Differences between continuity of life in African tradition and in Christianity

(1 Thessalonians 4:4 - 17, 1 Corinthians 15)

African tradition 

• It is believed that there were good and evil spirits. The evil spirits were said to cause revenge, hatred, and kill people. Good spirits were believed to give people comfort.
• Some societies believed that God was the Chief Spirit.
• The spirits of people who died long ago were believed to be closer to the Chief Spirit.
• The living-dead conveyed messages to the Chief Spirit, that is, the living-dead were the mediators between the living and God.

• The living-dead were also thought to have the power to know and understand mysterious things such as causes of illnesses and misfortune.
• They were guardians and promoters of community and family affairs.
• The burial customs of most societies indicate their belief in life after death. In some societies, things like cooking pots, knives and hoes were buried together with the dead person. These were to help one’s spirit live comfortably in the spirit world.

Christianity

• In death the body is unattractive but when it is raised it will be beautiful.
• One will reconnect with those who died in Christ in heaven after Judgment Day.
• Christians do not believe in the spirits of the dead getting involved in everyday life.
• Jesus Christ is the mediator between a Christian and God.
• Christians have a direct link to God; they do not need to use a human mediator.