ABSTRACT
The concept of reincarnation is found both in philosophical and religious traditions. It is a concept that basically, in different forms, believes in the return of a being, particularly that is dead, to live in another body. This can be regarded as a doctrine of circle of existence. In general, reincarnation is considered to be central prism in any meaningful discourse on eschatology in any religious tradition. Consequently, this chapter begins with an examination of meanings and explanations of the concept and belief of reincarnation in the contest of applications in other religious traditions and cultures such as Christianity and Islam. The chapter then proceeds to focus on African religious and cultural concepts and beliefs of reincarnation. The issues explored here centered on:
The meanings and types of reincarnation in different African communities.
The diverse applications of the concept and belief across African communities.
Finally, the relevant eschatological implications, and characterizations of African reincarnation beliefs.
