in Southeastern Nigeria

This study focused on the intercultural perspective of the rise of religious fundamentalism in Southeastern Nigeria. The region is known for its religious diversity, with Christianity and Islam being the dominant religions. The study aimed to explore the factors contributing to the rise of religious fundamentalism, considering intercultural dynamics, historical context and political influences. The study follows a descriptive survey research design. Purposive sampling was used to select religious and community leaders from Anambra, Enugu, and Imo states in South-eastern Nigeria. The research instruments used include a questionnaire and interview guides for Christian leaders, Muslim leaders, and community leaders. The reliability of the research instruments was established through a pilot study, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that the interplay between globalization, local cultures, and the growth of religious fundamentalism in South-eastern Nigeria is significant. The majority of respondents agreed that any infraction of religious instruction will bring about God's severe punishment, and only the fear of God keeps people in the right path. They also believed that Satan is behind any attempt to undermine belief in God, and people stay in the right path because they expect reward in heaven. Additionally, religious fundamentalism was perceived as a global challenge. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the interplay between globalization and local cultures contributes to the growth of religious fundamentalism in South-eastern Nigeria. The study highlights the need for selective exposure to media and technology, good governance and economic justice, and international diplomacy to address