EXEGETICAL STUDY OF MATTHEW 25: 31-46 IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO THE IGBO COSMOLOGICAL NOTION OF REINCARNATION
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style: APA
- Recommended for : Student Researchers
- NGN 3000
ABSTRACT
The belief in reincarnation has affected some Christians at many levels ranging from belief, experience and ritual relation to their ancestors. The levels are intrinsically bound together and cause great harm to the Igbo Christian, especially when his conversion to Christianity fails to address what he experiences in his everyday life. Continual adherence to the beliefs and practices of traditional religion that reveals belief in reincarnation has not only weakened the Church but has also given rise to syncretism. This therefore betrays a gap in knowledge among some people who are being converted from traditional religion to Christianity. The Igbo Christian is so fundamentally bound to this indigenous belief that it presents stiff resistance to key Christian contentions such as eschatological judgment. The purpose of the study is to exegetically analyse the text: Matthew 25: 31-46, examine the inference deducible from it in relation to the Christian notion of eschatological judgment, and study how the textual position on eschatological judgment relates to or differs from the concept of reincarnation among the Igbo of the South East Nigeria. The research is both qualitative and quantitative. Data are collected from both primary and secondary sources using the survey method and documentary or historical method respectively. The questionnaire technique is used to collect primary data while secondary data are gathered from written sources such as books, journals, articles and so on. Primary data are analyzed and presented in Tables using the simple percentages while secondary data are analyzed using descriptive method. The historical-critical method and contextual/inculturation tools are used for the interpretation of the biblical text. The resurrection theory was used because this theory, more than any other delved into the mysteries beyond the grave and offer plausible solutions. The research revealed that the last judgment and reincarnation agreed to the point that the Supreme God and the Matthean God is not merely a power but a Person; and that the resurrected individuals and the living dead are not souls but spiritual persons. They differed in that the last judgment is a one-time-event that can never be repetitive unlike the Igbo concept of reincarnation. Also, contrary to the Igbo concept of reincarnation, the last judgment proffers lasting solution to the problem of evil. Again, unlike what we see in Igbo concept of reincarnation, the Christians will possess bodies that are not only new and glorious but will also not be subjugated to earthly limitations. The relationship between reincarnation and the last judgment is rather negative and non perfect. The index of relationship between the two can present some left to right downward trend if the graph of the relationship were to be plotted. The researcher, therefore, concluded that the Igbo Christian needed a genuine Igbo expression of the Christian faith and a corresponding theology for a possible inculturation. This includes seeing Christ as the Ancestor, making room for local names which do not contain any idea of reincarnation and possibly combining naming ceremony with baptism in some areas. The Church should be at pains through her teachings and practical life to introduce a fulfilment into the Christian conscience, that belief in the resurrection of the dead.
Related Project Materials
EFFECT OF ENRICHED EXPOSITORY METHOD ON INTEREST AND PERFORMANCE IN GEOMETRY AMONG JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect ofenriched expository method on interest and performance in geometry among Junior Secondary S...
THE IMPACT OF TRANSPORTATION ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY (1980 – 2010)
ABSTRACT
What if the transportation section, stagnant, almost every section of any given economy will not perform well as expected. Te im...
THE ROLE OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION IN VOCATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT
ABSTRACT: This study explores the role of creativity and innovation in vocational skill development, focusing on their influence on enhancing...
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN PREVENTING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
ABSTRACT: This study Explored the Role of Early Childhood Education in Preventing Juvenile Delinquency. The...
CHRONIC TOXICITY EXTRACTION OF AFRICAN MESQUITE TREE PART EXTRACT IN RAT
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the chronic toxicity of African Mesquite tree (Prosopis africana) extr...
AUDITING EFFICIENCY FOR IMPROVING COMPANIES PERFORMANCE (A CASE STUDY OF CHAMPION BREWERIES, AKS)
ABSTRACT
This study investigates auditing efficiency for improving companies’ performance. In carrying out this r...
THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE IN EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF NIGERIAN ORGANIZATION (A STUDY OF NIGERIAN BREWERY PLC, ENUGU)
ABSTRACT
The topic of this study is Impact of Organizational Structure in Effective Management of Nigerian Organization (A study of Niger...
GROUND ELECTROMAGNETIC AND ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY PROSPECTING FOR ORE MINERALISATION ZONES IN TSOHON-GURUSU NIGER STATE, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
To accurately explore and develop prospective mineral deposits, systematic geophysical approaches becomes a useful tool to estab...
EXAMINING THE ROLE OF TRADE UNION TOWARDS SOLVING EMPLOYEE'S PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on the role of trade union towards solving employee's problems...
STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP STYLE PRACTICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NORTH CENTRAL GEOGRAPHICAL ZONE, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study investigated Stakeholders’ Perception onPrincipals’ Leadership StylePractices in Secondary Schools in the...
