Prof. Dr. Edith Kayeli Chamwama
Lecture in English
Faith and Freedom: The Impact of African Cultural and Socio-Political Landscapes on Religious Autonomy
In Kooperation mit Crossculture Religious Studies Project
Abstract
The phrase "The African is notoriously religious" (Mbiti 1969: 1) expresses how religious practices and beliefs are entrenched in cultural heritage, historical experiences, and social-political organizations. While these forces have given rise to rich and divergent religious expressions, they usually limit individual autonomy in religious choices. Communal attitudes may often require fidelity to traditional beliefs, yet colonial histories and contemporary political regimes have added new power dynamics to religious practice. Despite the current individual expression of globalization and urbanization, many African communities struggle with the dichotomy between social expectations and personal action in religious beliefs and practices. Furthermore, socio-political upheavals, government involvement in religious issues, and justice systems based on traditional or colonial structures all hinder the practice of religious freedom.
Autonomy is defined by individuals' ability to make independent decisions about their religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. However, in the African setting, this autonomy is usually affected by a complex interplay of cultural, historical, and sociopolitical forces. Furthermore, modern influences such as globalization, urbanization, and digital technology have promoted individuality, undermining old communal frameworks. However, these factors intersect with long-standing cultural norms and political realities, causing problems for those wanting to demonstrate their religious autonomy. This study investigates how cultural traditions, historical legacies, and sociopolitical realities in Africa impact, hinder or enable individual religious organizations. It tries to understand how Africans negotiate these dynamics to exercise personal choice in their religious beliefs and practices in the face of greater societal forces.
Biografische Notizen
- Born in 1973.
- Edith Kayeli Chamwamas specialty is in African Religion and African Christianity.
- She is a member of various professional bodies that include the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians (CCAWT), African Association of the Study of Religion (AASR).
- She is involved in various research projects that contribute to her academic work and growth. Her research interests are in African Religion and its intersection with the contemporary Issues affecting the people of Africa ranging from Christianity, Ecology, Development and Health among other issues.
- Education: Assistant Director in charge of Publications at the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies. In 2014 she started working at the University of Nairobi.