A Major New Survey on Religion in Africa

The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life has released the results of an important survey, Tolerance and Tension: Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The executive summary notes that “sub-Saharan Africa is clearly among the most religious places in the world. In many countries across the continent, roughly nine-in-ten people or more say religion is very important in their lives. By this key measure, even the least religiously inclined nations in the region score higher than the United States, which is among the most religious of the advanced industrial countries.”

Of special interest is the finding that “Despite the dominance of Christianity and Islam, traditional African religious beliefs and practices have not disappeared. Rather, they coexist with Islam and Christianity. Whether or not this entails some theological tension, it is a reality in people's lives: Large numbers of Africans actively participate in Christianity or Islam yet also believe in witchcraft, evil spirits, sacrifices to ancestors, traditional religious healers, reincarnation and other elements of traditional African religions.”

The report also explains that “in every country surveyed that has a substantial Christian population, at least half of Christians expect that Jesus will return to earth during their lifetime. And in every country surveyed that has a substantial Muslim population, roughly 30% or more of Muslims expect to personally witness the re-establishment of the caliphate, the golden age of Islamic rule that followed the death of Muhammad.”

Significantly, “By their own reckoning, neither Christians nor Muslims in the region know very much about each other’s faith. In most countries, fewer than half of Christians say they know either some or a great deal about Islam, and fewer than half of Muslims say they know either some or a great deal about Christianity. Moreover, people in most countries surveyed, especially Christians, tend to view the two faiths as very different rather than as having a lot in common.”

Major newspapers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and other countries provided local insights on the survey, which involved “more than 25,000 face-to-face interviews in more than 60 languages or dialects in 19 countries, representing 75% of the total population of sub-Saharan Africa.”

You can download the full report here.

ACFAR Announces Its First Major Conference

Mark your calendar now for “The Bible and the Challenge of Discernment” (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22), a national conference for pastors and Christian leaders to be held on the campus of Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda on March 15–17. The event is being held to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Kanungu Tragedy.

Noted speakers include:

• Dr. J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu (Trinity Theological Seminary, Ghana)

• Robert M. Bowman, Jr. (Institute for Religious Research, USA)

• Eric Pement (Centers for Apologetics Research, USA)

• Robby Muhumuza (Leadershipwise Africa, Uganda)

Among the topics to be addressed are the Christian’s call to discernment and defending the faith; the integrity and authority of Scripture; the Word-Faith movement; indigenous cults and sects; the Branham movement; Jehovah’s Witnesses; Mormonism; and the challenge of child sacrifice.

The conference is being jointly sponsored by ACFAR and the Kampala Evangelical School of Theology (KEST).

We truly covet your prayers as we prepare for this event!

Space is limited! For registration and additional information, visit the conference web page.

Weekly Round-Up

Here's the latest for this week's round-up:

1) Dan Harris and Almin Karamehmedovic, "Child Witches: Accused in the Name of Jesus" on the Nightline television program. While witchcraft in Africa is very real, there is a growing danger throughout the continent of Christians accusing children of witchcraft and submitting them to extremely violent exorcisms. You'll want to make thew time to watch and/or read this report.

2) Patrick Jaramogi, "Hindu spiritual leader Swami visits" in the New Vision newspaper (Uganda). When people think about religions in Africa, most will not point to Hinduism. But here we see the status of Hinduism in Uganda, with the Hindu spiritual leader His Holiness Swami Sri Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj coming for a five-day visit.

3) Jason Swensen, "Full joy found in principles of the gospel" in the Church News. I have previously mentioned Mormonism's first black African general authority. Here is a follow-up piece, covering his background in Africa and history with the LDS church.

Weekly Round-Up

Here's the latest for this week's round-up:

1) Steven Candia, "Kibwetere arrest warrant still on," Josephine Maseruka, "Pastors call for probe over sodomy," and Frederick Kiwanuka, "Luweero cult members arrested" in the New Vision newspaper (Uganda). I wrote of the anniversary of the Kanungu tragedy earlier this week, but many newspapers included several articles related to the cult that tragically ended nine years ago. Here are three from one of the main national papers in Uganda.

