Material Possessions in Luke 12 and in Nigerian Christians’ Practise

BiAS 34 is a study of material possessions in the Gospel according to Luke, relating their implications for Christians in Nigeria whose excessive quest for material wealth has become a problem. Adopting the Historical-Critical Method of exegesis and complementing it with the Social- Scientific Criticism, the book focuses on the parable of the Rich Fool in Lk 12:13-21 and the related teaching in Lk 12:22-30. It is argued that a thorough understanding of material possession in Luke’s gospel should take into account the background of severe social tensions among Christians in Luke’s community. The hermeneutics of the study shows that contemporary Christianity in Nigeria is marred by an excessive materialism which is against the teachings of the Lukan pericopes – especially, if prosperity is not shared with the poor. Kingsley Ikechukwu Uwaegbute holds a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he also teaches New Testament Studies at the Department of Religion and Cultural Studies. He has published articles in reputable international journals. His research interest covers contextual and social-scientific interpretations of the New Testament, Christianity’s interaction with Igbo culture, and the intersection of religion and society.