The Persistence Of The Belief In The Efficacy Of Charms

Charms are most times the preoccupation of many in Africa, including Christians. Within the Roman Catholic Church where the Church constantly encourages the faithful and the clergy alike to depend solely on God through the power of the Risen Christ for answers to all challenges, this inspiring work by a Roman Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr Peter Olufemi Alli has given some insights into the issue of charms within the confines of Roman Catholicism and the way to go about enlightening Roman Catholics on the way to fully comprehend the implications of their beliefs. The author examined the issue of charms as practised in Esanland and the consequences on the practitioner. For him, belief in and use of charms is irreconcilable with the Catholic faith and is an obstacle to personal and community development. In his findings, the researcher has revealed that charms which are generally believed to have a mysterious power, works either through a magical or a psychological dimension, which includes both tricks and deceptions.Associate Prof. Israel Y. AkohHead of Department, Religious StudiesKogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria