The Applicability of Phenomenology of Religion

This article is an analysis of the phenomenology of religion as both a method and theory. It assesses the applicability of the phenomenology of religion in an African set-up by discussing how the method and theory gave dignity to the study of traditional religions, whose study was and continues to be marred by Western-centred biases and hegemonic tendencies. This article is an appraisal of James L. Cox’s popularization of the phenomenology of religion. Phenomenology of religion emphasizes the study of religion as sui generis, that is, religion, in whatever form, must be studied in its own right. It gives prominence to the sole right of the believer. I demonstrate the above argument(s) by use of fieldwork. The study focuses on kuputsa (kuzvarira in Shona), a customary practice among the Ndau people. It is a marriage custom where a girl child was, and is still, pledged in marriage without her consent. Fieldwork conducted by Cox and his students during his time at the University of Zimbabwe, where the phenomenology of religion as both a method and theory was used, informed this study. The fieldwork data were corroborated by reviewing related literature on the matter under discussion, observations and having key informant interviews with the kuputsa custom practitioners. The study was guided by the phenomenology of religion as a conceptual framework. Notwithstanding the criticisms levelled against the method, the article submits that the phenomenology of religion as popularized by Cox in Zimbabwe is quite applicable to the study of religions, particularly African traditional religions, and has gained traction in institutions of higher learning in Africa. When applied correctly, the Ndau kuputsa custom can be appreciated but, of course, in the context of global human and sexual reproductive health rights.