Spirituality | African Spirituality and Philosophy Fundraiser AV2

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• published: 23 Feb 2014
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Spirituality | African Spirituality and Philosophy Fundraiser www.ancestralvoices.co.uk/av2 DONATE TO SUPPORT THIS FILM PROJECT Spirituality, African Spirituality, African Traditional (Spiritual Cultures) Religions, Elements to admire IN THE RELIGIOUS SPHERE There is widespread belief in a supreme God, unique and transcendent. Africans have a sense of the sacred and a sense of mystery; there is high reverence for sacred places, persons and objects; sacred times are celebrated. Belief in the afterlife is incorporated in African Spirituality myths and in African Spirituality funeral ceremonies. The invisible world of spirits and ancestors is always present and the intentions of these spirits can be ascertained in African Spirituality; care is taken to ascertain the will of the spirit to whom sacrifices may be due or from whom protection may be sought. Religion enfolds the whole of life; there is no dichotomy between life and religion. Ancestors mediate between God and man. Belief in the efficacy of intercessory prayer is widespread. Bodily purification is required before one may approach to offer sacrifice to God; there are nevertheless provisions for spiritual purification also in African Spirituality. It is believed that sin harms the public good, hence there are periodical purification rites in order to promote public welfare. Worship requires a fundamental attitude of strict discipline and reverence in African Spirituality. Pardon is final and acknowledged by all: an offence, once forgiven, is never recalled. IN THE RITUAL SPHERE Rites form an essential part of social life in African Spirituality. Ancestors and the dead are invoked by rites in African Spirituality. The seasonal cycles and the stages of life are sanctified by ritual action. Ritual attention is given to crisis situations. The whole person, body and soul, is totally involved in worship. In worship and sacrifice there is co-responsibility each person contributes his share in a spirit of participation in African Spirituality. Symbols bridge the spheres of the sacred and secular and so make possible a balanced and unified view of reality. Rites of passage, of initiation and of consecration are widespread. There are many rites of purification of individuals and communities in African Spirituality. The sick are healed in rites which involve their families and the community. Religious sacredness is preserved in ritual, in dress and the arrangements of the places of worship. Some of the traditional blessings are rich and very meaningful in African Spirituality. IN THE RELIGIO-MORAL SPHERE: There is respect for life: children are treasured, abortion is an abomination in African Spirituality. The sacredness of human life is guarded by taboos and rituals. There is respect for the dignity of man; each man has his own inalienable chi ("selfhood", "destiny") in African Spirituality. To be faithful in undertakings is regarded as becoming a man. That life makes moral demands is accepted, and this is shown among other things by the sense of the person and attachment to life itself. Sin is perceived in both its personal and communal dimensions in African Spirituality. Moderation in the use of alcohol is inculcated: only adults may drink. Drunkenness is shameful. Indeed moderation is required in every aspect of human behavior in African Spirituality. IN THE RELIGIO-CULTURAL SPHERE: Attention is given to locating man within his environment and making him feel at home in it. Tradition is handed down through stories, poems, hymns, proverbs, riddles and art in African Spirituality. The whole community is involved in the training of the young, and education itself has a necessary community and social aspect in African Spirituality. The moral education of youth is taken seriously. Life has a festive dimension and is celebrated in adequate rites. Old folk are held in high esteem in African Spirituality. The community regards their wisdom as prophetic, that is, as able to give direction for living in the circumstances of the present day. Silence is treasured as a value in African Spirituality. Marriage is an alliance between families and persons; cultural provisions are made to uphold its stability. Youth is given a gradual initiation to life and society in African Spirituality. Blood alliances bind with a bond that is rarely broken in African Spirituality. DONATE TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT www.ancestralvoices.co.uk/av2 Campaign video for upcoming documentary Ancestral Voices 2 which will be an invaluable learning resource for those who wish to know more about African philosophy. The film aims to document the shared philosophies and ritual practices across the continent and the diaspora. Composer: Dean Brown, Dubshak International copyright © 2013 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ancestral-Voices-Esoteric-African-Knowledge/146370848725383