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...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Faye, Anne Béatrice 1963- (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: SCM Press 2024
In: Concilium
Year: 2024, Issue: 2, Pages: 115-123
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Africa / Life / Death / Initiation / Resurrection
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
Description
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)
ISSN:0010-5236
Contains:Enthalten in: Concilium