VDM Apostolides, A: Western Ethnocentrism : African Witchcraft a

In Africa there is a significant problem between Christianity and witchcraft as Westerners regard witchcraft as a superstition. A study was done between African witchcraft and the Greek evil eye to investigate if these two cultures still believe in these "superstitions", due to similar reasons. For the Greek people Satan is a real being, that can influence the ability of some people to cause harm to other people by looking at them. For African people witchcraft and the demonic are a reality that threatens their daily lives. In Africa, missionaries believe that by educating the people they will do away with such beliefs. But, is education really the solution to witchcraft? These "superstitions" are socially taught. Is it even necessary to get rid of these beliefs because the West believes that they are superstitions? Why do these communities still hold on to such beliefs? This book provides a systematic analysis of these questions and tries to answer them. It should be of interest to academics, students and those interested to find a solution to the problems faced by indigenous peoples trying to accept Christianity in Africa.