Abstract
In Primitive Culture, first published in 1871, E.B. Tylor identified Animism as the essence of religion, defining it as “the belief in living, personal powers behind all things.” During the Christian evangelization of Africa, Animism was used “derogatorily” to describe the spiritual beliefs and practices of the diverse cultures of sub-Saharan Africa. I will argue that while Animism as a descriptor of African traditional religions is not inappropriate, as Africans do believe in spirits and spiritual powers, it is inadequate to capture African religious traditions fully. A fundamental element in African religion that was deliberately overlooked or misunderstood by early European scholars operating from a Eurocentric framework is the notion of divine transcendence. I demonstrate that the concept of divine transcendence, with its cosmological dimension, provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding African religion during the pre-colonial era and the religious worldview of Africans today, including African Christians and Muslims. Using Maya Rivera’s concept of “relational transcendence”, I emphasize the significant points of convergence between African traditional religions and Christian spirituality regarding divine transcendence. This shared understanding can serve as a bridge between the two faiths. Finally, a deeper understanding of divine transcendence in Christianity and African traditional religions not only fosters a more mutually enriching dialogue between the two faiths, but such an understanding can also transform these religions into more potent forces in the sociopolitical development of Africa.
Presenters
William OrbihAssistant Professor of Theology and Rector of the Seminary, Saint John's University School of Theology and Seminary, Minnesota, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Commonalities and Differences
KEYWORDS
AFRICA, DIVINE TRANSCENDENCE, SPIRITUALITIES, ANIMISM, COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY, RELATIONAL TRANSCENDENCE, RELIGION