2) Joyce Namutebi and Catherine Bekunda, "Govt officials involved in witchcraft, says Kivejinja" in the New Vision newspaper (Uganda). Uganda's internal affairs minister has accused some senior government officials of practicing witchcraft. I have mentioned the need to take witchcraft seriously before, but this report is an important reminder of the challenge it remains in Africa.

3) "Irony in the Big apology" on GetReligion.org and "HBO’s Mormon Temple Ceremony Scene" on the Mormon Coffee blog. If you haven't heard about the recent controversy surrounding the HBO series Big Love portraying portions of the temple endowment ceremony, then be sure to read more and even watch the clip online. It was surprisingly accurate.

Weekly Round-Up

Here's the latest for this week's round-up:

1) Ruth Kang`ong`oi, "Is there a 'bright' side to witchcraft?" in the New Times newspaper (Rwanda). This report shows how ingrained witchcraft and sorcery are in Africa. I pray that living with such fear will be overcome with the gospel, bringing in Christ grace and hope to Africans!

2) Jamie Dean, "One-man war" in World magazine. World magazine is an excellent newsweekly which is rooted in the biblical worldview. Their latest issue has an article on Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army. Once again, we see how this spirit medium and his terrorist organization are wreaking havoc in East Africa.

3) "Episode 16" of the Persecution Podcast (MP3). As far as I am concerned, every Christian should stay informed and become involved with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing persecution all over the world. The latest edition of this Voice of the Martyrs audio podcast includes a discussion of the Islamic persecution against Nigerians.

4) Serious.Life magazine. The latest issue of Serious.Life was released this week, and African Apologetics is included in their Featured Blog Directory (on page 173). If you are interested in learning more, be sure to check it out. Subscriptions are free.

Weekly Round-Up

Here's the latest for this week's round-up:

1) Robert Kalumba, "Digging into the juju world" in the Sunday Monitor newspaper (Uganda). I always hesitate to post these stories, but this article is the latest report on the growing popularity of witchdoctors and human sacrifice.

2) Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, "We must crusade against human sacrifice" in the Weekly Observer newspaper (Uganda). With the increasing attention on witchcraft and human sacrifice in Uganda, church leaders are stepping forward to confront this challenge. This letter was released by Anglican Archbishop Orombi and several other key Christian leaders in the country. May God bless their efforts!

3) Marshall Rabil, "Delicious peace: A story from across the world in Africa" in the Tidewater News newspaper. Here is an account of a recent visit to Uganda where the writer met and stayed with a local member of a Jewish splinter group—the Kulanu: "This is a unique sect of Judaism that began in 1919 by Shimei Kakungula because of his interpretations of the Bible. J.J.’s grandfather was a friend of Shimei’s and converted to Judaism with him, and he and his family remain in the minority in Mbale."

4) Tim Keel, "An Invitation to Amahoro Africa" on the Emergent Village Weblog. The Emergent movement in Africa? Yes. While I have pointed out their involvement in Africa before, this blog post is an unfortunate reminder of their goals among our African brothers and sisters in Christ.

Book Review: Who are the Living-Dead?

Richard Gehman, Who are the Living-Dead? A Theology of Death, Life After Death and the Living-Dead. Nairobi: Evangel Publishing House, 1999.

While preparing to become a missionary in East Africa, I am seeking to better understand the cultural beliefs and worldviews of those living in this region of the world. The latest book I have completed is Who are the Living-Dead? A Theology of Death, Life After Death and the Living-Dead by Richard Gehman. Gehman is an American missionary who served for years with the Africa Inland Mission at Scott Theological College in Kenya. He is also editor of the Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology.

