The Book of Philemon: An Architectural Paradigm for Brotherhood in Nigeria

Abstract

The concept of brotherhood is commonly used in the humanities. Brotherhood is a feeling that develops beyond the instinct found in man. The true brotherhood is love, where personal interest is a second option. Religious books and ethno-cultural tenets in Nigeria have various references to this; their teachings recognise a deep emotional connection between believers of the same faith, which also exists among non-religious organisations. It is not limited to blood relations but symbolises kindness and unity. Paul displays this concept in his letter to Philemon towards Onesimus, a runaway slave. Beyond a reasonable doubt in Nigeria, the overt and covert praxis of brotherhood has elapsed and substituted for servitude. Despite the worldwide abolition of slavery, relevant existing literature revealed that slavery still infiltrates human existence due to hardship situations in the country and the quest for personal interest and superiority. However, the work concluded and recommended that individuals should take responsibility for promoting oneness, without the racial and socio-ethnic structures that thwart Nigerian society today. Leaders should demonstrate strong leadership by protecting their citizens' rights. Since maltreatment, slavery, human trafficking, and all other inhuman habits are considered detrimental within the ethno-cultural setting today.