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The Science of African Spirituality

In: Gender, Democracy and Institutional Development in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Solomon Belay Faris

    (Addis Ababa University)

  • Njoki Nathani Wane

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

The chapter reveals the essentials of African spirituality and its centrality in the lives of Africa’s peoples. It establishes the foundations of African spirituality in ancient philosophies and practices in various regions of the continent and charts the transcontinental linkages. The greatest damage done by colonialism, formal/modern education, and materialism is the disruption of yilugnta and ubuntu from the African psyche, which can result in irreparable damage. When the feeling of yilugnta and ubuntu disappear from the individual, a sense of shame is lost and there can be significant moral and spiritual repercussions. Individuals with immoral behaviors, who are too much given to indulgence, who are not concerned with the common good, are the ones who, for one or another reason, have not taken into heart the tradition of yilugnta and ubuntu. Africans are urged to recognize the value of African spirituality and to consider the reinstitution of the concepts of yilugnta and ubuntu in its effort to fight corruption and dictatorship wherever it exists on the continent.

Suggested Citation

  • Solomon Belay Faris & Njoki Nathani Wane, 2019. "The Science of African Spirituality," Gender, Development and Social Change, in: Gender, Democracy and Institutional Development in Africa, chapter 0, pages 165-186, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:gdechp:978-3-030-11854-9_8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-11854-9_8
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