The Psychological Aspects of African Healing

Abstract

Since the advent of Christianity and colonialism in Africa, African psychological healing has been discredited. Those Africans who dare consult experts of African psychological healing are branded ''satanic'' hence they are pushed to consulting this form of healing in total secrecy. Christianity, which was heavenly influenced by social Darwinism tended to view traditional cultures and their accompanying institutions as being ''primitive'',backward or inferior. In the contrary, the western forms of psychological healing which are manifested in miracles and spiritual healing are accepted. The article argues that African Psychological healing is of paramount importance to Africans because some forms of ailments require this kind of healing. Despite the fact that most churches in Africa are in the hands of African clergy, the article contends that misconceptions on African psychological healing are perpetuated by the same clergy. There is need for Christians and adherents of religions to benefit from all forms of healing which are available without discrimination or ridicule.