Abstract
Studies have shown that most of the precepts, ordinances and rituals in Christian religion are more of resemblances than novelties of what were the cases in the original religion of the African people. The belief in the communion of the Saints, and its surrounding practices stressed especially among the Catholic group is coterminous with the veneration of the Ancestors in this latter religion. The affinity that exists between these two beliefs calls for a special attention, and reinvestigation especially this period when inculturation and proper adaptation of Christian culture are emphasized in the evangelization of people. This study will apply a hermeneutical approach in its study. At the end of its theoretical sample analysis, it will suggest that those ancestors whose names are traceable be recognized among the local worshipping communities who know them and who are strong adherents of this belief. It calls for a new approach in the study of the ancestral veneration with some reservations applied in the absolute condemnation of the practice. Key words: Christian, catholic, Africans, communion of the saints, Christianity, inculturation.
Highlights
There is a common belief that most of what is African were disparaged and misconstrued as either barbaric or when it has to do with their religion, as idolatry
If we go by the popular view that culture is human, it means that Africans do not have any culture since they do not possess that which is very essential in the definition of humanity
We have described that of the Council of Jerusalem in St Luke’s narration where the group for inculturation that would so to speak allow the Gentiles in the worship with the Jews without being circumcised, prevailed
Summary
The affinity that exists between these two beliefs calls for a special attention, and reinvestigation especially this period when inculturation and proper adaptation of Christian culture are emphasized in the evangelization of people. At the end of its theoretical sample analysis, it will suggest that those ancestors whose names are traceable be recognized among the local worshipping communities who know them and who are strong adherents of this belief. It calls for a new approach in the study of the ancestral veneration with some reservations applied in the absolute condemnation of the practice
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