RELIGIOUS COSMOLOGY AND CIVILIZATIONAL NARRATIVES IN INDIGENOUS THEOLOGIES

Abstract

Indigenous theologies represent a rich tapestry of religious cosmologies that shape the philosophical, social, and cultural frameworks of diverse civilizations. These cosmologies are not mere mythologies but foundational narratives that inform concepts of origin, morality, land, community, and destiny. This paper explores how religious cosmology in indigenous belief systems contributes to civilizational narratives, particularly within African, Native American, and South Asian tribal traditions. The study delves into the dynamic interplay between spiritual cosmology and the construction of collective memory, governance, environmental stewardship, and resistance to colonial epistemologies. Employing a multidisciplinary approach grounded in religious studies, anthropology, and postcolonial theory, this article provides a critical lens on how indigenous cosmologies sustain cultural identity and civilizational continuity amidst globalization.