The Ontological Status of ‘The Living Dead’ in Post Modern African: A Discourse in Existential Metaphysics

Abstract

This paper re-examines the place of the ancestors in post-modern Africa societies. It critically analyses the ontological status of the ‘living-dead’ in pre-colonial Africa society. This is predicated on the incursions/advent of proselytizing religions, nay Christianity and Islam and the force and pace of globalization. It is the contention of this paper that since these religions cum globalization have a lot of converts in Africa, little or no regard is now been paid to the ancestors. This is because most of the converts prefer their new relationships (religion and globalization) instead of venerating their departed, which they now see as belittling and fetish. On the other hand, the civilizing tendencies of Asia and the West, particularly the globalizing forces, like the media and ICT, fostered this high disregard for the ancestors. This paper concludes that since the living don’t even reflect the moral sanctity Africa was once known for, as a result of avarice, consumerism, materialism plus the alluring strings of globalization, the so-called ‘moral paragon’ should be allowed to really rest in peace.

Key words: African religion, ancestors, worship, globalization, post-colonial, morality.