DIA DOS MORTOS, MEMÓRIA E O QUE A BÍBLIA REALMENTE DIZ SOBRE A MORTE

  AVO SABALA

Elinda Queta 

Tradição, Fé e as Contradições Bíblicas que Poucos Explicam

De 31 de Outubro a 2 de Novembro, milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo param para fazer a mesma coisa: lembrar-se dos que já partiram. É um período carregado de tradição, fé e saudade, mas também de muitas dúvidas teológicas.

Afinal, o que acontece com a memória depois da morte? Os mortos lembram-se de nós?

1. O QUE CELEBRAMOS NESTES TRÊS DIAS?

31 de Outubro - Véspera de Todos os Santos
Conhecida popularmente como Halloween, é a véspera do Dia de Todos os Santos. Na sua origem cristã, era um tempo de vigília e preparação espiritual.

1 de Novembro - Dia de Todos os Santos
A Igreja Católica dedica este dia a homenagear todos os santos, conhecidos e anónimos, que são exemplos de fé e dedicação.

1 de Novembro - Dia dos Angelitos
Na tradição latino-americana, especialmente no México, este dia ganha um significado terno: é dedicado às crianças falecidas, chamadas carinhosamente de angelitos.

2 de Novembro - Dia dos Fiéis Defuntos ou Dia de Finados
É o ponto central. Dedicado à memória de todos os familiares e amigos falecidos. É marcado por orações, visitas aos cemitérios e homenagens. É a afirmação de que o amor continua além da morte.

2. O QUE A BÍBLIA REALMENTE DIZ SOBRE A MEMÓRIA APÓS A MORTE?

Aqui começa a grande divergência. A Bíblia fala sobre o que acontece com a memória e a consciência depois da morte, mas não afirma de forma literal e única que a pessoa morre e perde completamente todas as suas memórias. Existem dois grupos de textos que parecem contradizer-se.

Grupo A: Textos que indicam inconsciência total

São a base da doutrina da morte como um sono.

• Eclesiastes 9:5: "Os vivos sabem que hão de morrer, mas os mortos não sabem coisa nenhuma."
• Eclesiastes 9:10: "Na sepultura, para onde tu vais, não há obra, nem projetos, nem conhecimento, nem sabedoria alguma."
• Salmos 146:4: "Sai-lhe o espírito e ele volta à terra; naquele mesmo dia perecem os seus pensamentos."

Para quem defende esta linha, a morte é um estado de inconsciência absoluta. O morto não sabe, não sente e não se lembra do que acontece na terra.

Grupo B: Textos que indicam consciência, memória e reconhecimento

São os textos que complicam a interpretação anterior.

• Lucas 16:19-31 - A parábola do rico e Lázaro: É o relato mais importante sobre este tema. Depois de morto, o rico:

  1. Reconhece Abraão e Lázaro;
  2. Lembra-se que tem cinco irmãos vivos na terra;
  3. Preocupa-se com eles e pede que alguém os avise para não irem para aquele lugar de tormento.
     Mesmo sendo uma parábola, Jesus usa a ideia de memória pós-morte para ensinar. Se fosse impossível haver memória, o argumento da história perderia a força.

• Apocalipse 6:9-10: João vê "debaixo do altar, as almas daqueles que tinham sido mortos". Elas clamam, lembram-se da injustiça que sofreram e perguntam até quando Deus fará justiça.

• 1 Samuel 28 e Mateus 17:3: Samuel, já morto, conversa com Saul e sabe o seu futuro. Moisés, morto há séculos, aparece na transfiguração de Jesus, mantendo a sua identidade e consciência.

Portanto, afirmar que "a Bíblia ensina que a pessoa perde completamente a memória quando morre" é uma interpretação baseada em um grupo de textos, e não uma afirmação explícita e unânime de toda a Escritura.

3. POR QUE ALGUMAS IGREJAS, COMO OS ADVENTISTAS, NÃO CELEBRAM O DIA DE FINADOS?

Os Adventistas do Sétimo Dia são o exemplo mais conhecido de quem não celebra esta data, e os motivos são coerentes com a sua teologia:

1. A morte como um sono inconsciente: Baseando-se em Eclesiastes 9:5 e João 11:11, onde Jesus chama a morte de sono, eles entendem que a morte não é a continuação da vida com uma alma consciente, mas um estado de inconsciência até à ressurreição.

