Atonement 2 Old Testament 3 Kwale Traditional Religion 4 Comparative Religion 5 Sin and Reconciliation 6 Covenant Theology 7 Indigenous Religion

This study examined the Comparison of the Atonement in the Old Testament and Kwale Traditional Religion. The background of the study emphasizes that in both systems, sin is viewed not merely as moral failure but as a disruption of social, spiritual, and cosmic order. The research aims to identify points of similarity and difference between the two traditions, with particular focus on the purpose, methods, and outcomes of atonement. The study adopts a qualitative and comparative approach, relying on secondary data from biblical texts, theological literature, and ethnographic sources relating to the Kwale people of the Niger Delta. Data analysis involved thematic interpretation of rituals, symbols, and moral principles central to both religions. Findings show that while the Old Testament grounds atonement in covenant renewal and divine mercy, the Kwale traditional system emphasizes reconciliation, communal harmony, and the appeasement of both ancestors and deities. The research concludes that in both contexts, atonement represents a moral and spiritual process aimed at restoring peace, order, and relationship with the divine. It further recommends that greater attention be given to indigenous perspectives in theological studies, as they provide valuable insights into the universal human quest for reconciliation and moral balance.
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