Overview of contemporary Practical Theology in Africa: Conceptualisations of spiritual abuse

Abstract

Misdeeds in spiritual or religious environments, arguably, differ in stratums of abuse, and all manner of internal and external factors may be ascribed to such settings. Given the upsurge and attention to the concept of spiritual abuse, an undertaking to understand the lived experience of victims or survivors and the conceptualisation of spiritual abuse is critical. The dearth of spiritual abuse literature is noteworthy, particularly from an African perspective. Spiritual abuse, when confronted as a distinct construct, prompts a practical theological examination of the underlying processes and significance attributed to it. It involves consideration of its character. Subsequently, depositing some insight other than a Western context is relevant and offers an opportunity to engage in spiritual abuse that occurs in an indigenous setting. From a qualitative angle, this article highlights psycho-spiritual challenges and the need for appropriate pastoral care and counselling.