Psy 108 Flashcards
What is spirituality?
Spirituality is an individual’s search for ultimate meaning and purpose in life. It involves seeking out one’s personal growth, religious experience and belief in a supernatural realm.
What is religion?
Religion is a complex system of beliefs, practices, rituals, and ethics centered around questions of existence, purpose, and the nature of the divine or sacred.
What is belief?
Belief is a state of mind in which trust or confidence is placed on something or someone.
Describe the indegeneous religion in Edo culture
The Edo people have an indigenous religious system centered on Osanobua, the supreme god and creator. Beneath Osanobua are lesser deities like Olokun and Ogun. Ancestor worship is vital, with ancestors acting as intermediaries between the living and the divine. Priests and priestesses play key roles in performing rituals and divination. Sacred symbols, objects, and spaces like shrines and altars are integral to religious practices. The Edo calendar features various festivals, such as the Igue Festival, which celebrate deities and the Oba. Edo cosmology emphasizes harmony with the spiritual world and living righteously
Explain dualism in the African experience
Dualism in the African experience often involves the exploration of interconnected pairs such as reason/emotion, spirit/matter, and other complementary concepts. These dualities reflect a holistic worldview where different elements coexist and balance each other.
How is dualism in the African experience different from in the West
In Africa, dualities such as reason/emotion, spirit/matter, and individual/community are viewed as interconnected and complementary. The emphasis is on harmony and balance, where both elements coexist and enhance each other.The holistic worldview does not see these elements as mutually exclusive but as parts of a unified whole. For example, the spiritual and material worlds are intertwined, with each influencing the other.
On the other hand, Western philosophy tends to emphasize a sharp distinction and often a separation between dualities like mind/body, reason/emotion, and spirit/matter. This approach often leads to a hierarchical view where one element (e.g., reason, mind) is considered superior to its counterpart (e.g., emotion, body).
Explain destiny in Edo culture
Destiny, (Edin or Erhona) in Edo culture refers to the belief that every individual has a preordained path or fate that is determined by supernatural forces or divine beings. This destiny influences various aspects of a person’s life, including their successes, challenges, relationships, and overall life journey. The Edo people believe that one’s destiny can be influenced by ancestral spirits, deities, and other metaphysical entities. Rituals, prayers, and offerings are often made to these spiritual beings to seek their favor and ensure that one’s destiny unfolds in a favorable manner.
Explain Ori as it relates to Edo culture
Ori, although primarily a concept from Yoruba cosmology, has influenced Edo beliefs due to cultural interactions. Ori refers to the inner head (Ekhuorho) or spiritual consciousness of an individual. It is considered the personal deity or guardian that guides a person’s destiny. This concept is vital in understanding how an individual connects with their spiritual essence and overall fate.
Describe the impact of science on spirituality in the West versus in Africa
The West has seen a more pronounced secularization due to the rise of scientific rationalism and historical conflicts between science and religion, whereas Africa maintains a strong integration of spirituality with modern scientific advancements, seeing science and religion as complementary.
What is African spirituality
African spirituality is a diverse set of beliefs and practices rooted in African cultures, characterized by the reverence for spirits, gods, and ancestors.
Define cosmos
The term “cosmos” refers to the universe seen as a well-ordered and harmonious whole. It encompasses everything that exists, including all matter, energy, planets, stars, galaxies, and the space in which they reside.
Define science
Science is the systematic study of the natural world and the universe through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
Who is an ancestor?
An ancestor is a person from whom one is descended, typically more remote than a grandparent.
Roles of ancestors
- Family history/genealogy
- Cultural heritage
- Cultural tradition
- Personal identity/ Sense of belonging
- Genetic inheritance and DNA
- Spiritual/ Religious beliefs
What is ancestor worship?
Ancestor worship is the practice of honoring deceased ancestors through rituals, ceremonies, and offerings, based on the belief that the spirits of the dead continue to influence the living.
