Hick’s “accident of birth”: religio-philosophical answer to Nigerian pluralistic question in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

Religious manyness has been pictured as another way of defining religious plurality or diversity. Nigeria’s religious pluralism has presented a challenging and conflicting relationship among faith adherents. Nigeria's rich religious pluralism is a strength and a challenge, particularly in the face of the transformative forces of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This paper explores John Hick's concept of "accident of birth" as a possible religio-philosophical answer to navigating this complex landscape. The research examines how Hick's idea, which posits that religious affiliation is largely due to circumstance, can be applied to promote interfaith understanding and tolerance in Nigeria. It investigates the resonance of this concept with the lived experiences of Nigerians from diverse religious backgrounds. Furthermore, the study analyzes how Hick's framework can be adapted to address the new challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The work adopts phenomenological and theoretical approaches premised on the framework of system theory, which is most suitable for studying a heterogeneous nationhood. Hick’s accident of birth is that all religions are culturally conditioned responses to the same Ultimate Reality. By critically evaluating the applicability of "accident of birth" in the Nigerian context, the research contributes to fostering greater religious tolerance and dialogue in a nation with a vibrant but complex religious makeup. The research uncovers that Hick’s accident of birth, if clearly understood and practiced, will bring peaceful co-existence and an inclusive society to Nigeria instead of crisis and terrorism, thereby preparing the ground for Fourth Industrial Revolution. Religion had become a fertile ground for the manipulation of the masses and the bane of the Nigerian socio-political crisis.