AFRICAN PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT ABOUT WITCHCRAFT AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR THE CHURCH IN AFRICA

This paper explores African philosophical perspectives on witchcraft, examining the profound consequences of these beliefs for the Christian church on the continent. The research investigates the perceived reality and cultural comprehension of witchcraft, noting that a prevalent traditional viewpoint in Africa attributes virtually any personal misfortune to its operations. Consequently, the church in Africa identifies witchcraft as a primary spiritual challenge it must confront. This belief system has significantly eroded unity and love within families, the foundational units of the church. The church's mission has also been adversely affected, as many congregations that should be vibrant are instead rendered stagnant. Manipulation is identified as the principal mechanism of witchcraft, an activity that has successfully permeated individual lives, families, and the church at large. The core focus of this manipulation is to weaken the church's spiritual vitality. Witchcraft has historically served as an explanatory framework for natural catastrophes and personal calamities, a tool for social maneuvering by accusing others, and a method for imparting moral instruction.