Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Spiritual Insecurity, Fear and the Gospel: Contemplating the African Spirit World


The common African worldview is built on two spiritual codes that cannot be flouted: The first is that one’s health and life depends on the happiness of the Supreme Being, lesser divinities, the ancestors and spirits. The second code affirms that the ancestors and magic protect us against evil powers, witchcraft and sorcerers.

Thus, traditional Africans are raised from birth to appease spiritual powers and balance life forces to ensure prosperity in this world. It is understandable that when an African believer places his faith in the person of Jesus Christ as his Saviour, spiritual insecurity and fear may continue to cling to his heart.

Sickness, confusion and uncertainty may present a special form of temptation to doubt. This may not be experienced to the same extent by a new believer with a western worldview which affirms only the material world and denies the supernatural.

The African and Christian worldview stand in stark contrast to one another and conversion requires a painful wrenching from the African worldview, upbringing and experiences. For instance, the African Christian can no longer consult with diviners to find the causes and solutions to life issues, but must accept that people cannot always be certain about why bad things happen and must instead entrust himself to the care and protection of God. Read More

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