The The Effect of Witchcraft and Magic & Mystical Powers in the Social, Economic, Political and Spiritual Life of African Societies; A Critical Review
The Effect of Witchcraft and Magic & Mystical Powers in the Social, Economic, Political and Spiritual Life of African Societies; A Critical Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/ssh.v7i12.1983Keywords:
Witchcraft, sorcery, magic, spiritism, powers, religion, christianity, african societiesAbstract
Systematic reviews of ethnographic studies have established the presence of witchcraft beliefs in societies all over the world, with the first written record dating back to ancient Mesopotamia (Hutton, 2017). In many African societies, it is believed that witchcraft and other mystical powers cause unusual phenomenon like misfortune like accidents, wrangles, demise, domestic and public aggression, poverty, sickness and failure in life. The mystical powers are controlled by witches and wizards who possess powers which inhibit or influence the aforementioned phenomena. Belief and practice of witchcraft as this paper discusses has negatively impacted the social, economic, political and spiritual development in myriad African societies. The emanation and establishment of Christianity in Africa and other parts of the world by the western world seems not to provide lasting solutions over the belief. Mostly data collected unveils that some of those either suspected or caught in the practice are confessing Christians who are regular attendees of Saturday and Sunday church gatherings. Historically, missionaries convinced the Africans to join Christianity without first teaching them the causes of mystical happenings like death, accidents, loss of poverty, sickness and failure in the community (Chinua, 1958). Because of the Africans generosity, they dropped their social, -religious and cultural practices to join Christianity with a hope of practicing faithful Christianity which they thought could address their heart demands. This was because of the adequate teachings on factors and solutions to the aforementioned phenomenon. African Christians in spite of their commitment to Christianity still feel not secure in their personal, physical, health and property safety. This study utilized the social change theory developed by Lauren Fitzpatrick (1976). Social change is defined as a social process whereby the values, attitudes, or institutions of society become modified.
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