A DEMARCATION BETWEEN SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION: RECLAIMING INDIGENOUS WISDOM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

RIDWAN ISHOLA MOGAJI; ADEWALE OLUWASEUN MOTADEGBE; PROGRESS ENIOLA EMMANUEL

doi:10.21697/spch.2026.62.A.07

Published: 2026-11-09

Vol. 62 No. 1 (2026)

A DEMARCATION BETWEEN SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION: RECLAIMING INDIGENOUS WISDOM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

RIDWAN ISHOLA MOGAJI

, ADEWALE OLUWASEUN MOTADEGBE

, PROGRESS ENIOLA EMMANUEL

Studia Philosophiae Christianae

Section: Papers

https://doi.org/10.21697/spch.2026.62.A.07

Abstract

In recent times, there has been a global resurgence in the recognition of Indigenous
Knowledge Systems (IKS) in addressing contemporary crises, particularly environmental
challenges. IKS simply refers to locally founded systems of knowledge, values,
and practices, which are developed through long-term interaction between communities
and their environments. However, in a world where scientific innovation and development
are on the rise, the acceptance of these systems may be threatened due to their spiritual
foundations, which are often misunderstood as purely religious. This misinterpretation
arises from the widespread belief that spirituality is inseparable from religion, thereby
limiting the acceptance of Indigenous perspectives in global environmental interventions
by institutions and individuals. In addressing the above concern, this paper engages with
the assumptions surrounding the above postulation from a philosophical perspective.
Being philosophical in nature, the paper is at the intersection of environmental ethics
and philosophy of religions, and as such, its arguments follow suit. It adopts a qualitative
method, particularly, the method of conceptual and critical analysis, and by so doing, it
clarifies the distinction between spirituality and religions. From an African perspective,
this paper challenges the assumption that religion and spirituality are inseparable for
the purpose of environmental conservation. It argues that, while religion and spirituality
have historically intersected they are conceptually and practically distinct. It concludes
by contending that the spiritual dimensions of IKS are independent of religious affiliation.
Thus, this paper seeks to strengthen the credibility, acceptance, and applicability of IKS
in environmental policy and sustainable practice, and as such, it provides a path toward
more inclusive and ethical approaches to environmental sustainability.

Keywords:

environmental stewardship, Indigenous Knowledge System, religion, spirituality

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MOGAJI, R. I., MOTADEGBE, A. O., & EMMANUEL, P. E. (2026). A DEMARCATION BETWEEN SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION: RECLAIMING INDIGENOUS WISDOM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY. Studia Philosophiae Christianae, 62(1), 177–204. https://doi.org/10.21697/spch.2026.62.A.07

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