Exploring Recent Themes in African Spiritual Philosophy
Filosofia Theoretica Journal of African Philosophy Culture and Religions January 30, 2023 DOI: 10.4314/ft.v11i4.8s (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Spirituality Transcendence philosophy Soul Existentialism Destiny iss module Reincarnation Immanence Aesthetics Piety Modernity Gratitude Religious studies Psychoanalysis Anthropology Epistemology Theology |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that contemporary African spirituality is increasingly understood through psychological traits expressed in attitude and behavior, rather than traditional cultural or religious practices. |
Abstract
There are theoretical and thematic shifts in African spiritual philosophy literature on the meaning of spirituality. On the one hand, traditional conceptions of spirituality are based on the dimensions of transcendence and supernaturalism. Common themes include ritualism, totemism, incantation, ancestorism, reincarnation, destiny, metempsychosis, witchcraft, death, soul, deities, etc. On the other hand, the evolving trend appeals to naturality and immanence. Common themes include sacrality, piety, respectability, relatability, existential gratitude, sacred feminine, etc. This work explores these recent and developing themes. It aims to show that the understanding of spirituality in African modernity is increasingly linked to psychological traits expressed in attitude and behaviour as against traditional understanding that focused on cultural/ religious practices such as ritualism, ancestorism, and deities. The analysis reveals that recent studies link the experience of spirituality with wholeness and interdependence, and a recognition of one’s place in the connective web of other existents in nature