The Dignity of Creation Turning the Gaze to an African Women’s Eco-Theology

Abstract

In cognizance of the effect of the influence of a dualistic view that has influenced a simultaneous oppression of both nature and women, this research article suggests a turning of the gaze to an African women eco-theology, as a methodology for insights to salvage what is left. It constructs a methodology from the theological reflections of a social Trinitarian understanding of God, by Jürgen Moltmann, and incorporates animism to it as a way of reconciling all creation in unity with God. It appraises a recognition of the hierarchical nature of dualism in western thought forms, which contributed to an intertwined oppression of nature. It critiques a transcendental apathetic God, in response to ecological crisis; and affirms the African religious view of animism as a way of retrieving nature to an active voice. In view of this, it offers a shift from dualist view of creation to an interconnected sacredness in order to accord creation dignity. The significance of the article will be to shift the attitudes of African Christians from a dualistic worldview towards creation.