Biblical understanding applied to contemporary African Christian methods of exorcism

Abstract

Africans are deeply religious people who take their religion with them and in them, wherever they go (Mbiti, 1991:1). Life in an African society is directed by religion (Idang, 2015:104) Religion dictates how Africans conduct their daily affairs. This is the reason why they seek a spiritual solution and explanation to every occurrence in their lives. They believe that every bad occurrence is caused by evil spirits. As a result, exorcism plays a central role in solving their problems. The Christian church, especially the Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Neo-Pentecostal churches are seeing the importance of publicly practising exorcism. It is common knowledge that the biggest gatherings of Christians in Africa happen where exorcism is the main event of the meeting. Pretorius and Jafta (1997: 218) confirm Engenas Lekganyane's ZCC at Moria near Polokwane and The AmaNazaretha, because of their practising exorcism, as having mass following. People are drawn to the meetings with the hope of being delivered from evil spirits and healed of their different ailments. Preachers have seen the felt needs of people, therefore, are focusing on doing exorcism. The different methods of doing exorcism are of concern both within and without the church. Discernment is hereby made to verify if these methods are in line with what the Bible teaches.