Abstract
The modern world, the world of air travel, the internet and Pfizer vaccines, depends on a particular mode of cognition. This cognitive style has made widely possible advances like increased life expectancy, considerable control of everyday events and circumstances, and relative ease – with of course all the huge problems modernity brings. This is our human condition today. A religion, spirituality or world-view which militates against modernity is deficient. This paper focuses on the worldview underpinning witchcraft in Africa. It is dysfunctional and harmful, particularly to vulnerable women and children. The paper argues that many theories advancing a cultural relativism or prioritising ‘culture’ over ‘modernity’ should be challenged.
Presenters
Paul GiffordEmeritus Professor, Religions, SOAS (School oof Oriental and African Studies), London, City of, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Modernity, Culture, Relativism, Witchcraft
