INTERMEDIARIES IN AFRICAN AND WESTERN THOUGHTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The notion of intermediaries is an existential phenomenon both in African and Western thought systems. Both systems of thought affirm the reality of intermediaries. But the way and manner the notion of intermediaries is perceived in the religious sphere has been a source of concern to the rational minds of the researchers. Some people with Western mentality believe that the notion of intermediaries in African thought is purely fetish and as such should be discarded. African notion of intermediaries is seen as one that lacks rational justification. The pertinent questions that bother the minds of the researchers are: What is the basis for the rejection of African notion of intermediaries? Is there any essential difference between African and Western notions of intermediaries? Therefore, employing the philosophical method of hermeneutics, this study observed that the rejection of the reality of intermediaries in African religious sphere by the West lacks rational foundation. It further observed that there is no essential difference in the two systems of thought. Hence, this study calls for proper application of human reason in religio-socio-cultural relationship in order to enhance good and cordial relation among all men and women irrespective of religious, cultural, political or geographical affiliations.