The Anthropology of Evil

Belief in evil and witchcraft is prevalent in Africa and the African diaspora, influencing religious sensibilities despite its deconstruction in other contexts. African Pentecostalism addresses this belief through deliverance and healing rituals, integrating indigenous cosmology with Christian practices. This approach distinguishes it within global Pentecostalism, contributing to its expansion, with churches led by charismatic figures primarily from southwestern Nigeria. These churches, including the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Living Faith Church (LFC), and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), use spiritual warfare rhetoric to tackle evil, differing in methodology but sharing similar epistemologies. The emphasis on spiritual warfare addresses existential challenges, portraying the Devil as a central cause of life’s difficulties and attracting members seeking solutions through the church.