2. Impossibilidade de intercessão: Se os mortos estão inconscientes, não podem ouvir orações, interceder pelos vivos ou receber homenagens.

3. A esperança está na ressurreição, não na imortalidade imediata: Para eles, a esperança cristã não é que a pessoa já está no céu consciente, mas que será ressuscitada quando Cristo voltar.

Por isso, para um adventista, celebrar o Dia de Finados seria contradizer a sua própria compreensão do que a Bíblia ensina sobre a morte.

CONCLUSÃO: MEMÓRIA, LEGADO E RESPEITO

A morte faz parte da existência humana, mas a forma como a interpretamos divide até os que leem a mesma Bíblia.

Para uns, acender uma vela e visitar o cemitério é a forma mais profunda de dizer que o amor não morre e que as memórias e os ensinamentos daqueles que partiram continuam vivos.

Para outros, o maior respeito é deixá-los descansar em paz, guardando o seu legado e aguardando com esperança o dia da ressurreição.

Em ambos os casos, este período de 31 de Outubro a 2 de Novembro deve ser vivido com o que realmente importa: respeito pela dor do outro, amor pela história de quem partiu e solidariedade para com todas as famílias que transformaram a ausência em saudade.

 

 

Angola Hosts the 2nd International Forum on Women for Peace and Democracy

The Theme of Women's Empowerment and Leadership

DAY 1 

The Multisectoral Commission responsible for organizing the 4th Edition of the Luanda Biennale is pleased to announce the 2nd International Forum on Women for Peace and Democracy, a prestigious continental event that will take place on 9–10 July 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel in Luanda, Angola.

Organized by the Government of the Republic of Angola, the Forum is held in partnership with the Office of the African Union Commission Chairperson's Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. The initiative forms part of the strategic vision of His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and the African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa.

Held under the theme "Transforming Africa: Empowering Women in Leadership for Peace and Inclusive Growth Across the Continent," the Forum serves as a high-level platform for political dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the sharing of best practices. Its central focus is the strategic role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, democratic governance, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

Over the course of two days, government representatives, international organizations, academic institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders, and renowned experts from across Africa will engage in discussions on a comprehensive agenda featuring the following thematic panels:

• 25 Years of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000): Promoting Women's Leadership, Participation, and Inclusive Governance.

• Strengthening Women's Leadership and Participation in Peace and Security Mechanisms and Decision-Making Processes to advance more inclusive, equitable, and effective public policies.

• Women's Economic Empowerment: Financial and Technological Inclusion.

• Strengthening Women's Role in Peacebuilding by recognizing the importance of cultural and religious dimensions.

• Women's Leadership in Building Climate-Resilient Communities and addressing the impacts of climate change.

The Multisectoral Commission calls upon public and private institutions, international partners, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and media organizations to actively support and participate in this important initiative.

Broad participation will be essential to the success of the Forum, which reaffirms, at the global level, the commitment of the Republic of Angola and the African Union to advancing women's leadership, peace, security, gender equality, and the inclusive development of the African continent.

DAY 2 

Honored by Trust: Sofonie Dala and the Legacy of Africa Day in Ufa

A tribute to the unforgettable years of African student performances at Ufa State Petroleum University (2011–2015), celebrating culture, friendship, and the memories that continue to live on.

 

We are deeply thankful and honored that Ufa State Petroleum University trusted Sofonie Dala among thousands of students to become the presenter of Africa Day for four consecutive years during her studies from 2010 to 2015.

 

Throughout those years, many partners and co-hosts changed, but Sofonie Dala remained the face and voice of the celebration. The respect and confidence that the university placed in her never changed until after her graduation and departure from Russia in August 2015.

 

Africa Day in Ufa City became more than a university event — it became a symbol of unity, culture, talent, and friendship among African students studying far from home. Every performance, every dance, every song, and every traditional costume proudly represented the richness and diversity of Africa.

Today, we also remember with sadness one of Sofonie Dala’s former partners, Bojay David, a talented singer from Nigeria who studied medicine in Russia. After graduation, he did not return home. Few years later, he was found unconscious in his Ufa apartment and was later declared dead at the hospital due to complications related to diabetes.

 

As we look back at these unforgettable years, we honor not only the performances and achievements of African students in Ufa City, but also the memories of those who shared the stage, the dreams, and the journey together.

 

Let us remember all these beautiful moments through creative pictures, newspaper features, and the lasting legacy of African students who brought life, music, and culture to Ufa.

Conclusion for this cultural exchange story:

If you think the story ended there, then you do not yet know that the greatest moments were still to come.

Sofonie Dala also became the first Black woman to present the International Navruz celebration in Ufa — and many believe possibly in all of Russia. Navruz (also spelled Nowruz, Novruz, or Nauryz) is the ancient Persian and Central Asian New Year, celebrated during the spring equinox on March 21. Honored by more than 300 million people across over 12 countries, it represents rebirth, peace, unity, and the victory of light over darkness.

The day her name was announced as presenter, the entire international student community was shocked and amazed. For many people, it was something never seen before: a Black African student chosen to lead such a major multicultural celebration traditionally associated with Central Asian cultures.

But success often brings both admiration and jealousy.

Sofonie became the target of criticism and jealousy from some students, especially among a few Asian girls from Kazakhstan. She could hear people whispering behind her back. One of the dancers, who was also her classmate, even confronted her directly with a cold expression and asked:
“Who chose you to present it?”

 

Yet Sofonie never responded with anger. She remained calm, professional, and focused on her work. She presented the program with elegance, respect, and love for all cultures involved. Her partner on stage was also one of the university’s well-known Asian students, making the event a true symbol of cultural unity and friendship.

 

What made her story even more remarkable was that she was never paid for these roles, nor did she ask for them. She was simply chosen — trusted and appreciated by the university community among thousands of international students of every background: Black, white, Asian, African, and many others.

Her presence on stage was not only about representation; it was about talent, dedication, charisma, and the ability to unite people through culture and communication.

Beyond Africa Day and International Navruz, Sofonie Dala also proudly served for many years as presenter of Angola’s Independence Day celebrations, continuing her mission of promoting African culture, international friendship, and cultural exchange in Russia.

Her journey remains an inspiring example that culture has no color, talent has no borders, and true leadership is recognized by the people.

 

 

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Angolan Traditions That Prevail Over Time: The Kitchen Tea Party

 

The Kitchen Tea Party: A Celebration of Family, Faith, and Love

Indigenous traditions are the customs, beliefs, and practices passed down through generations within native communities, serving as a vital connection to ancestral lands, spirituality, and culture. They are living, place-based knowledge systems that often prioritize oral storytelling, sustainability, and relationality to nature.

Introduction In Angola, traditions surrounding marriage remain deeply cherished, blending family values, faith, and community. One of the most symbolic events is the kitchen tea party, a joyful gathering that prepares the bride-to-be for her new role as a wife.

Doroteia, a young woman born into a Christian family and raised in the church, is preparing for marriage after recently giving birth. Her fiancé intends to formalize their relationship, and before the wedding, three traditional celebrations will take place: the kitchen tea party, the door-to-door presentation at the groom’s in-laws’ house, and the marriage proposal.

Today marks the first of these celebrations. The kitchen tea party is organized by the family with active participation from the church. It is a moment of praise, teaching about home and romantic relationships, and reflection on the roles of husband and wife. Friends and colleagues join the celebration, bringing gifts of household furniture. First, the family from her mother’s farm presents their offerings, followed by the groom’s family, then friends, and finally the godparents.

Doroteia is delighted — she now has enough furniture for her new home. The next step will be preparing for the remaining two ceremonies, which usually take place months later. The wedding date is then set, often one or two years ahead, depending on the financial situation of the couple and their families.

This tradition not only strengthens family bonds but also highlights the importance of humility, patience, and community support in building a new household.

 

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