The Resurgence of African Spirituality and Witchcraft in Nigeria's Christian Communities: Understanding the Cultural and Religious Dynamics
A Resurgence of African Spirituality and Witchcraft in Nigeria The African continent, from time immemorial, has been depicted worldwide, as a culture with a long history of mysticism and witchcraft. However, with the advent of colonization and Christianity to the continent, many of their customs and traditions were dropped either through an outright ban of such practices by the colonizers or for fear of being stigmatized and tagged a devil-worshiping sinner by the changing society. Over time, more Africans abandoned their old religious beliefs and rituals, which were passed on by their ancestors for centuries in favor of Christianity, which they saw as a more respectable and civilized way of worship and life. There are about 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, each with its own traditions and beliefs. The largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa-Fulani, the Yoruba, and the Igbo, who make up over 60% of the population. In recent years, African mysticism and witchcraft within the Ch...