An Appraisal of Ethical Values and Tolerance Among Major Religious Groups in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-01Keywords:
Ethics, Tolerance, ReligionAbstract
The paper critically investigates impact of ethics and tolerance among major religion in Nigeria. Promoting peaceful coexistence in a religiously diverse community like Nigeria has made the global search for religious tolerance even more urgent. Given how frequently religious conflict has occurred in Nigeria over the past three decades, religious tolerance as a tool for peace is practical. In light of this, this paper explores religious ethics and tolerance as a strategy for amicable cohabitation in Nigeria. It examines the signs and effects of religious intolerance as well as the pursuit of religious tolerance as a solution to harmonious coexistence. It is therefore recommended that there should be encouragement of dialogue between various religious and ethnic groups through community forums and workshops. These platforms should be designed to address misunderstandings, share perspectives, and build trust.
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Copyright (c) 2026 OMISOLA, Sunday Mathew, ABODUNRIN, Adeniyi Olufemi PHD, MAKINDE, Oluwasegun, Faith, ONI, Timothy Olamide (Author)

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