Hamartiology: An Akan Perspective

Abstract

Hamartiology, a branch of theology dealing with the nature and effects of sin is orally preserved in the Akan religious thought but not documented as they exist in Islam and Catholicism. Authors of African Traditional Religion have contributed to the problem when they wrote briefly on sin and reconciliation only in relation to other topics. This article uses the literary approach, specifically secondary sources to elucidate on the Akan concept of sin to dispel the notion that Africans have no or poor concept of sin. Issues like, what is sin? the evaluation of sin, conditions necessary for the forgiveness of sin and the effects of sin and reconciliation among the Akan would be illuminated. The findings and discussions on the problem elucidate that, the Akan have a profound harmatiology. The Akan perceive sin as a stain. The Akan morality has aesthetic value. Sin is a transgression against God and humanity. Sin from the Akan perspective is classified into serious and less serious wrongdoings. Three conditions necessary for the remission of sin among the Akan are, acceptance of guilt, confession of sins committed and penance, reparation of sins. Reconciliation restores the penitent to full communion with the divine and humanity. The paper fills the vacuum created that the Akan has poor harmatiology because it is not documented. It also serves as reference material on harmatiology from the Akan perspective. Keywords: Harmatiology, African Religious thought, Akan concept of sin, Effects of Sin and Reconciliation in African Worldview