The Sociological Implications of the Worldview of the Annang People: An Advocacy for Paradigm Shift

Abstract

The worldview of the Annang people is based on supernaturalism. This worldview has been shaped by many factors such as geographical location, history, economic situation, religious experiences and consciousness, political structure and social conditions. In this worldview God and other spiritual beings are relevant. Spiritual beings and their agents are believed to be solely responsible for all quandary in life. The sociological implications of this worldview are enormous: the market-place witchcraft problem and spiritualization of issues and raising health matters to the spiritual level. Witchcraft accusations are house-hold talks. Suspected witches are often stigmatized, castigated or put to death without bases. All manners of frustrations: inability to find job, attained desire goals are often blamed on spiritual agents, witches, enemies and allied causes. This worldview that spiritual forces particularly witches are largely responsible for ill health makes some Annang women and sometimes men to frequently visit prayer houses and healing homes to seek healing even against medical advice. The consequences of these are often fatal. The advocacy for paradigm shift in the worldview of Annang people in the area of undue spiritualization of issues is important. Spiritualization of issues often diverts attention from the actual causes of the people’s problems and makes people scapegoats for stigmatization. It is our hope that the advocacy proposed: education of people and religious leaders and intervention of the government coupled with improving social services in Annang land, this problem will gradually be eradicated and the worldview will eventually change. The positive aspect of the Annang worldview that God is relevant is healthy because science and technology alone cannot lead humanity to the ultimate end of man which is God. But the over spiritualization of issues should be avoided.