The doctrine of the "Holy Spirt" and Africa

The hsitoric background beliefs and culture of Africa is that of the spirit world, magic and occultism; belief in the spirits of plants, animals, trees and nature itself, belief in ghosts, spirits and the power of the witch doctor. Within the ancient cultures of the Nubia, Buganda, Banyoro, the Swahili coast, Zulu, Almoravid, Almohad, and the Bantu can be traaced back for millennia cultures that existed hundreds of years fefore this area even became know as Tanzania. This beliefs are deeply imbedded into Agrican culture even into the 21st Century, and despite turning from these things at baptism into Christianity, it is hard to dispel them completely. Often it is found that individuals attempt tocontinue with these traditional ideas side by side with their beliefs in the Bible despite their incompatibilty. Consequently, as I have traveled around Tanzania over the past 25 years as a missionary, one of the most ocmmon questions tht has been posed to me is "what is the Holy Spirit". More often than not I have retorted with a quick answer. I have used a broad brush, so as to answer the question quickly due to time constraints bought upon me by circumstances. Unsurprisingly upon my return to an area, I find a reversion to the ancient belief systems. This small book is an attempt to correct the misunderstanding tht may be held by the reader upon this so often misunderstood topic, and its attempt to provide a fuller answer to rectify the quick answers that have been previously given by missionaries. The is a comprehensive "must read" for all faith based organizations and workers that attempt to preach the Christian gospel message contained in the Bible. Whether lay preachers, or full time missionaries. We examine the context into which Christianity is being delivered, penetrate into the historical background of Africa, appreciate the respect relgious and global developments and the motives of of individuals to convert from the religions of antiquity.