ABSTRACT

This study explores the concept of ancestor veneration in Igbo culture and its parallels with Christian beliefs, focusing on the perception of Jesus as an ancestor. The reverence for ancestors is a critical aspect of Igbo spirituality, profoundly shaping customs, values, and social structures. Ancestors occupy a significant role in the daily lives of Igbo communities, being regarded as vital mediators between God and their descendants. The methodology adopted for this research is multidisciplinary, incorporating both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include ethnographic interviews with Igbo practitioners and community leaders, as well as observations of cultural rituals that embody ancestor veneration. Secondary sources consist of scholarly literature that provides insight into Igbo cosmology and the intersections between traditional beliefs and Christianity. Qualitative analytical methods, such as content analysis, narrative analysis, and discourse analysis, are employed to interpret the data and uncover the complexities of this spiritual practice. The study ultimately seeks to illuminate the enduring significance of ancestor veneration in Igbo culture while highlighting the compelling parallels between Igbo spirituality and Christian beliefs, facilitating a deeper understanding of cultural syncretism and the universal dimensions of human spirituality. Through this lens, the research emphasizes the importance of tradition as a guiding force, reinforcing community identity within a rapidly changing world, where Jesus is similarly regarded as a Great Ancestor in Igbo thought.