Original Research

Vital force as a triangulated concept of nature and s(S)pirit

Kuzipa M.B. Nalwamba, Johan Buitendag
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 73, No 3 | a4506 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v73i3.4506 | © 2017 Kuzipa M.B. Nalwamba, Johan Buitendag | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 23 January 2017 | Published: 26 June 2017

About the author(s)

Kuzipa M.B. Nalwamba, Department of Dogmatics and Christian Ethics, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa and Council for World Mission, South Africa
Johan Buitendag, Department of Dogmatics and Christian Ethics, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

This article explores and seeks to appropriate theologically the African notion of vital force as a relational, non-reductionist ecological concept that would enrich the Christian doctrine of pneumatheology. The understanding that relational and pneumatological categories are viable within the theology–science dialogue is the broader framework within which this article is conceived. The relationship between natural theology and revelation provides an epistemological standpoint that does not divorce Spirit and reality.

Keywords

Vital force; pneuma-theology; force-fields; cosmic Spirit; triangulation

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Crossref Citations

1. A Critique of Thaddeus Metz's Modal Relational Account of Moral Status
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doi: 10.3167/th.2020.6716202