The Syncretism of the Gabonese Bwiti Religion and Catholic Christianity from a Theological and Theological-Ethical Perspective
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Level 5 by design analogy; qualitative theological and ethnographic reflection without quantitative human trial or epidemiological data.
OpenAlex W4310051799 · doi:10.14712/23363398.2022.22
What was done
The author analyzed the theological and theological-ethical dimensions of syncretism between Catholic Christianity and the traditional Gabonese Bwiti religion, which uses the psychedelic iboga root in initiation rituals. The work is based on field research conducted across three years of African research stays between 2001 and 2019 (including 12 months in West and Central Africa) alongside comparative literature analysis.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data. It notes that some Gabonese Catholic Christians participate in syncretic Bwiti initiation rituals incorporating Catholic elements such as the Sacrament of Penance, Holy Communion, and Christian prayers. Specific theological findings or resolutions to the central question are not detailed in the abstract.
Why it matters
The paper documents the integration of entheogenic traditional rituals with Christian sacraments in West and Central Africa from an ethical and theological viewpoint.
Limits
The abstract describes a qualitative and theological analysis with no clinical, quantitative, or epidemiological measurements. Sample size, specific informant numbers, and structured methodology are not reported.
Cited by
- supports Ibogaine has an established traditional use originating in West Africa and the Gabon region.