UWR C 4: African Witchcraft and Sorcery

What is the main difference between witchcraft and sorcery as discussed in the chapter summary?

• Witchcraft is practiced only by males, while sorcery is practiced by both genders.

• Witchcraft is an innate power used only for good, while sorcery involves the use of material objects and can be used for evil.

• Witchcraft involves the use of material objects, while sorcery is psychic in nature.

• Witchcraft is considered a disease in African societies, while sorcery is not.

According to the chapter summary, what role did witchcraft and sorcery serve under British and other forms of colonial rule in Africa?

• They were considered a form of entertainment.

• They were used to impose a degree of respect within a family.

• They were completely eradicated.

• They were used to blame others for one's misfortune.

How are witches and sorcerers typically viewed in traditional African societies?

• As heroes who protect the community from evil.

• As agents of disease and other psychic forces.

• As divine beings with a connection to the Christian faith.

• As mythical figures that do not influence daily life.

What is a common belief about witchcraft in traditional African societies?

• It is a practice that can be learned and taught.

• It is a power that can be used only to do harm to others.

• It is a form of ancient pre-Christian faith.

• It is a psychic ability that arises naturally from the structure of traditional African beliefs.

What is the Western equivalent to beliefs in psychic forces as mentioned in the chapter summary?

• Belief in technology and science.

• Belief in luck or fate.

• Belief in material wealth.

• Belief in religious doctrines.

What do traditional societies often attribute misfortune to?

• Material causes

• Psychic causes

• Scientific reasoning

• Technological advancements

Why might a person in a traditional society ask "Why did the mosquito bite me?"

• To find out the biological reason for the mosquito's behavior

• To understand the mosquito's habitat

• To seek a psychic cause for the event

• To learn about mosquito repellent methods

What is NOT considered a "natural cause" of death in traditional African societies?

• Accident

• Disease

• Old age

• Sorcery

How do people in traditional societies tend to view the cause of misfortune compared to those in Western societies?

• They attribute it to general laws and unique effects

• They consider it as a result of personal causes

• They focus on the scientific explanations

• They blame it on technological failures

According to the text, what is a common belief among charismatic Christians in the West regarding routine illnesses?

• They are caused by bad luck

• They are the result of personal choices

• They are caused by evil spirits

• They are unrelated to spiritual beliefs