Traditional and Christian concepts of disease and healing among the Manianga

Abstract

The Manianga of Zaïre believed, and still believe, in a Supreme Being called 'Nzambi Mpungu '. He is the origin of all health care, including medicinal plants. According to traditional understanding, God uses the ancestors - 'bakulu' - to reveal these plants and their use to healers for the sake of the living community. The belief in the ancestors as mediators between God and people has been dispelled by missionaries. However, there are some Manianga who, despite their Christianity, still believe that the ancestors have an important role to play in the living community. It is the task of the Church to demonstrate a biblical healing ministry amid these conflicting approaches. This implies not the banning of the practice, but its improvement according to the message of Jesus Christ. The evangelical community of Zaïre should create a climate of dialogue to promote effective collaboration between the traditional healers and modern practitioners.