The living-dead may not be much of an issue for Christians and others in North America, but they are very real for many Africans. As an experienced missionary teaching African pastors, Gehman recognized the need to address ancestors, death, and the living-dead biblically. He summarizes his purpose with three goals:

This book has three objectives:
(1) to provide theological and pastoral help for the Christian pastors and church leaders in Africa so that they can teach and strengthen Christians to face sickness and death with courage without returning to African Traditional Religion.
(2) to provide the educated, thinking lay Christian in Africa with an understanding of death according to the Bible so that he can develop a Christian world view and stand strong in his faith.
(3) to help the church in Africa develop a biblical theology of death, life after death and the living-dead so that she will continue to grow strong in the knowledge of the gospel and resist teaching contrary to the truth of the gospel (x).

His book is broken down into five parts. The author begins by explaining and summarizing the African Traditional Religion's beliefs and practices regarding death, life after death and the living-dead. Then he examines how Christians are to relate to God and to our parents, including the tension between the first and the fifth commandments concerning worship and honor. Next, he turns to different solutions Christians have offered to these issues in Africa, assessing their truthfulness in light of Scripture. The rest of his work is devoted to building a biblical understanding of the living-dead, death, and the afterlife.

Overall, Gehman's book is excellent. I found it very informative. He tackles many questions, such as the difference between veneration and worship, whether the living can speak and relate to the dead, and the powers of darkness. His work is theologically rich while remaining clear for the average believer. Additionally, I am grateful to his continual commitment to the centrality of Scripture in his study. He exegetes numerous biblical texts to see how they relate to the important issues under consideration.

One section of this work that really stands out is his consideration of the intermediate state (as well as his appendix on Hades and Sheol). What happens to believers and unbelievers between their deaths and the time when Christ returns? Gehman's treatment is one of the best overviews surrounding this complex question that I have read. Easy to understand and biblically compelling, I am especially thankful for the clarity he brings to this difficult issue.

However, I do have a couple of disagreements. First, Gehman seems to believe that Christians can be demonized (demon possessed). He writes:

Christians who are walking in obedience to God, filled by His Spirit and washed in the blood, have nothing to fear from the powers of darkness, as we shall see. But the Christian who lowers his guard and falls away from God by living in sin, may open himself up to various forms of oppression from the unclean spirits. There are various degrees of demonic control, ranging from milder forms of demonic oppression to a complete spirit possession (170).

While demons are real and can bring severe external oppression upon Christians, a true follower of Christ cannot be demonized. For more information and an excellent refutation of this view, see the article "Can a Christian Be 'Demonized'?" by Brent Grimsley and Elliot Miller in the Summer 2003 issue of the Christian Research Journal.

Second, when dealing with the destiny of the unevangelized, Gehman leaves open the possibility of salvation apart from the gospel. Following Reformers such as Zwingli and others, he says:

General revelation does not offer any hope of salvation. Only by a special revelation from God Himself can anyone understand his own sinful condition, repent of his sin, and turn to the Lord for forgiveness. Normally this comes through preaching the gospel. But there may be some individuals whom God draws to Himself apart from such proclamation, as He did with Job, Melchizedek and others. But this is the exception, not the rule (282).

In his analysis, the author simply does not sufficiently take into account the progression of redemption. We do not live in the era of Job and Melchizedek. Jesus Christ has come, establishing the reality of the new covenant. No hope exists apart from gospel proclamation.

Nevertheless, I cannot stress enough the importance of this book for Africans and missionaries serving our Lord in Africa. The church is indebted to Gehman for his taking the time to provide a theology of death, life after death, and the living-dead. I am sure that this book will continue to be essential reading for years to come.

One last note: this book was published by Evangel Publishing House in Nairobi, Kenya. While their distribution reaches Britain, this book may not be easy to find and purchase. Do not let this challenge deter you—it is well worth the money.

This review was previously posted on another blog.

