Religio-Philosohycal Implication of Death and Funeral Rites among the Nyakpa People of Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State

Abstract

The weight of Mbiti’s philosophical assertion that; “Africans are notoriously religious better defines the African man and cannot be overruled. Religion and Philosophy are interwoven and constitute essential aspects of every human society. The importance of religion, as well as Philosophy in the society, cannot be over-emphasized. In Africa, while almost all the activities that are carried out from birth to death are predicated on their Philosophy and religion, such religious practices are carried out based on the strength of rational and philosophical articulations and the religious worldview of the people. This translates to the fact that, while, in matters of religious practice and faith, there are no questions, African philosophy stands in here to critically analyze and give reasons why it is good for us to practice our religion and point at the consequence of objecting to it. It correctly captured the logicality of the religious beliefs of African people as everything in Africa is done according to religious beliefs, African man carries his religion to farms, markets, government houses, war, meetings, etc. All the events and ceremonies in Africa are done according to their religious beliefs. This paper attempts to articulate the way and manner in which the Nyankpa people in Karu Local Government Area also attach importance to and practice their religion in all aspects of their cultural living and how Religion and philosophy play vital roles concerning the death and funeral rites of the people. The
paper concludes and provides recommendations arising from the findings of the research.