The extremes to which religion can lead the mind

by Zoos 3 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Zoos

  Just reading a news item on CNN about albinos being killed for their body parts.

  
  

  "In some African countries, albinos' body parts are believed to bring wealth and good luck. As a result,attackers chop off their limbs and pluck out organs, and sell them to witchdoctors."
  http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/30/africa/malawi-albinos-face-extinction/index.html

  
  

  While the people who practice this slaughter are extremists and few in number, they are driven by the same religious fervor that causes a few extremists elsewhere in the world to destroy their own families over one's questioning of the Watchtower governing body.
  
  
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  LoveUniHateExams

  Absolutely disgusting that this is happening in the 21st Century.

  While the people who practice this slaughter are extremists and few in number - you need to provide data that support this statement.

  Clearly, all cultures aren't of equal worth ...
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  Giordano

  http://news.discovery.com/human/psychology/albino-toddler-in-africa-killed-for-witchcraft-150302.htm
  

  In my reading of this terrible situation there appears to be three reasons for this happening. A strong belief in magic in Africa, the belief that an Albino's body parts make for the strongest magic and A market that will pay well for those body parts.

  As bizarre as it may sound to Westerners, the idea of using magic to gain an edge over an opponent — or for success in business or romance — is routine and commonplace throughout Africa. Witch doctors are hired to cast or remove curses, and if you believe that magic affects your daily life — as many Africans do — then obviously those with the most to gain or lose (such as those vying for public office) want the most powerful magic employed on their behalf.

  Unfortunately many believe that albino body parts contain the most potent magic, and this in turn creates a demand and threat to innocent lives based on superstition.
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  LoveUniHateExams

  Apparently, something similar has recently happened in Malawi.

  A mother had twin boys (both albino) and one was snatched in the middle of the night. She went to the local police station and indentified her son by looking at his decapitated head. Poor woman. Absolutely terrible.

  One day, I hope Africans will leave the Stone Age and join us living in the 21st century.

  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3624524/Murdered-magical-body-parts-Malawi-FINALLY-bans-witchdoctors-use-albinos-organs-spells-potions.html