Weekly Round-Up

Here's the latest for this week's round-up:

1) Madinah Tebajjukira, "500 Muslim Sheiks Convict Mubajje" in the New Vision newspaper (Uganda). The ongoing controversy among Muslims in Uganda has just escalated with the latest development among their leaders. An international gathering of clerics came together and concluded: "The court prohibited Mubajje from going to any mosque anywhere in the world. It also condemned him to hell for reportedly committing Haram (sins) against the Muslim community. "

2) Fredrick Nzwili, "Church leaders want action on ritual killings of children" in Episcopal Life Online. I have largely tried to avoid mentioning the growing child sacrifices occurring in Uganda and throughout East Africa. Nevertheless, Ugandan Anglicans and others are coming together to put an end to this horrible practice. I pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ will overcome witchcraft in the country!

3) Colin Smith, "A Brief Introduction to the Qur'an: The Qur'an and the Old Testament" on the Alpha & Omega Ministries Apologetics Blog. Last month, I mentioned that Colin Smith began a series to introduce Islam's sacred book. He's just posted the second post in the series. Don't forget to check it out.

4) Rob Bowman, "Who Wants to Be an Apologist?" on the Religious Researcher blog. For those of us who defend the Christian faith, Bowman provides an excellent reminder of what it means to be a good apologist. Like him, I pray that the Lord will continue to show me where I fall short as well as raise up many good apologists globally in these days of confusion.

Global Challenges Facing African Christianity

As I prepare to serve Christ in East Africa, my research can turn up some interesting resources. Recently I came across an issue of the Evangelical Review of Theology (ERT), published by the World Evangelical Alliance, that has tremendously relevance to our ministry. The theme of its April 2007 edition is “Revival and the Global Context.” Consequently, over the next few weeks I plan to interact with several of these essays.

One especially important article is “African Christianity in Global Religious and Cultural Conflict” by Yusufu Turaki, a noted evangelical theologian from Nigeria. Turaki seeks to address several of the most pressing global issues and challenges facing African Christianity today. These include the escalating conflict between the West (i.e., North America and Europe) and militant Islam; the growing rift between Western Christianity and African Christianity; the historical ties between Islam and African Christianity; and the tension between traditional religions/cultures and African Christianity.

While Turaki’s entire article was informative, two elements stood out.

First, his discussion of Islam and Christianity in Africa was especially enlightening. From the different levels with which Islam has historically confronted African Christianity to the need for correcting the Muslim misperception of Christianity as merely an imported Western religion, Turaki succinctly summarizes the longstanding tensions between these two religions throughout the continent.

Second, he reminds us of the ongoing danger of cults and false teaching in Africa:

Besides western neo-paganism, there are new forms of Christianity coming out of the West that have serious theological implications for Christianity world-wide. There are Christian cults and syncretism that are coming out from the West into Africa.

Does this sound familiar? Yes, I’ve often emphasized this point, but it’s helpful when a well-known African theologian underscores the same challenges. Turaki goes on to say:

. . . Africa also has its own home-grown revived neo-paganism, religious cults and syncretism. These contemporary religious movements are being boosted by (1) pagan revival in the West; and (2) the religious vibrancy and fervour of American Prosperity Pentecostalism.

And in contrast to the relativistic attitudes one often finds in the wider missions community, Turaki concludes this section with this ringing call to action:

. . . [N]ot every form of Christian expression is authentic, biblical and culturally relevant in an African setting. Not every theological experiment, teaching and model is acceptable and relevant. The believing Christian community has the duty of ascertaining what is acceptable or not. Not every cultural understanding, interpretation and expression is valid, as this has to be authenticated by the believing Christian community. In its own self and spiritual understanding of the Scriptures and apostolic Christianity, the believing Christian community can set guidelines as to what forms of Christian expressions are valid or not. Only sound biblical hermeneutics or exegesis and theological methods can help guard against possible errors, heresies and syncretism which may tend towards the emergence of new cults and neo-paganism.

What does Turaki see as the solution? Churches and believers who practice biblical discernment. (And all I can say is a hearty “Amen!”)

I praise God for my African brothers and sisters in Christ, for He is truly at work throughout the continent. At the same time, Turaki illustrates us the need for further theological reflection and refinement in light of difficult global issues.

