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
THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS IN MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE: A CASE STUDY OF PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE IN BOKI L.G.A OF CROSS RIVER STATE
ABSTRACT
Physical distribution channels has created a created a great impact by bridging the gap between the producers and the final cons...
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TOWARDS HOMOSEXUALITY AND ITS IMPLICATION ON SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT (A STUDY OF CARITAS UNIVERSITY, AMORJI- NIKE, EMENE) ENUGU STATE
ABSTRACT
With civilization and urbanization on the increase in Nigeria today and also freedom from parents enjoyed by youths and students...
BUILDING MAINTENANCE IN NIGERIA: STRUCTURAL DETERIORATION, INVESTIGATION OF CAUSES AND REMEDIES
ABSTRACT
This study examined building maintenance in Nigeria: structural deterioration, investigation o...
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF PERSONAL INCOME TAX IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This Paper examines the problems associated with the Assessment and Administration of Personal Income Tax on Mo...
THE MIND OF CHRIST: A PARADIGM TOWARD A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF TRANSFORMATIONAL AND PROACTIVE RESPONSES TO VIOLENCE
ABSTRACT
Christianity seems to be losing focus on violence and the Christian response. Therefore, this work sought for responses to viole...
PSYCHO-SOCIAL INFLUENCE OF CIGARETTE SMOKING AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Background to the Study
Tobacco is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Particularly, in developing countries it h...
THE ROLE OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETY ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF EDO STATE (A CASE STUDY OF ORHIONMWON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)
EXCERPT FROM THE STUDY
In Nigeria, cooperatives were introduced by the colonial during the First World War. These cooper...
THE INFLUENCE OF MONETARY POLICY ON NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH
Background to the Study
Macroeconomic policy consists of the actions aimed at inducing appropriate changes in macr...
RESOURCES GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
Investigating resource generation and management in the ministry of local&nbs...
ROLE OF ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS AND CONVENTION IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
The following problems are encountered in the process of communicating information.
...