a “community with members having personal interaction, are interested in the well-being of one another and are devoted to general aims and processes, share concerns for dual actions, and treasure membership in the community as a goal worth following.” This indeed describes the typical African community. The existence of an African man can be defined whilst referring to his environment. This is evident as John Mbiti rightly summarised it “I am because we are and since we are, therefore I am.” “follow the path trod by many; if you move alone, you will regret.”
Biko Steve writes that “our living together is not unfortunate accident which causes ceaseless contest among us but is an intentional act of God to make you a community of brothers …show more content…
The latter are indeed not dead: the dead are not really dead but are to be regarded rather as the ‘living dead’.” These living dead or ancestors are truly part and parcel of the African family as they are usually invited to family activities. As it is written by Parrinder “the ancestors are not merely ghosts neither are they simply dead heroes, but are felt to be present, guarding over the family, directly involved with all the affairs of the family and property, causing manifold harvest and fruitfulness.”
Bujo supports this when he writes that “it should only be mentioned that many stories, legends and myths represent the African God as one who has not only given moral instruction to the
“They participate in family functions exhibited in various rites of passage and generally become cooperate members of their extended families, clans, ethnic groups and communities. It is therefore noteworthy to include that the African family gives an example or lays a foundation for values. These values are grounds for meaningful living, productivity, good health and happiness in life continuity, respect, hard work, love, sharing, tolerance, fear of the