The book encompasses six chapters spread across 82 pages, from the title page to the index. While it includes numerous citations from relevant sources, the reference section lists fewer than ten cited works. The title, Christian Relations, is unconventional, suggesting a fresh domain that seems to lack a clear academic or practical definition.
The notion of Christian relations might appear novel and somewhat unfamiliar, presenting as a concept without deep-seated scholarly roots. If Christianity were looked upon as a sector, this nomenclature might hold more validity. The uniqueness is emphasized by the specific use of 'relations' instead of 'relationship'.
Globally, public relations is a well-recognized term denoting strategies undertaken by communication experts to foster beneficial connections between organizations and their audiences. It serves as a vital function within corporate settings.
In contrast, industrial relations focus on the dynamics between employers and their employees, addressing issues such as wage debates and workplace conditions to ensure a peaceful working environment.
A subtle distinction separates the two ideas: public relations centers on the bond between an organization and its audience, while industrial relations revolves around the interactions between employers and workers, touching upon elements that guarantee workplace harmony.
Christian Relations represents a budding field garnering interest yet evidently lacking precise academic framing. Having received a copy of the book out of curiosity, I embarked on an exploration to uncover a tangible explanation of the concept, but I have yet to arrive at a definitive understanding.
It is noteworthy that if a communications professor struggles to delineate a concept in straightforward terms, it often signifies its non-existence. Nkereuwem Udoakah, a seasoned journalist turned academic, transitioned from media to academia many years ago. With an impressive educational background from both Ghana and the UK, he has made significant contributions to academia, producing numerous professors along the way.
Professor Udoakah specializes in political communication and media studies. He has served as a visiting scholar at the University of Sheffield in the UK and, in 2005, was selected for training in Transparency Reporting at the University of Minnesota Journalism Centre, thanks to the World Press Institute’s nomination. His portfolio includes Christian Relations along with various insightful books and academic articles concerning journalism.
Notably, the qualifications of Professor Udoakah do not directly endorse him to delve into spiritual domains. However, he approaches the topic from a space of spiritual regeneration. He is well regarded as a pioneering minister of the Church of Christ Community at the University of Uyo.
In his book, Udoakah traces the origins of Christian relations back to the teachings of Jesus Christ, lamenting the absence of academic acknowledgment for such a crucial subject. He characterizes his work as a spiritually inspired scholarly trek into understanding God’s mind to promote peaceful coexistence for humanity.
The essence of Christian Relations revolves around how Christians ought to nurture, maintain, and exemplify a principled conscience as a means of setting a standard for societal morality. The text underscores its importance for every individual practicing Christianity to exhibit fundamental, principled behavior towards one another.
It emphasizes the necessity for Christians to cultivate a conscientious and enduring biblical attitude, rooted in both moral and spiritual integrity. The author envisions Christian relations transcending mere doctrine, presenting instead as an ethical lifestyle that elevates morality above all else— a manner of living that even non-Bible scholars can comprehend and respect.
Central to the book’s premise is communication as the primary mechanism of Christian relations. This extends beyond verbal interactions to include symbols, codes, and body language. Udoakah asserts that non-verbal aspects, such as Christians’ attire, body language, timing, and other dimensions, play a vital role in expressing faith.
The concept of Christian relations encourages behaviors and gestures that enhance the values of Christian teachings in accordance with societal expectations. Whether in verbal or non-verbal exchanges, it requires a readiness to elucidate God’s word, reiterate guidance, and foster encouragement among believers.
Drawing from discussions and conclusions derived from the text, Christian relations are intertwined with principles from both public relations and industrial relations. The focus remains on exhibiting Christ-like virtues in interactions with both the church's public and its internal community.
For instance, the text outlines the anticipations of external audiences, which include various categories of believers as well as non-believers. In his perspective, the author views Christian relations as a divinely inspired public relations strategy that should evoke curiosity about the kingdom's virtues among non-Christians.
Additionally, from the viewpoint of industrial relations, the text presents Christian relations as an ethos of leadership and communication intended not for domination but for leading with empathy. The belief is that church leaders should regard themselves as shepherds dedicated to serving the congregation, rather than as authoritative figures demanding submission and fidelity without upholding stewardship as taught in scripture.
The book expands beyond the Christian principles of moral conduct and ethics to evaluate public communication’s role in disseminating the gospel. It addresses distinctions between oral and written communication, alongside the ethics surrounding public speaking, focusing on how to effectively convey messages to diverse audiences.
Udoakah navigates the intricacies of interpersonal communication as a key tool for Christian relations, particularly highlighting its role in one-on-one evangelism and the effective use of modern media for outreach. He discusses strategic collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes in evangelistic efforts.
Professor Udoakah appears to be aiming to introduce a new specialized communication framework into academia, addressing perceived deficiencies among Gospel ministers. The book endeavors not only to clarify how churches and Christians should communicate the gospel but also to define the behavioral standards expected from church leaders.
In a society sensitive to religious discourses, this theoretical formulation, despite its intriguing essence, faces the possibility of challenges in acceptance. Furthermore, if the discussion had encompassed actions of other religious groups aimed at promoting godly values in society rather than solely focusing on Christianity, its potential application could have seen greater viability as a recognized academic discipline.
Nonetheless, there remains a sense of hope. Educators in Christian theology within Nigerian universities may find this concept engaging and worthy of exploration, though its reception will undoubtedly hinge on various factors.
Overall, this publication serves as a resource for every Christian, particularly those involved in evangelism. Released in 2025 via the University of Uyo Printing Press, Christian Relations takes its cues from the Bible, reminiscent of the characteristics that differentiated early Christianity, drawing in converts and prompting King Agrippa to express to Apostle Paul in Acts 26:28, 'You almost persuaded me to be a Christian.'
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