The understanding of life in Africa in the light of Christ's resurrection
In Africa, life and death are intrinsically linked, death being perceived as a continuation of life in the world beyond. If life doesn't finish with death but ends in the ancestors' village, can we liken it to the Resurrection, that is, returning to life as Jesus did? Contrary to the weste...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
SCM Press
2024
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| In: |
Concilium
Year: 2024, Issue: 2, Pages: 115-123 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Africa
/ Life
/ Death
/ Initiation
/ Resurrection
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| IxTheo Classification: | CB Christian life; spirituality KBL Near East and North Africa KBN Sub-Saharan Africa NBE Anthropology NBF Christology |
| Further subjects: | B
FAITH (Christianity)
B Resurrection B AFTERLIFE in Christianity |
| Summary: | In Africa, life and death are intrinsically linked, death being perceived as a continuation of life in the world beyond. If life doesn't finish with death but ends in the ancestors' village, can we liken it to the Resurrection, that is, returning to life as Jesus did? Contrary to the western view, death is not the ultimate end, but rather a passage towards the world of our ancestors. This concept of continuity between life and death is deeply rooted in rites of initiation, where people learn to 'live their death' symbolically in order to reach a new phase of their existence. This can be understood as the respect for life being a categorical imperative in a world where human life is trivialised, but also in a context where life is held up as the most excellent sacred gift. 'I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b). Jesus brings this life from his Father, who is the source of all, and it comes through faith in Jesus 'all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life' (John 6:40) Christ our Hope is alive; we shall live! Africa is not destined for death, but for life! (John Paul II) |
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| ISSN: | 0010-5236 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Concilium
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