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Are We Headed Back to Salem Days?
by Linda Sedrick Pearson
There was an article in the Daily American Republic (DAR) newspaper on Sunday, October 18, that was written by Associated Press (AP) Writer Katharine Houreld. It was titled Denounced by the church as Nigerian child witches.
After reading the article is makes me wonder – are we headed backwards toward the old witch burning Salem days? Many of the children in Nigeria are being labeled as witches by some church pastors and members. The children are then tortured and many burned by family members, as church people stand around and cheer on the parents or other members inflicting this torture. The torture ranges from forcing acid down their throats to burnings.
That is not Christianity, folks. The children have done nothing (according to this article) that would cause anyone to think they were witches. In other words, they have not been casting spells or speaking incantations as you would expect from a witch. They did not speak curses on any person. So what caused them to be labeled as witches?
The only thing found wrong with these children was poverty! They had the misfortune to be born into a family that was poor and had too many children already. For these families to lose one poor child is a blessing because it means one less mouth to feed. It means more food in the bellies of the other family members.
What we have to do is to guard ourselves and make sure we do not make the same mistakes here in America. Most of us are quick to judge others and then jump on the mass hysteria bandwagon to join the accuser’s side of the question. Before you judge anyone, take a good look at ALL the facts. And remember, the Bible says that you will be judged by the same rules you used to judge others.
A special thanks to Katharine Houreld for writing the article and keeping us informed.
