African Spirituality

This course offers an Afrocentric overview of continental and diasporic forms of African spirituality. African spirituality encompasses complex transgenerational beliefs and practices dating back to 5,000BCE ancient Egypt to the practices of Ifa in Nigeria prior to the advent of Makumbo (Enslavement) in the 1400s. African spirituality is truly holistic since it informs every facet of human life. The African worldview acknowledges the importance of maintaining relationships and connections with the cosmic order, that is, the living, ancestors, unborn, supreme being, divinities (ex. Orishas) and the physical environment. An imbalance or breakdown in the relationship with one’s kinship, family, or ancestor(s) can be addressed according to the African worldview. Hence, this course will emphasize how African cosmology and spiritual practices align humans to the cosmic order and in turn played a transformative role in purifying the body and mind; and, repairing imbalances in people, family, community and nation.

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