Let us press on, glorifying our Savior as we equip Christians in Africa to face these challenges!

Book Review: Free Indeed From Sorcery Bondage

Marvin S. Wolford, Free Indeed from Sorcery Bondage. San Rafael, CA: Pathway Press, 1999.

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). The Apostle Paul warns followers of Christ about the works of the flesh. In the West, we are familiar with most of these sins. But sorcery? What should we think of this evil?

For people living throughout Africa, this is not an abstract question. Sorcery is a part of their daily lives, and it does not simply disappear when one becomes a Christian. Marvin S. Wolford should know--he served as a missionary for 42 years in the Republic of Congo. And he brings the light of Scripture to bear on his experience and ministry in Free Indeed from Sorcery Bondage.

His book is divided into three parts. To begin, Wolford explains the reality of sorcery in Africa. For many throughout the continent, sorcery is more than a reality. It is a way of life. Next, the author turns to the Word of God. What does the Bible have to say about sorcery? Quite a bit, actually. But too many of us have never really taken the time to recognize the numerous passages dealing with sorcery or connected beliefs and practices. Wolford leaves no stone unturned, thoroughly explaining what God's truth has to say about this overlooked issue. Finally, he seeks to bring his insights down to a practical level. How can believers minister to sorcery-bound people? Practical steps and guidance is given to those seeking to work with individuals involved in sorcery.

I really appreciate Wolford's work. His explanation of sorcery in animistic contexts was enlightening. He also includes numerous examples of people throughout Africa, showing how central the sorcery cycle is to different cultures and people groups. Most importantly, he turns to Scripture for a true assessment of sorcery. This is the book's key strength. One may consult various anthropological or sociological materials to learn about sorcery. But only the Bible provides the examination necessary for faithful and fruitful ministry among those who live with sorcery. I enthusiastically agree with the author when he observes:

Preaching based on the scriptural facts, plus teaching the meaning and pertinence of the Scriptures, are the means of delivering people bound by sorcery. There is no human strength nor human wisdom that can deal with the situation. Spirit filled evangelistic preaching from the Bible, which regards sorcery as a sin, but a forgiveable sin, should direct people to a definite time of confession and repentance that will make a definite break with their past beliefs and practices. This is precisely the first work of the Holy Spirit in those who are in bondage (81).

At the same time, I must admit that Wolford and I come from different perspectives. He is a Wesleyan Arminian. Hence, in his rejection of fatalism, I have difficulties with his defense of personal free choices. He says, "Consequently, it is God's will for everyone to choose life; but the choice is up to each person" (134). Or, "When Jesus urges: 'Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,' he is admonishing his hearers to make the choice to seek God's kingdom first before all other things, but he leaves that decision up to them" (137). Biblically, we simply do not have this kind of freedom. Our hearts, our minds, our wills, every part of us is depraved. We would never choose God if left to ourselves. It is only through God's sovereign work of grace that we repent, believe, and obey Him.

Additionally, I would disagree with his belief in a second work of grace. Wolford writes "there is a distinct experience of filling that is separate from the initial salvation which Christ accomplishes in the repentant sinner's heart. The Holy Spirit is sent by Christ himself (see John 15:26), and his work in the believer is to glorify Christ (see v. 14), to guide him into all truth, and to give power to his life" (179). Thus, he divides Christians into two groups: victorious Christians and nominal Christians. However, this is an artificial separation. All believers are filled with the Holy Spirit when we are saved. Our lives are a slow process of spiritual maturity as we become more like Christ.

Regardless, I would not let these differences stop a Christian from being richly blessed through the reading of Free Indeed From Sorcery Bondage. Wolford provides such a wealth of insight and biblical application that I believe all missionaries serving where sorcery is a challenge should read this book. As I prepare to serve my Savior in Africa, I am sure that I will be regularly referring back to Wolford's work.

