X-RAYING HUMAN SACRIFICE IN JUDAISM AND AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION WITH SOCIO-RELIGIOUS LENS

Abstract

Human sacrifice is the highest offer/gift to god(s) for appeasement or benevolence of a family, people, community and society. There are societies in the world which has the conception that only human blood can atone or expiate for a crime and epidemic made in the land. The philosophy that an angry god place demand on human life is very common in the Old Testament (Judaism) and African traditional religion and leave humans with continuous phobia of the unknown. Issues that bother on sacrifice are predominant in all societies of the world especially in African worldview. For one to obtain blessings and favour from God(s) in most traditional African societies, rites with the utilization of grains, burnt offerings, animal sacrifices are required. For a better understanding, this research clearly views the definitions of sacrifice, historical concept of sacrifice in Judaism, historical concept of sacrifice in African traditional religion, human sacrifice in Africa traditional religion and its implications and the implications of human sacrifice in the Old Testament context. By way of its implications, so many questions will be addressed. However, this research made use of the historical method as well as the utilization of books, journals, and internet source. It recommends amongst others that God cannot require the blood of any human to be appeased, hence the sanctity of human life should be upheld and respected by all especially in African traditional society.