[Apologetics] African bishops warn priests against witchcraft - Aug 16, 2006

[Stuart D. Gathman]

On Wed, 16 Aug 2006, Stephen Korsman wrote:

> This practice of going to one's ancestors for healing is not one I have had
> personal experience with ... I have only heard that it is a concern in most
> Christian denominations here and elsewhere in Africa, and the Catholic Church
> is no exception.  There has been some debate about the extent to which

There is always the problem of what constitutes "witchcraft".  The
ability to swim was considered "witchcraft" in 18th century New England.
The distinction between asking a christian ancestor (or other saint)
to intercede for you, and asking a christian ancestor or saint for
healing, is a subtle one.  You could always take the route most
protestants take and forbid all prayer to or for the dead.  As a discipline
rather than a dogma, it could be helpful in a culture beset with
ancestor worship.

-- 
	      Stuart D. Gathman <stuart at bmsi.com>
    Business Management Systems Inc.  Phone: 703 591-0911 Fax: 703 591-6154
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