Original Research

Sōteria [salvation] in Christianity and Ụbandu [wholeness] in Igbo traditional religion: Towards a renewed understanding

Omaka K. Ngele, Kingsley I. Uwaegbute, Damian O. Odo, Paulinus O. Agbo
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 73, No 3 | a4639 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v73i3.4639 | © 2017 Omaka K. Ngele, Kingsley I. Uwaegbute, Damian O. Odo, Paulinus O. Agbo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 08 May 2017 | Published: 30 November 2017

About the author(s)

Omaka K. Ngele, Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
Kingsley I. Uwaegbute, Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
Damian O. Odo, Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
Paulinus O. Agbo, Humanities Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nigeria

Abstract

This study affirmed the fact that there is the idea of salvation in all religions whether revealed or indigenous. This applies categorically to Christianity and Igbo traditional religion (ITR). The basis for this comparative study of sōteria [salvation] and ụbandu [wholeness] in both Christianity and ITR is to juxtapose the two religions’ intrinsic value and distinctive heritage for wider readership and shared knowledge. The aim of this study is to carry out a critical comparative study of the concepts of sōteria and ụbandu in both Christianity and ITR locating their nexus and point of departure. This study is therefore comparative in approach. The methodology applied to this effect is, firstly, the lexical analysis which involves a critical study of the uses of sōteria in the New Testament Greek Bible. Secondly, in the context of ITR, our discussions on ubandu and sōteria as form and expression of doctrine of salvation call for the application of a phenomenological lens; through this, we used oral interviews as source of primary data. This study discovered that both Christianity and ITR define soteria and ubandu from a physical standpoint to include God’s providence, protection and preservation. It is on eschatological experience of sōteria and ụbandu that both religions have points of nexus and divergences. It deciphers the fact that eschatological experience of sōteria in Christianity is highly dependent on the belief in Jesus and his mediatory role which can be either accepted or refused by humans. Eschatological experience of ubandu in ITR is ancestorhood which is highly dependent on the use of coercive force through the enforcement of omenala [Igbo moral codes] in ensuring its experience on the part of practitioners when they transit to the ancestral world.

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