A Demarcation Between Spirituality and Religion: Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom for Environmental Sustainability
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In recent times, there has been a global resurgence in the recognition of IndigenousKnowledge Systems (IKS) in addressing contemporary crises, particularly environmentalchallenges. IKS simply refers to locally founded systems of knowledge, values,and practices, which are developed through long-term interaction between communitiesand their environments. However, in a world where scientific innovation and developmentare on the rise, the acceptance of these systems may be threatened due to their spiritualfoundations, which are often misunderstood as purely religious. This misinterpretationarises from the widespread belief that spirituality is inseparable from religion, therebylimiting the acceptance of Indigenous perspectives in global environmental interventionsby institutions and individuals. In addressing the above concern, this paper engages withthe assumptions surrounding the above postulation from a philosophical perspective.Being philosophical in nature, the paper is at the intersection of environmental ethicsand philosophy of religions, and as such, its arguments follow suit. It adopts a qualitativemethod, particularly, the method of conceptual and critical analysis, and by so doing, itclarifies the distinction between spirituality and religions. From an African perspective,this paper challenges the assumption that religion and spirituality are inseparable forthe purpose of environmental conservation. It argues that, while religion and spiritualityhave historically intersected they are conceptually and practically distinct. It concludesby contending that the spiritual dimensions of IKS are independent of religious affiliation.Thus, this paper seeks to strengthen the credibility, acceptance, and applicability of IKSin environmental policy and sustainable practice, and as such, it provides a path towardmore inclusive and ethical approaches to environmental sustainability.
Source: Studia Philosophiae Christianae
Institution: Lagos State University
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225758083