THE ASTROPHYSICAL COSMOLOGY OF DEATH IN AFRICAN ABORIGINAL MYTHOLOGY: THE CHURCH AND IGBO RELIGIOUS VIEWS AT CROSSROADS

Abstract

The Astrophysical cosmology of death in African Aboriginal Mythology is that the dead does not gravitate to his/her destination (spirit world of relations) until his/her second burial rites are performed. The process of growth and development within ATR is perceived as an ongoing manifestation of life, which is rooted in African eschatology. This indicates that ATR incorporates the belief that human existence persists beyond physical death as one of its fundamental principles. An examination of the African religious belief system shows mortality does not signify the cessation of existence nor does it terminate the human experience. This symbolic and often metaphorical concept has formed an intersection of paths between the Christian and African traditional adherents. However, the exceptions of giving normal burial rites to deceased persons in Igbo worldview are governed chiefly by considerations of birth, rank and cause of death. Death resulting from obnoxious and strange diseases is disposed off quickly at Ajo-Ofia (evil forest) without any traditional burial rites. This traditional measure or ritual event in Igbo cosmology is at metaphysical crossroads with the Christian perception of death which is the separation from God and immortality of the soul. However, blending this varying cosmology of death between the church and Igbo/African traditional system has formed the thrust of this study. As qualitative research, the researchers adopted the primary and secondary sources of data collection and culture area approach for data analysis. The researchers, however, recommends an integration of Igbo traditional and Christian religious beliefs in analyzing the astrophysical cosmology of death through mutual dialogue of synthesis and hybridization of the good elements of each of the culture rather than using extreme acts of mutual extinction.