Sacrifice In Christianity and African Traditional Religion: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Igbo is made up of different complexion of people and different traditional rules, regulations and practice which sacrifice is one and important to the inhabitants specifically proving that they are part of Igbo communities, the act of sacrifice is naturally imbibed in their lifes right from the inception of their birth as a result of their unwritten native of laws, then observance identification, understanding and continuity are transferred from one generation to another, significantly through oral history. These laws include Nso-ala, Iwu al, Ihu ala, Ama ala, mmou ichu aja. Etc and there are certain deities which they make sacrifices to for their continuity. The aim of certain sacrifices made are for controlling social interaction and maintaining the relationship between man and the gods as one could observe that there was revival of the gods recently through the help of sacrifice of Nwunye na Nwoke Ehi recently male and female (Lamb). It is worthy to note that the act of sacrifice practically involves both men and women of difference caliber irrespective of age, profession and class as the work will give the reader an instinct of what sacrifice is all about, the intentions of sacrifices, types of sacrifices, the sacrificer and materials or obligations for sacrifice and wider differentiation of sacrifice between Christianity and African traditional religion vis a vis. The Igbo community as a case study and finally to the comparative analysis which has the different keys that includes convergence divergence and dialogue where both cultures find solace in each other