Spirituality and Politics in the Davidic Reign in Ancient Israel and Politics in Africa

Abstract

Humanity is created as both physical and spiritual. The physical aspects consist of dust, while the spiritual entity is the breath of God they received. The breath of God offers humanity the ability to commune with God and through which they can figure out what His purpose for their lives and attempt to fulfill the purpose. This indicates that without the breath of God in humanity the road to communication is closed, and humanity remains an empty carcass.

The word spirituality is derived from the word spirit ruach, which means wind or breath.[1] The spirit is invisible, just as the giver is invisible. Spirituality is better experienced than described. This makes it difficult to have a one word definition for it especially since its usage has gone out of religion to other spheres of life. Spirituality is not mentioned in either of the two Canons. Nevertheless its definition is still confined to the realm of religion because its practice still remains within the ambits of religion. Spirituality refers to a person’s life and activity in relationship to God, and others in the community.[2] Kevin asserts that spirituality is the study and practice of a perfect life before God, a phenomenon that has to do with a small number of people in the strict sense of the word.[3]

Members of Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians (EATWOT) opine that spirituality is the influence of God’s spirit in the life of humanity that enables them to discern God’s will for their lives and the people around them.[4] It is also considered to be the subjection of human personal feeling or purpose, which is of a lower value, to allow the higher value, which is of God, to take precedence in all human actions. On the other hand, it is defined as an attempt to grow in sensitivity to self, to others, to non-human creation and to God. In this sense it finds expression in activities like reading, especially poetry, visiting museums, art galleries, walking, meditating and appreciating the work of nature.  It is further defined as an exploration into what is involved in becoming human, a quest for full humanity.[5] These definitions indicate that spirituality is about having deep concern for the welfare of others and not for seeking personal comfort.

Every endeavour of humanity has its driving force which motivates humanity to achieve its aim. The driving force in governance today is politics. Politics is an institution created by humanity for the orderliness of the society through maintenance of laws by law enforcement agents. Politics in ancient Israel was carried out by the kings because its mode of politics was monarchical.  The power resides in the king, but it is generally applied in fighting war against their Palestinian enemies. By this the politics played by David, even though monarchical had a theocratic flavour because he saw Yahweh the as the President and the de-facto of the afiars of the nation.

[1] A. E. McGrath, Christian Spirituality: An Introduction, Oxford: Blackwell, 1999, 2. Eugene H. Peterson, “Spirituality” in Kevin J. Vanhoozer, (ed.), Dictionary of Theological Interpretation of the Bible, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005, 766.

[2] Henry Rack, 20^th Spirituality, Epworth: Epworth Press, 1969, 2.

[3] Ibid 767.

[4] EATWOT Members “Spiritualities” in Virginia Fabella & R. S. Sugirtharajah, Dictionary of the Third World Theologies, New York: Maryknoll, 2000, 189.

[5] John R. Hinnells, (ed.), The Penguin Dictionary of Religions, second Edition, London: Peguin, 1995, 495.