The Impact of Magic and Witchcraft in the Social, Economic, Political and Spiritual Life of African Communities

Abstract: Most Africans believe that witchcraft cause unusual phenomenon like accidents, conflicts, death, domestic and public aggression, loss of poverty, sickness and failure. The mystical powers are controlled by witches who possess powers which stop 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 African. The coming and establishment of Christianity in Africa seems not offer lasting solutions over the belief. Data reveals that some of those either suspected or caught in the practice are confessing Christians. Missionaries persuaded the Africans to join Christianity without first adequately teaching them the causes of mystical happenings like death, accidents, loss of poverty, sickness and failure. 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. Because of inadequate teachings on causes and solutions to the aforementioned phenomena, the African Christians in spite of their commitment to Christianity feel insecure in their personal, physical, health and property safety. The 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 modifie