Unfortunately, his book is no longer in print. However, you can still purchase copies through sending a check for $10 each plus $2 shipping per book to:

Jean Wolford
125 Lowry Lane
Wilmore, KY 40390

For those desiring to learn more about this vital subject, make sure to pick up a copy while you can.

This review was previously posted on another blog.

Weekly Round-Up: Lord's Resistance Army in Congo, Witchcraft in Tanzania, Basics on Islam, and Missions Reflection

Here's this week's round-up:

1) "Africa's rogue army is reborn" in the Sunday Vision newspaper (Uganda). A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Lord's Resistance Army. This news article points us to the latest horrific development: the LRA is now crossing borders into north Congo. May Christ bring peace to this appalling situation.

2) "Albinos targeted in Tanzania" on CTV (Canada). Here is one of many recent reports on a repugnant practice in Tanzania. Local witchcraft beliefs lead to the slaughter of albinos because their bodies and blood are thought to contain special powers. I know that I have said it before, but witchcraft is a very serious problem in East Africa. Christians must respond in love with the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

3) Colin Smith, "A Brief Introduction to the Qur'an: The Structure of the Qur'an" on the Alpha & Omega Ministries Apologetics Blog. Would you like to know more about Islam's sacred book? This series should serve as a helpful introduction.

4) Peter Leithart, "Desert Like a Rose" in First Things. With such confusion surrounding missions work today, Leithart provides amazing insight from the Word of God. He writes, "The Bible provides a theology of missions that is neither accommodation to existing culture nor total war that leaves the existing culture in smoking ruins. Mission is more like cultivation, a process of nurturing the hidden but unforeseen potential within a culture."

Weekly Round-Up: Witchcraft, Street Preachers, Islamic Conflict, and New Conference Audio

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Joachim Buwembo, "Ugandans losing their heads to a new generation of witchdoctors" in the East African newspaper (Kenya). Witchcraft is a very serious reality in Uganda and East Africa. I have written about this ever-present challenge before, but Buwembo reminds us of the fear, suffering, and even death which Africans struggle with constantly. I pray that the gospel will overcome this darkness!

2) Claire Nabwire, "Street preachers" in the Sunday Monitor newspaper (Uganda). Here is an interesting news story on street preachers in Uganda.

3) Madinah Tebajjukira, "Rebels Muslims seek own mufti" in the New Vision; Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda, "Mubajje now an imposed Mufti" in the Weekly Observer; and Paul Amoru, "The troubled cleric" in the Daily Monitor newspapers (Uganda). Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje may have begun as a popular Muslim leader in Uganda, but his going to trial for fraud has created many problems for the Islamic community. While he was acquitted of the charges against him, many Muslims still believe that he is guilty. These reports help explain the challenges Mufti Mubajje continues to face.

4) "Karis Theology Weekend Audio Now Up" on the Karis Blog. A few weeks ago I mentioned an upcoming conference with (now Evangelical Theological Society President!) Bruce Ware. This week the church sponsoring the conference has posted the audio, including a discussion on Jesus and salvation. You'll want to download and listen to these MP3s!

Witchcraft in Africa

Since our culture celebrates Halloween this week, I thought it would be good to briefly focus on the reality of witchcraft. Too often we think of witches on brooms, classic Disney movies, or Harry Potter. We may also consider the Salem witch trials or the rise of Wicca in the western world. But I am not referring to any of these things. If we want to understand the very real presence of witchcraft, we need to turn to Africa.

Witchcraft is an ever-present reality in Africa. Witches are generally an integral part of African Traditional Religions, acting as intermediaries between people, the living-dead, and the Supreme God. Even today, with the growth of Christianity and Islam throughout the continent, witchcraft beliefs and practices remain strong.

In the Africa Bible Commentary, Nigerian church leader and scholar Samuel Waje Kunhiyop writes:

Belief in witchcraft is approaching epidemic proportions in Africa. While it is easy to understand how nominal Christians can cling to this deep-seated belief, it is disturbing that it is widespread among Christians too. Christian rituals are sometimes seen as little more than a form of protection against witchcraft. Thus mothers 'cover' the beds of their children with the blood of Jesus to ward off witches and evil spirits before putting them to bed. It is also 'poured' on roads to ward off the witches who cause accidents.

