Biblical Ethics and African Approaches to Social Justice and Reconciliation

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of biblical ethics and African approaches to social justice and reconciliation, examining how biblical principles align with indigenous African moral frameworks in addressing societal issues. Biblical ethics, rooted in justice, love, and communal well-being, provide a moral foundation for addressing injustice and fostering reconciliation. Similarly, African ethical systems emphasize communal harmony, restorative justice, and collective responsibility toward one another and traditional reconciliation mechanisms. By engaging biblical teachings on justice (e.g., Amos 5:24, Micah 6:8) and reconciliation (e.g., in Colossians 3:12-17), this study highlights their relevance to African social structures and conflict resolution models.  The research employs both primary sources approach with interviews from ten (10) purposively selected Key Informant Interviews (K.I.I) and In-Depth Interviews (I.D.I) and secondary sources by integrating theological analysis, ethnographic insights and comparative ethical study. Biblical exegesis is used to analyze key texts on justice and reconciliation, while ethnographic methods, including interviews to explore the African traditional justice systems of Traditional Palace Courts (TPCs) for reconciliation practices among the Yoruba of Ado-Ekiti. A comparative ethical analysis examines the similarities and differences between biblical and African ethical frameworks, assessing their applicability to contemporary African societies. This interdisciplinary methodology enables a comprehensive understanding of how biblical and African traditions can inform each other in promoting social justice and reconciliation. The study ultimately argues that a synthesis of biblical ethics and African approaches can offer a holistic and contextually relevant framework for addressing social injustices and fostering lasting peace in African communities.