Witchcraft and the Spiritual Dilemma…
A witch is one who practices magic or sorcery. Magic is the art the purports to control…
Last summer I took a course called Anthropology of Religion. I was warned that class could be controversial. As an anthropology major I’ve learned to pray without ceasing. As expected my professor spent most of his time ripping apart what he thought was the validity of the bible. Thankfully I’d been down that road before and felt equipped inwardly to objectively listen. However his take on witchcraft astonished me.
We studied Witchcraft and Oracles of the Azande. Naturally I had all these preconceived ideas of witchcraft. I had many images of people dancing around sinking into trances. Performances are a part of witchcraft but that’s not what makes it evil. What makes it evil is the fundamental aspect of control.
This was revealed as Evans-Pritchard discusses his encounter with a witchdoctor. The witchdoctor was in process of preparing to perform a séance and a healing ritual. He went secretly into the forest and picked the healing plants. Since no one knows what these plants are he charges for his services. To maintain control and delusion he elaborately dances and produces “magical� displays. Lastly he gives the person the medicine. Obviously they are healed.
Evans-Pritchard confronted the witchdoctor about this when he caught him in a falsifying act. The witchdoctor finally admitted that there was no power in his performance. He said that the people needed to see this in order to believe. This may have been true but if he cared about their health he would have shown them the truth.
It’s easy to see how this can slip into radically charismatic churches (I’m not saying I don’t believe in the power of God). Although it maybe harder to see this day to day practically.
Practically the bible says that disobedience is like witchcraft. Witchcraft, I think, is routed in fear. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind.�
Fear of the unknown brings about many dysfunctions. Sometimes it’s revealed in wanting to understand. Why would does God say no to this and yes to that (Eve), or in a fear of being alone (Abraham), more commonly in full rebellion (Jonah). No matter what the case is disobeying the Lord’s will for your life results in consequences. For me I’ve found it’s easier and safer to pray that the Lord’s will be done.
Yeah I’m still working on the tantrums and little suggestions (ha ha). Believe me Faith in God works better.