The Bible does not support the doctrines of demons, evil spirits and witchcraft that derive from traditional beliefs, but many professing Christians are unaware of what the Bible teaches on this subject. One reason for this is the tendency to interpret the Bible in terms of established opinions and beliefs. Church leaders and missionaries have also tended to dismiss witchcraft as mere superstition, rather than developing an adequate understanding of it rooted in the doctrine of evil. There is an urgent need for the culturally postulated reality of witchcraft to be addressed pastorally with seriousness, sensitivity and respect (374).

The church of Jesus Christ needs to take witchcraft seriously. Syncretism (the mixing of different religious beliefs) is a serious problem in Africa. Christians go to church on Sundays and then to the witchdoctor during the week. Even pastors corrupt God's revealed truth by combining it with witchcraft.

Christians in Africa need to see how our faith relates to all of life. As Kunhiyop says, witchcraft must be addressed. To counter this challenge, I have been researching witchcraft in Africa. You can see my reviews of Free Indeed From Sorcery Bondage and Who Are The Living-Dead? as well as the book notice for Unveiling Witchcraft.

Lord willing, through our ministry many Africans will be set free from the bondage of witchcraft through the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Weekly Round-Up: Witchcraft in East Africa, Wright on the Olympics, and an Interview with Sills

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Caroline Njung'e, "You’ll be mine forever" in the Saturday Nation newspaper (Kenya). This article exposes the sad but growing popularity of witchdoctors who are being consulted by desperate Kenyan women looking for help.

2) "My rendezvous with a 'cultural consultant'" in the Daily Monitor newspaper (Uganda). Another report from Uganda on witchcraft, where a woman explains her visit to a local witchdoctor. As can be seen from these first two articles, witchcraft and sorcery are alive and well in East Africa.

3) Christopher J. H. Wright, "The Olympics, Lausanne III, and the New Creation" on the Koinonia blog. Wright reflects upon the recent Olympics and relates what was seen to the beauty of the global body of Christ. What wonderful joy we have as God's kingdom expands around the world through the gospel of Christ!

4) Terry Delaney, "Interview with Dr. Sills," Part I and Part II, on the Said at Southern blog. Dr. Sills was my missions teacher while at seminary and I always find what he has to say to be insightful. This interview is no exception. Now I just need to get a hold of a copy of his new book, The Missionary Call!

Book Notice: Unveiling Witchcraft

Anatoli Wasswa and Henry Ford Miirima, Unveiling Witchcraft (Kisubi, Uganda: Marianum Press, 2006), 361 pp. Illustrated.

Though witchcraft is often mentioned in East Africa, it is more widely feared than subjected to critical study. Nevertheless, one recent book by Ugandans offers first-person research on witchcraft throughout the region. Wasswa is a Catholic priest and herbalist, while Miirima is a veteran local journalist. Together they have produced the only detailed examination of witchcraft currently available in Kampala’s general-interest bookstores. While I have not yet read it and thus cannot assess its level of scholarship, Unveiling Witchcraft is a noteworthy study of an important but much-neglected topic.

From the back cover:
Unveiling Witchcraft is a very provocative book about witchcraft, a hitherto taboo subject. The publication is important in exposing witchcraft as practised by the witch-doctors.

Witch-craft, which is considered a religion by different peoples worldwide, is the veneration or worshiping (okusamira) of ancestral spirits (bajjajja). Over 1000 years ago witchcraft became a culture or a lifestyle of peoples mostly in Africa. Ancestral spirits in Buganda and Bunyoro-Kitara mean a host of things, such as, lubaale, emizimu, amayeme, emisambwa, ebyookola, etc. In the English language all these are called "Spirits."

