ABSTRACT
The aim of our present study is to explore in broad strokes the contribution of Tempels’s Jamaa movement and Bantu Philosophy to the dialogue among philosophical thoughts and dialogue among religions. More specifically, the study addresses the following questions: (1) Does Bantu Philosophy reinforce conflict or convergence between Africa and the West?; (2) Does Bantu Philosophy contribute to intercultural and interreligious communications between Africans and Westerners?; (3) What relevance does Bantu Philosophy still have and how is it received in Africa today?; and (4) Does Tempels, as one of the main leaders of the Jamaa movement, bring a significant contribution to philosophy of religion and interreligious dialogue? To address these questions, we shall proceed as follows. After a status quaestionis and an overview of our resources as well as the context, we will address the notion of dialogue in Bantu Philosophy and in the Jamaa movement. This will be followed by an analysis of the merits and limitations of Tempels’s approach. Finally, the conclusion contains a brief reflection on the implication of Tempels’s approach to intercultural and interreligious dialogue today.
