THE DOCTRINE OF AFTERLIFE IN ANCIENT RELIGIONS VIS-À-VIS THE IGBO NOTION OF REINCARNATION

Abstract

From the dawn of history man has grappled with the question of death and afterlife. While many religions and cultures hold on to a belief in afterlife, their views vary from culture to culture. The ancient Egypt belief in the afterlife was expressed in the practice of mummification of corpses of the dead; this was aimed at preserving them for the next life. The Hindus believe that there is a cycle of births and death before one finally arrives his destiny. The soul of the dead was believed to be reborn in another body and to experience another earthly existence. This view also reflects in the Greek teaching on Metempsychosis. The Zoroastrians and the Jews have another expression of the belief in afterlife. Both religions taught that the dead will experience a resurrection at the last day. Judaism bases this hope on God who has power over life and death. The God, who calls into existence what was not, also has the power to restore life even if it is lost in corporeal death. The Igbo share much of the views on afterlife expressed in these ancient religions. This is expressed in the belief in ỊlỠụwa (reincarnation).