Abstract:
African churches show little interest in the notion of the final judgment. Various
reasons for the lack of interest in this important aspect of biblical faith are discussed. Special
attention is given to the problems of time and history as they manifest in African thinking. The
idea of punishment as it is perceived in Africa also receives attention. The article looks at the
biblical texts on the final judgment from an African perspective. African philosophy and
spirituality facilitate a rediscovery of the joyful dimensions of this notion. One of the main
arguments is that Africa should not experience insurmountable problems in embracing this aspect of
the gospel. On the contrary: Africa can assist the ecumenical world to discover aspects of this
message not yet disclosed. The article concludes with a discussion on the fate of the African
ancestors.
