EXTREME RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES AND ITS EFFECT ON COMMUNITY WELFARE IN UMUCHUKWU VILLAGE IN ISIALA NGWA SOUTH L.G.A ABIA STATE, NIGERIA
Every society or community has its own diverse religious beliefs and practices which makes it unique. Unfortunately, some of these religious beliefs and practices when done in extremity has adverse effects on the community welfare (general wellbeing of the people in terms of health, peace, security and code of conduct of the people). Thus, this study investigated the effects of extreme religious beliefs and practices on community welfare in Umuchukwu community in Isiala Ngwa South LGA Abia state, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 370 respondents. A self-developed questionnaire titled “Extreme Religious Beliefs and Practice Scale” (ERBPS). The reliability score yielded 0.86. The study was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that there is a significant effect of extreme religious beliefs and practices on health of the people. In addition, there is a significant effect of extreme religious beliefs and practices on violence among the people. Furthermore, there is a significant effect of extreme religious beliefs and practices on the socio cultural behaviour of the people. It was recommended that the people of Umuchukwu should not play with their health as not all ailments can be cured through traditional medicine. The government and people of other clans should endeavour to respect and value the Umuchukwu people’s culture and traditions to maintain peace and order in the community and its environs. There is need to relax laws restricting strangers from participating in their cultures and traditions as they can use such mediums to attract tourists to their state and community.
: Extreme, Religion, Beliefs, Practices, Effects, Community, Welfare