Religious Extremism and the Theology of the Other: An Analytical Study of Christian-Muslim Relations in Kaduna State

This study presents an analytical examination of the theological foundations and social dynamics of religious extremism as they affect Christian-Muslim relations in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, which has experienced some of the most severe sectarian violence in West Africa over the past three decades. Drawing on post-colonial religious studies, peace theology, and the concept of the theology of the other as developed by recent interfaith scholars, the research investigates how extreme theological positions within both Christian and Muslim communities have fuelled communal violence and how moderate theological voices are working to counteract this trend. Using a critical qualitative design, data are gathered from fifty interviews with religious leaders, conflict survivors, civil society peacemakers, and academic theologians across Kaduna South, Kaduna North, and Zangon Kataf Local Government Areas. The study identifies selective scriptural literalism, in-group theological exclusivism, and the weaponisation of religious identity by political actors as the primary theological mechanisms enabling extremism. Peace theology initiatives that emphasise the shared dignity of the human person and the prophetic demands of both traditions for justice and mercy are identified as the most effective counter-extremist theological frameworks. The study recommends the development of a North West Nigeria inter-religious peace theology curriculum for use in religious training institutions of both faiths. Keywords: religious extremism, theology of the other, Christian-Muslim relations, Kaduna State, peace theology