March 12, 2012

Atiku is a Nigerian scholar at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.  Born into a Muslim family in northern Nigeria, he grew up witnessing religious conflicts. When he became a Christian in his youth, his challenging inter-religious journey began.  Even today, half of his family (including extended one) is still Muslim.  While trying to promote a peaceful inter-religious living, especially in work places, where ordinary Christians and Muslims live and work together, he has also made a striking discovery.  Less than two decades ago, even if the religious composition in the area was not much different from today’s, life was far more peaceful.  Bombing, burning or killing were rare; everyone seemed to accept the complex religious reality of the region.  He was convinced that it was politicians, both Christian and Muslim, who took this delicate balance for their own benefit…Read more