SCIENCE-SPIRITUALITY ANTIPODAL DEBATE – RESOLVING LONG-TIME CLASH THROUGH SYNCRETISM? READING FROM THE ACCIDENTAL SANTERA

Abstract

The conflict between science and spirituality is an established fact, even though some scholars dispute this reality arguing that it is rath er unfashionable for contemporary academic inquiry. The present study interrogates the foregoing position, submitting that the conflict between the two fields of knowledge still subsists. It advocates the recognition of spirituality as an alternative knowledge field, despite its lack of deductive, empirical procedures. The proposition builds on the reality of existential risks threatening humanity which can be ade quately tackled if the two domains collaborate to develop mechanisms for ending human misery. Using syncretism/hybridity as a conceptual touchstone, the article attempts a postcolonial reading of Irete Lazo’s The Accidental Santera (2008) to pontificate about the imperativeness of mutuality between science and spirituality, and the danger inherent in a branch of knowledge displaying hubristic, overweening attitude towards another knowledge field. The study further suggests a new order to reposition the knowledge fields.