JESUS’ SACRIFICE (HEBREWS 9:15-28) AND THE HUMAN SACRIFICE IN YORUBA TRADITIONAL RELIGION

Abstract

The sacrifice of Jesus as exemplified in the epistle to Hebrews 9:15-28 is studied in this paper in the context of human sacrifice in Yoruba Traditional Religion (YTR). The paper argues that sacrifice is at the centre in relation to salvation of mankind in both Hebrews and Yoruba traditions, though there is a great variety in the ways in which a sacrifice can be offered, as well as in the functions that it is expected to perform. Contextualizing the text under study enhances clarity in the understanding of the significance of the sacrifice of Jesus. Using historical-critical method and qualitative approach, the paper examines the sacrifice of Jesus as presented in Hebrews 9:15-28. Finding reveals that understanding the human sacrifice in YTR enhances contextualizing the sacrifice of Jesus among the Yoruba Christians. In conclusion, the sacrifice of Jesus as exemplified in Hebrews 9:15-28 is superior to the human sacrifice in Yoruba Traditional Religion.