Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 31:1 (Apr 2021)
Article: The Concept Of Cult Centralization In Deuteronomy And Its Possible Implications For Today
Author: Miracle Ajah

Conspectus 31:1 (April 2021) p. 22

The Concept Of Cult Centralization In Deuteronomy And Its Possible Implications For Today

Miracle Ajah1

National Open University of Nigeria

Abstract

The concept of cult centralization in the book of Deuteronomy is viewed as one of Deuteronomy’s constructs for an inclusive society where everyone is important, including the most vulnerable. Some scholars like Bennett and Tigay disagree with this opinion. They argue that the cult centralization, which made the capital the sole center of worship and pilgrimage, was a product of indoctrination and oppression that benefited only the king. This paper contributes to the conversation on cult centralization, especially for an inclusive society where principles of equity and efficient allocation of resources are fulfilled in the context of federated units. It adopts a tradition historical method in its exegesis in examining the earlier function of cult centralization, its context in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch, and the use or interpretation of it by other biblical traditions, thereby drawing possible implications for today. In an era when most African countries are grappling with problems of fiscal federalism and resource control due to a central government system, is it possible to find a credible solution to the attendant problems associated with running a centralized government? The paper concludes that a good understanding of Deuteronomy’s social vision for community living as evidenced in the cult centralization would possibly leverage an improved social cohesion and integration in society today.

Keywords

centralized cult, Deuteronomy, sacred law, federalism, resource control

1. Introduction

Endless debates and controversies have competed to provide possible solutions to the conflicting roles

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of ethnicity, politics, and derivation formula in most Africa countries— especially as they grapple with the problems of fiscal federalism and resource control because they run a central government. For example, in Nigeria, the issue of resource control has become a national burden for Nigeria’s federation. Some sections of the country have, on occasion, agitated for resource control for a number of reasons. The agitations aim at redressing perceived injustices and inequalities in fiscal relations among ethnic nationalities, regions, and political units within Nigeria’s federation. According to Dickson and Asua (2016), this agitation is perceived as a necessary fall-out of the degradation of their environment and the neglect of their conditions by the central government, which is seen as advan...