ANSELM’S THEORY OF THE ATONEMENT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SALVATION IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS

African theologians arose from its consultative forum held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria in 1965 with the decision validating extra-biblical revelation and the universality of grace, which in their view, authenticates the redemptive value of African traditional religions. Consequently, there have been clamors for the revitalization of the African traditional worship and sacrificial system among Africans. Such agitation has drawn many away from the church as they have come to embrace the traditional African system of worship. Indeed, proponents of African cultural revivalism have discredited the teachings of Christianity and have emphasized the adoption of African traditional worship system in lieu of Christianity. In their view, protagonists of African cultural and religious resurgence are out to liquidate Christianity. Without doubt, such teaching serves as a great challenge to the uniqueness of the Bible as the word of God as well as the lordship of Jesus Christ; thereby diminishing the purpose of the incarnation. Using theological and philosophical approaches, this work shows that Anselm's satisfaction theory of the atonement provides one of the best approaches to explaining the essence of the kenosis of Christ and its uniqueness in effecting salvation for humankind. In the same vein, the uniqueness of the incarnation and the works that it accomplished indubitably makes Christ lord over all divinities as well as the final revelation of God to humanity and the ultimate sacrifice needed for the redemption of humankind.