Abstract

Between the intense religiosity and social reality in the African-Ibibio society is a gap that seems to produce a paucity of authentic spirituality. Hence, the social conscience of the Ibibio people appears to remain untouched, despite the availability of massive spiritual infrastructure. This article probes the African Ibibio people’s spirituality to ascertain how and to what degree their religious and cultural consciousness mediates the concern for social justice. It explores this issue in light of the manner in which Luke relates spirituality with social issues. Adopting the social-scientific critical approach and participant observation, this article demonstrates that of the four New Testament gospels, Luke stands out with a heightened concern for the poor and underprivileged in society. And, as the twin issue of spirituality and social justice is predicated on the recognition of massive human suffering, this sense of social conscience in the Gospel, therefore, provides a paradigm for the religious adherents and practitioners who fill the socio-religious landscape of the African-Ibibio to address the persistent prevalence of social injustices in the society.