Written by Jessica Richardson
31/05/2023
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, animism is defined as the “belief in innumerable spiritual beings concerned with human affairs and capable of helping or harming human interests”. When disaster strikes, like when Cyclone Freddy recently hit the coast of Mozambique, those immersed in an animistic worldview asked questions such as:
- Why did it happen to me?
- What did I do wrong?
- Why did my luck run out?
This also affected the way local animistic people view those who have decided to follow Jesus since the new believers no longer practice the old ways of appeasing the spirits. The new believers are now viewed with suspicion or even blamed for disasters when they strike. While this is hard, it can also be an opportunity for the local church to let the light of Jesus shine through them as they help and minister to those in need. Pray for the local church that they will let the light of Christ shine even in the midst of difficult circumstances.