THE DEGRADATION OF CHRISTIAN STANDARDS AND VALUES IN NIGERIA: CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND SOLUTIONS

The problems associated with Christianity have been enormous since time immemorial. The name Christian, which connotes Christ-likeness, is supposed to be respected and held in high esteem, but unfortunately, the reverse is the case, as one can hardly differentiate between a Christian and a non-Christian, a believer and an unbeliever, due to conduct and general lifestyle. Christians are the light and salt of the earth. For this, they are role models, leaders, inspirers, motivators, encouragers, counsellors, a voice to the voiceless, and hope to the hopeless. Therefore, the intention of this research work is to highlight some of the ways that Christian standards and values are being abused, degraded, and bastardised. The paper also looks at the consequences and effects this has on society and proposes solutions that will help restore, redeem, and reposition the church to her rightful place and rightly portray the right image of Jesus Christ in the lives of his followers.