Research Articles (Religion Studies)
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Item Open Access Witchcraft in Ga-Rankuwa Township: an African perspective(Noyam Publishers, 2025) Kimpinde, Mwansa ClaudeThis study explored the cultural and social significance of witchcraft beliefs and practices in Ga-Rankuwa Township, South Africa, through an African perspective. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined academic literature, ethnographic research, and community engagement to provide a comprehensive understanding of witchcraft as a complex phenomenon. The findings revealed that witchcraft operates at the intersection of traditional beliefs, social dynamics, and spiritual worldviews, significantly influencing community interactions and individual behaviours. Discussions highlight how these beliefs shape social relationships, conflict resolution, and coping mechanisms within the community. Based on the insights gained, the study recommends fostering open dialogues within the community to address misconceptions about witchcraft and promote understanding between traditional beliefs and modern perspectives. This research contributes to scholarship by offering a nuanced understanding of witchcraft in contemporary African contexts, emphasizing its relevance in social and cultural dynamics. It also highlights the importance of integrating traditional beliefs into broader discussions on mental health and community well-being, thereby enriching the discourse on spirituality and social cohesion in African societies.Item Open Access Global perspectives on modern slavery: a reflective narrative on John Wesley’s thoughts upon Slavery and Social Justice(Noyam, 2025) Kimpinde, Mwansa ClaudeThis paper delves into the worldwide views on modern slavery, with a particular focus on the reflective narrative presented in John Wesley’s thoughts on slavery and social justice. Modern slavery remains a pressing issue in contemporary society, with millions of individuals subjected to exploitative and inhumane conditions. By examining Wesley’s thoughts on slavery and social justice by applying them to the context of modern slavery, this paper aimed to shed light on the importance of addressing this grave violation of human rights. Through a comparative analysis of historical perspectives and current global efforts to combat modern slavery, this paper sought to provide insights into the ongoing struggle for social justice and human dignity. The study outcomes underscored the continued significance of Wesley’s perspectives on slavery and social justice in addressing contemporary forms of exploitation and oppression. It is crucial to recognize that, while Wesley championed the equality of all individuals, he also demonstrated cultural biases and attitudes of superiority characteristic of his era in other discursive contexts, particularly in discussions surrounding human sin. In the context of today’s anti-racist movements, Wesley’s opposition to slavery should not be leveraged by his theological successors to assert a position of moral superiority. Instead, it should serve as an impetus to critically examine, across various contexts, what it genuinely means to be transformed into the image of a merciful and just God.