Ubuntu: a practical theological perspective

What is it about?

The aim of this article is to develop a practical theological perspective on ubuntu, a (Southern) African tradition of values, norms, and practices. The context and contested nature of ubuntu is first described. Next we investigate the notion of ubuntu from the perspective of moral theory. Using Paul Ricoeur’s three-phase model, we explore ubuntu ethics from the perspective of the good (virtue ethics), the right (duty ethics) and the wise (situation ethics). Lastly we reflect on the possible significance of ubuntu ethics for practical theology, and highlight the importance of ubuntu for religious practice, especially with regard to moral formation and education in faith communities and the public sphere.

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