Witchcraft Belief and Christian Faith Among The Tiv People of Nigeria
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Date
1999-02
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
Belief in witchcraft is one of the major challenges the Church in Africa is facing in
evangelizing the Africans. This was evident during the African Synod when it was said,
"...some Christians pray rosary in the 'naming and take to witchcraft in the afternoon".' And
the Church in Tivland of Nigeria is not an exception. This is one of the major challenges it is
facing in its process of evangelizing the Tiv people.
So in this paper, is my attempt to try and see the way this belief in witchcraft does
influence the Tiv people and their way of accepting and living their Christian life and worship.
And then finally suggest the ways I feel these people could be helped to accept and live an
authentic Christian life.
In chapter one my aim is to give a general introduction of who the Tiv people are, their
concept of Tar (the land) and of a human person. In chapter two, I will be looking at the
universal concept of witchcraft in order to help me understand the concept of witchcraft
among the Tivs well. And so in chapter three I will focus on the belief and practices of
witchcraft in Tiv. In chapter four, I will be seeing the morality of witchcraft according to the
Christian point of view and also look at witchcraft mentality and Christian faith: how
Christian faith challenged witchcraft belief and how witchcraft belief challenged Christian
faith with special reference to the Tiv people. And then finally bring my personal view and
suggestions especially how I feel the Tivs could be best helped to live an authentic Christian
life in my conclusion.
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Keywords
Witchcraft, Christianity, Nigeria, Beliefs, Practice, Witches