AQUINO Journal of Philosophy

The world has been bedeviled by the radical problem of violence in contemporary times. This paper explores the concept of nonviolence in Mahatma Gandhi’s liberation theology and its implications for the Nigerian experience. The Gandhian philosophy provides a normative framework for social order and social change. The Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence is a reflection in the promotion of social movement, civil disobedience and the need for individual self-realization. The objective of this paper is to reveal that the Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence revolves around the Christian ethics of love and peace. The Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence is built on the normative assumption of “peaceable global order”. The paper aims to contribute a more wide-ranging and all-encompassing nature and understanding of nonviolence in society. This paper adopts analytical framework and hermeneutical methodology in discussing the Gandhian notion of nonviolence as a liberation theology. Findings, however, show that the Gandhian conception of nonviolence is greatly indebted to the Apostolic faith, mission and vision of Jesus Christ. The Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence is deeply rooted in Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Verdic thought. It guarantees the dialogical engagement and the comprehensive conceptions of the good. The Gandhian notion of nonviolence emphasizes the radical response to racist philosophy of the West. This paper, therefore, concludes that Gandhi’s notion of nonviolence encompasses ethical considerations and pedagogical implications. This paper, however, recommends that if the Apostolic faith, mission and vision of Jesus Christ is strictly adhered to the world would be a better place for our humanity. Civil disobedience is a better option rather than violence in an emancipated global society.

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