Can people be freed from the fear of witchcraft while taking seriously the suffering that surrounds it?
In Theological Investigation on Liberation from Witchcraft, Prof. Wilbert Gobbo examines beliefs about witchcraft across religious traditions, with particular attention to African communities. He considers why these beliefs persist and the harm that accusations can cause to individuals, families and churches.
The book moves through three questions: What do people mean when they say witchcraft exists? How should claims about its supernatural reality be examined? And how can people be liberated from fear and victimisation?
Drawing on Christian theology, philosophy and pastoral reflection, Gobbo considers discernment, exorcism in Christian tradition, education, counselling, medical care, prayer and forgiveness. His study calls for a response that takes faith seriously while protecting the dignity of people accused of witchcraft.