Witchcraft, oracles, and magic play a significant role in the religious and cultural practices of the Azande people of Central Africa. The Azande, who primarily reside in the countries of Sudan, Congo, and South Sudan, believe in the existence of spirits and supernatural forces that can influence their lives. Witchcraft, known as "mangu" in the Azande language, is believed to be the power possessed by certain individuals to cause harm or misfortune to others. According to their belief system, these individuals, known as witches or "mayandis," are born with this power and can use it intentionally or unintentionally to cause illness, death, or other calamities to those around them. The Azande believe that being a witch is inherited and can pass through familial lines. The Azande employ various methods to identify witches within their community.
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He then considers the incorporation of these notions into early Christian teaching with the resulting demonological dotrines of witchcraft, possession, and temptation. In The Devil, Demonology, and Witchcraft , Henry Ansgar Kelly postulates his belief that the existence of evil spirits is not probable and suggests that Christians would be better off acting on the assumption that they do not exist.
The Azande employ various methods to identify witches within their community. One such method is the "poison oracle." This practice involves administering a poisonous substance to a suspected individual and observing their reaction.
The Devil, Demonology, and Witchcraft
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- eBook
- 9781725209657
- Published: January 2004
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Belief in the devil and other evil spirits of the Christian tradition is a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years. Since the release of movies such as 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Exorcist', more people are wondering, Is Satan really dead? Is there such a phenomenon as obsession or possession? In 'The Devil, Demonology, and Witchcraft', Henry Ansgar Kelly postulates his belief that the existence of evil spirits is not probable and suggests that Christians would be better off acting on the assumption that they do not exist. To prove his claim, the author sets forth a history and analysis of the impact of demonological traditions developed within Judaism and Christianity over the centuries. He then considers the incorporation of these notions into early Christian teaching with the resulting demonological dotrines of witchcraft, possession, and temptation. Kelly's conclusion is that Satan is dead, and demonology should be eliminated from Christian dogma since, according to his thesis, these manifestations in the Bible reflect the beliefs of local cultures and not divine revelation. The present edition has been substantially revised and updated by the author to include an evaluation and critique of 'The Exorcist', wherein Kelly challenges William Peter Blatty's facts of the alleged possession in 1949 on which 'The Exorcist' is based.
Henry Ansgar Kelly is Professor of English and Medieval-Renaissance Studies at UCLA. He received his classical, philosophical, biblical, and theological training as a member of the Jesuit order. He holds a doctorate in English from Harvard University, where he was also a Junior Fellow in the Society of Fellows. He is currently working on a biography of Satan, under contract.
This reprinting (2004) of the second edition of 1974 contains a new Appendix.
Belief in the devil and other evil spirits of the Christian tradition is a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years. Since the release of movies such as 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Exorcist', more people are wondering, Is Satan really dead? Is there such a phenomenon as obsession or possession? In 'The Devil, Demonology, and Witchcraft', Henry Ansgar Kelly postulates his belief that the existence of evil spirits is not probable and suggests that Christians would be better off acting on the assumption that they do not exist. To prove his claim, the author sets forth a history and analysis of the impact of demonological traditions developed within Judaism and Christianity over the centuries. He then considers the incorporation of these notions into early Christian teaching with the resulting demonological dotrines of witchcraft, possession, and temptation. Kelly's conclusion is that Satan is dead, and demonology should be eliminated from Christian dogma since, according to his thesis, these manifestations in the Bible reflect the beliefs of local cultures and not divine revelation. The present edition has been substantially revised and updated by the author to include an evaluation and critique of 'The Exorcist', wherein Kelly challenges William Peter Blatty's facts of the alleged possession in 1949 on which 'The Exorcist' is based.
Purchasing options are not available in this country.
Belief in the devil and other evil spirits of the Christian tradition is a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years. Since the release of movies such as 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Exorcist', more people are wondering, Is Satan really dead? Is there such a phenomenon as obsession or possession? In 'The Devil, Demonology, and Witchcraft', Henry Ansgar Kelly postulates his belief that the existence of evil spirits is not probable and suggests that Christians would be better off acting on the assumption that they do not exist. To prove his claim, the author sets forth a history and analysis of the impact of demonological traditions developed within Judaism and Christianity over the centuries. He then considers the incorporation of these notions into early Christian teaching with the resulting demonological dotrines of witchcraft, possession, and temptation. Kelly's conclusion is that Satan is dead, and demonology should be eliminated from Christian dogma since, according to his thesis, these manifestations in the Bible reflect the beliefs of local cultures and not divine revelation. The present edition has been substantially revised and updated by the author to include an evaluation and critique of 'The Exorcist', wherein Kelly challenges William Peter Blatty's facts of the alleged possession in 1949 on which 'The Exorcist' is based.
Henry Ansgar Kelly is Professor of English and Medieval-Renaissance Studies at UCLA. He received his classical, philosophical, biblical, and theological training as a member of the Jesuit order. He holds a doctorate in English from Harvard University, where he was also a Junior Fellow in the Society of Fellows. He is currently working on a biography of Satan, under contract.
This reprinting (2004) of the second edition of 1974 contains a new Appendix.
If the person falls ill or dies, they are considered guilty of witchcraft. The Azande see the poison oracle as a way of allowing the spirits to reveal the presence of witches within their midst. Another significant aspect of Azande witchcraft is the belief in magical remedies or counter-magic. The Azande employ the services of "diviners" or "witch doctors" who possess the ability to identify witches and provide remedies for their harmful actions. These remedies may involve potions, charms, or rituals, and are believed to protect individuals from the malevolent effects of witchcraft. The Azande also hold a strong belief in "mana," a term referring to the spiritual power or energy that exists in all things. They believe that this power can be harnessed through various rituals and practices to influence events or outcome in their favor. This belief in magic is deeply intertwined with their day-to-day activities, and the Azande often consult witch doctors or diviners to seek guidance or assistance in harnessing this power. Overall, the belief in witchcraft, oracles, and magic among the Azande reveals the significance of supernatural forces in their lives. These practices, rooted in their cultural and religious beliefs, provide explanations for misfortunes and seek to protect individuals and communities from the harmful effects of witchcraft. Despite modern influences and the spread of Christianity and Islam, witchcraft and its associated beliefs continue to hold a prominent place in Azande society..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande: A Source of Power and Protection"
1. Emily - 2/5: I found "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande" to be quite boring and tedious to read. While I appreciate the author's effort in providing an in-depth analysis of the Azande culture, the book was filled with too much unnecessary information and irrelevant anecdotes. Additionally, the writing style was dry and academic, which made it difficult to engage with the material. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and would not recommend it to others who are looking for a more accessible and enjoyable read.
2. Michael - 1/5: This book was a major letdown. I was excited to learn more about the Azande culture and their beliefs in witchcraft and magic, but I found the author's analysis to be shallow and lacking in critical thinking. The arguments presented were weak and did not convince me of the Azande's belief in witchcraft. Furthermore, the book was filled with too many unnecessary details and repetitive examples, making it a chore to get through. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in a thorough and well-researched exploration of the topic.
3. Sarah - 2/5: As someone who enjoys reading about different cultures and their beliefs, I was disappointed with "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande." The book lacked a clear structure and often seemed to veer off on tangents, making it difficult to follow the author's main points. Additionally, I felt that the author's understanding of the Azande culture was shallow, leading to a superficial analysis of their beliefs. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and would advise readers to look for other resources on the topic.