[Ibadan Journal of Sociology, Dec., 201 9 , 9 ]
[© 2014- 2019 Ibadan Journal of Sociology]94Religion, Health and Turbulence of Healing Craft in the Nigerian
Context
Kabiru K. Salami and Chinwe M. Onuegbu
Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Correspondence:
Kabiru K. Salami, PhD
[email protected]
Abstract
One critical and engaging point of religious discourse among social-
theorists and thinkers is the healing craft capacity often claimed by
religious institutions. This paper explores the structure and dynamics of the
nexus between religion and health in the Nigerian context, considering its
complexities and pervasiveness. From a review of grey literature and data
from online blogs and religious websites, findings show that there is high
traffic and patronage to religious centres in Nigeria, mostly for issues
‘bothering the mind’ and termin al diseases, whereas same sources create
avenue for assassination and promotion of unhealthy behaviour. Religious
factors are essential in health discourse at policy level, to ensure
wholesome impacts.
Keywords: healthcare delivery, healing practices, mental health, Religious
institutions, Spirituality