Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Abstract:
The focal point of this paper is that the worldview of the Annang people of Nigeria, which is based on supernaturalism, is shaped by many factors viz: geographical location, historical background, economic situation, religious experiences and consciousness, political structure and social conditions. Spiritual beings and their agents are believed to be solely responsible for quandary in life. The sociological implications of this worldview are enormous: all manners of frustrations and problems are blamed on spiritual agents. This worldview is responsible for people often seeking faith-healing even when it is clearly inappropriate. The consequences of these are often fatal. This paper advocates a paradigm shift particularly in the area of undue spiritualization of issues. This work observes that spiritualization of issues often diverts attention from the actual causes of the people�s problems and make innocent people scapegoats for stigmatization. It is hoped that some of the advocacies proposed in this work namely the education of people and sensitization of religious leaders on the authentic causes of peoples� health issues and other problems in life will lead to paradigm shift in the Annang worldview.

Keywords: Anang people, supernaturalism, stigmatization, religious leader

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