Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the mysteries of life, death, and what lies beyond. The Bible offers profound insights into the connection between the living, the dead, and God’s unwavering love. These insights can also illuminate the cultural richness of African spirituality, where ancestors—those who have passed on—hold a sacred and revered place in the fabric of life. Contrary to misconceptions, African spirituality is not evil but a testament to a deep understanding of the spiritual continuum and God’s eternal presence.
The Bible shows us that death does not sever the bond between God and His creation. Moses, a central figure in biblical history, serves as a powerful example. Though he died before entering the Promised Land, God continued to honor his legacy, even allowing him to appear alongside Elijah during Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–3). This moment reveals that the dead are not lost to God; they remain part of His divine plan.
Similarly, the story of Lazarus in John 11 highlights that God’s love transcends the grave. When Jesus resurrected Lazarus, He demonstrated His power over death and His commitment to life. These stories show that death is not an end but a transition, with God’s love persisting beyond the physical realm.
The Bible also speaks to the continuation of the faithful beyond death. Revelation 6:9-11 portrays the souls of the martyrs crying out to God, awaiting justice. This imagery reminds us that even in death, the righteous remain in communion with God, their voices heard, their presence felt.
In African spirituality, ancestors are more than historical figures; they are guiding spirits who remain connected to the living. They are often viewed as intermediaries between humanity and the divine, embodying wisdom, protection, and moral guidance. This belief does not contradict faith in God but enriches it by acknowledging the continuum of life and the sacredness of those who came before us.
The Bible itself resonates with this idea. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of being surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” a poetic image of those who have gone before us, cheering us on as we run the race of life. African spirituality embraces this same understanding: the dead are not gone but present in ways that inspire, protect, and guide.
Honoring ancestors is not an act of worship; it is an act of respect and acknowledgment. It mirrors the biblical principle of giving honor where it is due (Romans 13:7). Just as the Bible recounts the lineage of faith, African spirituality values the lineage of life, recognizing ancestors as keepers of tradition and custodians of wisdom.
This sacred connection is deeply personal to me. I have been blessed with a spiritual gift that allows me to dream of and communicate with those who have passed on. In these dreams, people I know—and some I’ve never met—introduce themselves to me. Often, the elders in my family confirm the existence of these ancestors, grounding my experiences in our shared history.
Through this gift, I have connected with my father, my grandfather, my grandmother, uncles, and cousins who have passed on. They continue to guide and protect me, their presence affirming the spiritual connection that exists between the living and the dead. These interactions remind me that I am made in God’s image, uniquely gifted to bridge the realms of the physical and the spiritual.
The Bible, too, recounts stories of those with similar gifts. Joseph’s prophetic dreams preserved nations (Genesis 41). Daniel’s interpretations of visions revealed divine mysteries (Daniel 2). These gifts were celebrated as manifestations of God’s will. My gift, like theirs, is not a curse but a blessing, a reminder of God’s boundless love and the sacred connection we share with those who came before us.
For centuries, African spirituality has been misunderstood and demonized, often by those who sought to undermine its legitimacy to impose their own narratives. This vilification has alienated many Africans from their roots, creating a false dichotomy between their faith in God and their cultural practices.
Yet, when we examine African spirituality’s principles, we find profound respect for creation, community, and the interconnectedness of life. The reverence for ancestors is not idolatry but a recognition of their ongoing presence and influence—a concept that mirrors biblical teachings about the faithful departed.
Jesus Himself engaged with figures from the past, as seen in His conversation with Moses and Elijah. If this interaction was not condemned as evil, why should honoring ancestors in African spirituality be seen as such? To dismiss African practices as ungodly is to ignore the cultural expressions of faith that resonate deeply with biblical truths.
This is a call to all who have distanced themselves from their roots out of fear or misunderstanding. It is time to see African spirituality for what it is: a beautiful acknowledgment of the connection between the living, the dead, and God. It teaches us to honor those who paved the way, much like the Bible teaches us to respect the patriarchs, prophets, and martyrs who shaped our faith.
God’s love knows no bounds—not even the boundary of death. African spirituality, when understood in its true essence, reflects this divine truth. Let us embrace the wisdom of our ancestors and the eternal love of God, recognizing that spirituality is not a division but a bridge, linking us to our past, our Creator, and our collective future.
In honoring our ancestors, we honor the God who made them, the God who sustains all life, and the God who loves beyond measure. Let us walk boldly in this truth, celebrating the sacred connection that binds us to those who have gone before and the divine presence that unites us all.
African spirituality reminds us to cherish our roots and our connection to the divine. It teaches us that our ancestors are not distant spirits but beloved members of God’s creation, guiding us with love and wisdom. By reclaiming our roots and embracing this sacred connection, we affirm the beauty of our heritage and the boundless love of a God who unites us across time and space.
My point would not be made clear if I failed to end this blog piece with a young, Amen-Camagu.
Happy reading bangani.