By making a bold venture into unveiling witchcraft’s lies and tricks by witch-doctors, the co-authors have opened a new chapter in Uganda particularly and in Africa generally with penetrating insights into traditional religions.

Publisher contact:
Marianum Press
Marianumpltd@utlonline.co.ug

Weekly Round-Up: Witchdoctors, Buddhism in Uganda, the Importance of Apologetics, and Islamic Shirk

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Phoebe Mutetsi, "Conversations with a pseudo witchdoctor" in the Daily Monitor newspaper (Uganda). Here is a fascinating and troubling interview with a former African witchdoctor. Traditional "healers" like these continue to be popular throughout Uganda and beyond.

2) Florence Baingana, "Heaven and Hell?" in the Sunday Monitor newspaper (Uganda). Buddhism in Uganda? You'd better believe it! And this article looks as if it is promoting Soka Gakkai Buddhism.

3) "The Case for Theology and Apologetics" on the White Horse Inn radio show. While I mentioned this show in last week's round-up, they continued their discussion of the importance of theology and apologetics for a second week. You'll want to download this program in MP3 as well.

4) James White, "Shirk: A Basic Definition and Introduction" on the Alpha & Omega Ministries Apologetics Blog. Islam is growing rapidly around the world, and especially in East Africa. With this in mind, we should all become more familiar with its teachings. James White has posted a helpful video clip introducing us to what Muslims mean by shirk.

Weekly Round-Up: Marilyn Hickey, The Family, Syncretism, Cross-Cultural Mission, and Theological Trends in Africa

Here's this week's round-up:

1) "Church Briefs" in the Sunday Vision newspaper (Uganda). Here's a disheartening announcement:

NAKIVUBO STADIUM
International evangelist Marilyn Hickey will conduct a crusade at the stadium from March 7 to 9, starting at 4:00pm, daily.

2) "Haunted by a dark past" in the Sunday Vision newspaper (Uganda). This is a follow up to last week's articles on The Family cult. While it could have been more critical, this report is still fairly thorough and informative.

3) Malita Wamala, "Things Christians overlook" in the Weekly Observer newspaper (Uganda). An editorial piece from an African Christian who sees far too much compromise and syncretism from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

4) Jim Harries, "Imitation in Cross-Cultural Mission: Discussions in an African Context" in the Lausanne World Pulse (March 2008). While I am not sure that I would line up with Harries 100%, he definitely challenges missionaries in Africa with the importance of properly contextualizing and living out our Christian worldview.

5) Gideon Para-Mallam, "Theological Trends in Africa: Implications for Missions and Evangelism" in Lausanne Reports (March 2008). I wish that I could get every missionary and Christian to read this article. The author points out both the negative and positive trends as well as their implications for believers in Africa. I simply cannot begin to summarize the many excellent points made. Just read it!

Weekly Round-Up: Witchcraft, Charismatic Excess, Missions-Minded Churches, and Islam

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Anthony Bugembe, "Does witchcraft really work?" in the Sunday Vision newspaper (Uganda). This is a brief piece on witchcraft in African culture, maintaining its incompatibility with Christianity.

2) Kevin O'Connor, "Pastors - why no pothole miracles?" in the Sunday Monitor newspaper (Uganda). Here is a cynical commentary on the charismatic excesses often found in Uganda and East Africa.

3) Ken Sorrell, "Is Your Church Missions-Minded?" on the SBC Impact! blog. A Southern Baptist missionary thinks through what it really means to be a missions-minded church. Hint: it involves a lot more than having missionaries speak and giving money to overseas ministries!

4) Rob Bowman, "Introduction to Christian Apologetics" on the Parchment and Pen blog. Bowman is a top-rate evangelical scholar that is teaching an upcoming online course. I would highly recommend enrolling if at all possible. The class will certainly be well worth the money.

5) John Piper, "A Common Word Between Us?" on the Desiring God blog. Pastor and theologian John Piper provides some important and insightful words on the Islamic document "A Common Word Between Us and You" as well as the response to it from 300 Christian leaders. Here is the video: